IT'S A place for young stars to shine - and the Savoy Youth Theatre Academy in Monmouth is helping youngsters to do just that.

Offering people aged between four and 24 with an interest in drama the chance to develop their skills, the not for profit organisation has grown from 12 members since 2011 to some 70 who meet at the Shire Hall every Wednesday.

And the reward for the group's work is to perform on stage to audiences at the town’s Savoy Theatre with 'Alice in Wonderland', 'Jack and the Beanstalk' and 'Midsummer Night's Dream' among the productions which have been performed.

The group used to rehearse in what was known as 'The Hut' before moving into the Shire Hall.

Run by artistic director and senior drama leader, Sam Densham with the help of Rhi Shaw-Penman, Charlotte Fisher and a handful of volunteers, the academy is going from strength to strength.

Ms Densham, who writes and produces the scripts for the group’s twice annual productions is passionate about acting and has been involved with the group for four years.

She said: “We’re a family and we want all members to feel a sense of belonging and reach their own individual potential.

"We aspire to continually produce excellent performances that audiences will enjoy, and learning experiences that are appropriate, educational, challenging and exciting."

Following a successful run of their Christmas panto ‘Robin Hood and Babes in the Wood’ she said is extremely proud of all her students.

The production featured 12 members of the senior youth theatre and 10 junior members, including four 10-year-olds, who played the two babes in the wood. One of the stars of the show was 'Chief' an eight-year-old Collie Cross. Chief, who is owned by Ms Densham, made his third appearance on stage and helped to defeat the Sheriff and rescue all the lost children trapped down a mine.

“It’s not about the production,” she explained. “It’s about learning something new.

“The first big show we did was 'Jack and the Beanstalk' and the following year ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream' which we took on an open-air tour to Caldicot and Abergavenny castles. We toured it and had fantastic reviews.”

“Last year we did Alice in Wonderland and had 50 kids on stage with speaking parts which we took on tour around Monmouth. We had four-year-olds up to 20-year-olds taking part which is quite a feat.”

Ms Densham said she prides herself on seeing a production come to life, despite not having a budget.

"I have no budget, sponsorship or funding - which we desperately need. Every production costs a fortune but I dream of being able to put on a bigger production."

“Some of our members want a career in the business but it’s also about family, community and supporting each other. We run workshops through the summer holidays. There is a full range of things they can get involved in.”

"Drama also helps young people to explore the world around them safely, through fun, and through guided, supported experiences. There are no rights or wrongs in drama, only different approaches, so everyone is on an equal footing from the moment they join us."

It’s not just about being on stage for members though. The group runs an initiative called the Young Leaders Project for its senior members (aged 16 plus) to take leadership roles within the youth theatre, having already been mentored themselves by many professionals over the years.

They meet once a week as a group to discuss their individual learning plans and create individual learning objectives, and then at the regular weekly sessions, they pass on their skills in acting, singing, dancing, marketing, set design, stage management and technical issues, make up, costume, theatre administration, or TV and film.

Outside mentors and specialists are being brought in to the young leaders as a group and occasionally one-to-one. The students will then gradually begin to take on more of an active role in the youth theatre set-up as a whole, taking some sessions where appropriate.

Ms Densham added: “The youth theatre supports young people on so many levels, not just with theatre and media-based learning skills, but also with general life skills.

“Drama helps to build confidence and self-esteem. Our approach encourages creative thinking which will help young people in any situation.”

“They learn about work ethic, trust, tolerance and what it means to take responsibility for their actions.”

"I have watched them grow into confident young people who have good communication and life skills."

Young leaders and youth theatre members are also encouraged to get involved with Trinity Arts Awards, a form of qualification for young people like GCSEs, but achieved through arts activities rather than exams. The project is supported by funding from the Youth Theatre’s grant from Monmouth Town Council, but the academy relies on donations or other forms of support to continue its work.

The whole group is currently working on an inter-sensory piece of theatre entitled 'The Fairytale Marmalade Trail'. In July, the senior members (aged 17 and over) will put on ‘Rent’ at The Savoy. with rehearsals due to begin in May.

"Rent is an issue-based musical so we'll do workshops around it before we begin rehearsals," Ms Densham explained.

"The senior plus members will be creating the set and costumes and really immerse themselves in the production."

The group meets at The Shire Hall, Monmouth on a Wednesday from 4.30pm until 5.15pm for four to eight-year-olds, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm for eight to 12-year-olds and from 7.15pm to 9pm for the intermediate and senior members.

The group receives no regular funding and is reliant on donations and fundraising.

Any group or organisation that would like the academy to perform at a charity concert or event can contact the group via the website.

Ms Densham added: "If anyone with drama skills would like to come share their skills with our young people they would be more than welcome."

For details find the group on Facebook, Twitter or visit www.savoyyouththeatremonmouth.wordpress.com