Frequently Asked Question

Our workshops run in two locations:

• BYT Dearne at The Dearne Playhouse, every Tuesday (term time) from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, extended to 8:00 PM during busy show times.

• BYT North at St John's Parish Hall, every Sunday (term time) from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, extended to 11:15 AM to 1:15 PM during busy show times.

Each workshop costs £3, with payment made via bank transfer at the start of each term. There are 3 terms a year: Term 1 costs £36, and Terms 2 and 3 cost £48 each. Please use the following bank details for payment:

Bank: HSBC - 5 Market Hill, Barnsley S70 2PY
Sort Code: 40-41-57
Account No.: 90875589
Account Name: Barnsley Youth Theatre

Our workshops are for ages 8 to 18. However, if a young person is 7 and turning 8 within a few months, and you feel they are mature enough, we can make an exception. Unfortunately, if someone is over 18, we cannot accommodate them due to our safeguarding policy. However, volunteers with a DBS are welcome, and we can also guide you to more appropriate services for your needs.

To join a workshop, head to the About page, find the location you'd like to attend, and click the "Sign Up" link. Fill out the form, which should take about 5 minutes. Once completed, you’re all set to attend the workshops—no email confirmation will be sent.

Bring yourself, and feel free to bring a friend! We recommend you bring some water and consider purchasing a BYT t-shirt or hoodie from our merchandise store. Wear comfortable clothes that you can move in, and don’t forget to bring any scripts if you have them.

Parents are more than welcome to sit in during the first free workshop. If your child is feeling nervous, they can also sit with you and watch. However, after the first free workshop, we kindly ask that you leave and return to pick up your child later. This is in line with our safeguarding policy and helps the young people build confidence. Exceptions may be made if a young person requires a carer or has specific needs.

At BYT, we welcome everyone. We believe that medical circumstances should never stand in the way of creativity, and we work hard to remove any barriers that may disable someone. We follow the social model of disability, understanding that it’s often the environment, not the condition, that limits people. We strive to be as accommodating as possible.

When you sign up, you’ll have the opportunity to fill out an access rider, where you can let us know about any requirements we can assist with. You do not have to disclose medical information unless it's relevant. It’s good practice to let us know what we can help with. For example, a wheelchair user might say, "I am a wheelchair user and will need proper access to spaces such as a ramp and games that don’t require standing." Or someone might share, "I get overstimulated in loud places, so I need access to ear defenders and a quiet space where I can take a short break." 

In some instances, participants may need a carer or assistant with them—they are more than welcome in the space.

We understand that young people lead busy lives, and we can allow for one or two missed workshops per term. However, participants will still need to pay for the full term, as we plan our overheads at the beginning of each term. Missing workshops or rehearsals can negatively impact the scenes, as we may not be able to run scenes due to absent members, which can affect those who are present. We believe it’s important to instill a sense of commitment in young people.

If you know that a young person will be away for a holiday, please inform us with two weeks' notice so we can plan accordingly. If a young person is ill, we understand and appreciate being notified at your earliest convenience.

As the performance date approaches, especially for first-time performers, nerves can set in, and young people may feel like leaving. We ask that you keep sending them, as we want to work with them to address any anxiety around performing. If these feelings persist and become distressing, they can leave, but most young people find that their fear diminishes after the performance.

After the first term, if the young person has enjoyed their experience and would like to continue, we ask that you purchase a BYT t-shirt or hoodie from our online merchandise store. These costs are base prices, and BYT does not receive any profit from these sales.

For some shows, we may also request that you purchase a costume, but this will never be expensive—typically something like a plain t-shirt and jeans. If a young person receives free school meals and is enrolled in the BYT bursary program, their costume will be provided for them.

If you feel that you cannot afford the £3 fee and the young person receives free school meals, please drop us an email. We can make arrangements for them to enroll in the BYT bursary program. We believe that everyone should have access to the arts, and financial restraints should not be a barrier.

We may not always produce performances of well-known shows, as we receive real-life commissions to create work around specific topics. This provides a fantastic opportunity for our participants to engage in the creative process and develop relevant, meaningful performances. As a charity, we believe that working on original pieces or themed productions can be more beneficial for young people, allowing them to explore important issues, express their voices, and gain valuable skills that go beyond just performing a familiar musical.

If your question hasn’t been addressed, please feel free to reach out to us directly via email at info@barnsleyyouththeatre.co.uk or call us at 07955 675411. We’re here to help and will do our best to provide you with the information you need. Your inquiries are important to us, and we want to ensure you have all the details for a positive experience at BYT.