Antic have always intended to place Swansea and South Wales at the centre of its work. This, together with the Company's strong belief in the value of the arts in assisting individual social development led towards the creation of Antic Youth in July 2004. A hugely successful summer school run by Antic funded by Nof(Out of Schools learning) identified a need for regular sessions for a range of young people aged between 12 and 19 years from all over Swansea. This resulted in the launch of a permanent Youth Company in January 2005. With initial funding from a Cymorth development grant, Antic Youth now meets every Saturday morning from 10.00am - 12.30pm at Townhill Theatre( at Swansea Metropolitan University). This vibrant group of between 30 - 50 young people.

Aims

• To deliver accessible, high quality workshop and performance experiences for young people
• To use performing arts as a means to improve personal confidence and self-esteem

Objectives:

• To employ highly skilled and qualified performing arts specialist
• To work with local schools in Community First and Regeneration areas to target young people who would most benefit from performing arts
• To create partnerships with agencies who can referrer young people who would most benefit from becoming involved with Antic Youth
• To find external funding to ensure that the fees the young people pay are kept to a minimum or where possible free
• To operate a mentor system to encourage good practise

The activities include drama, dance and singing workshops and performances. Antic Youth also offer intensive summer school courses and are hoping to develop this work to include additional courses. One of the main aims of the Youth Company is to be as inclusive and accessible as possible, therefore, Antic work hard to attract external funding to ensure that the cost for the activities for the young people is kept to a minimum. The currently weekly fee is £3 per week.

Anyone from any school or College can join. The Company work particularly closely with the following schools:

• Dylan Thomas Community School,
• Cefn Hengoed Comprehensive,
• Bishop Gore Comprehensive,
• Pentrehafod Comperehnsive,
• Penyrheol Comprehensive
• Daniel James Comprehensive
• YG Gwyr
• Gorseinon College

Partnerships

• Swansea Metropolitan University
• Barnardos
• Swansea YOT
• City and County of Swansea – Out of School Learning
• Children’s University

If you are interested in becoming part of the Youth Theatre
contact : Nikki - Tel 07803060583
or e mail :nikki@antictheatre.co.uk.