A MONMOUTH-based drama academy for young people is appealing for help to find a permanent base to secure its future.

The Savoy Youth Theatre Academy, has rehearsed at its base on Singleton Court Business Park on Wonastow Road since April of last year and prior to that alternated between the Shire Hall and the Savoy Theatre.

The academy, which offers young people aged between four and 24 the chance to develop their skills and perform on stage at the town’s Savoy Theatre, has grown from 12 members in 2011 to some 70 who meet once a week.

It is 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 not-for-profit organisation has been storing costumes and set props at as well as holding rehearsals at the unit, which is has been renting at a reduced rate.

If the academy is to continue it must find a new home from next month.

Writing on the academy’s website, group member Kirsty Holford said: ‘Understandably, Singleton Court is a business and can’t afford to discount our rates long-term. But if we don’t have space to rehearse and meet weekly, the Savoy Youth Theatre won’t be a thing.’

’To keep the Savoy Youth Theatre open we ask if anyone has a large room they can let out which will be appropriate for young people to rehearse and gather weekly either short term whilst we find somewhere else- or a place we can have long term which we can call home.’

“We can pay a weekly or monthly fee, but we can’t afford the rates that the main venues in Monmouth need to charge.”

Robert Laurie, manager of Singleton Court Business Park, said: “It is with great sadness that we will be ending our relationship with the Savoy Youth Theatre. Unfortunately we can no longer afford the heavily discounted rent that was originally provided.”

“They agreed to take discounted space until we were able to fully maximise the commercial potential of the space, or until they were successful in receiving some form of funding.”

“Unfortunately we have now rented the space on a long term lease for a full rental price, and have made what is purely a commercial decision for the long-term sustainability of the business park.”

“Alternative space has been offered to the theatre group as has temporary storage for their props and costumes, however there is not an agreement in place with regards to this yet.”

Anyone who would like to help can attend an emergency meeting at Singleton Court at 3pm on January 10.

To get involved email sam.densham@yahoo.co.uk or call 07816947508.