Forres and Elgin-based Highland Youth Theatre is introducing stars of the future to showbiz

A local drama club run by a professional artist from Forres is inspiring the next generation of stars.

Former Forres Academy pupil and University of Strathclyde arts graduate, Gillian Murdoch, has been running theatre groups for children and young people in Moray for a decade - last April she started Highland Youth Theatre (HYT) on Mondays at Forres House Community Centre for four age groups: 3-5-year-olds from 3.30-4pm; P1-P3s from 4-4.45pm; P4-P7s from 4.45-5.45pm; and S1-S5s from 7-8pm.

Gillian said: “Attendees feel included and have a chance to shine. We work hard to allow them to feel safe to be themselves, supported and able to develop and grow at their own pace. Social and interpersonal skills young people develop through drama are vast and have long lasting impact. HYT participants work as part of a team, develop self-esteem, build resilience and more - all whilst having great fun!”

More than 85 children currently attend HYT classes in Forres, with another 62 students attending on Saturdays in Elgin.

Gillian said: “Little Stars sessions are about developing confidence and are an introduction to performance through drama, games and imaginative play. We work on a different theme each week - for example, space, animals, colours etc. Our P1-P3 classes continue with drama skills and games through activities and challenges. We also start to look at singing and movement. Our P4-P7 session is our performance class. We work from a script and put on a production at the end of each term. We are currently working on our own production of ‘Snow White’. Lastly, our senior class provides secondary school pupils with the opportunity to continue pursuing their passion for drama and theatre. This group is about providing space to creatively connect, explore theatre, enhance performance skills and have a voice.”

HYT has performed all over Moray, often using Lossiemouth and Forres Town Hall for staging productions.

“Our community partnerships have blossomed,” added Gillian. “We’ve been involved in numerous community events such as Christmas Markets, school pantomimes and Highland Games. Last year we performed at Pride in Moray, and this year at the MacMoray Festival.”

HYT’s Moray Seniors are performing ‘Grease’ at Forres Town Hall next month. Last month, six Moray Seniors were tasked with bringing local memories back to life via the ‘Town Hall Tales’ project at Forres Town Hall.

Gillian explained: “The organisers had hours of interviews with local people which we transformed into reflective theatre called ‘If these walls could talk’. This wonderful project offered the chance to connect with local people and their stories.”

‘Oliver’ will be HYT’s Summer Theatre School production this year, involving 40 children aged from seven to 17-years-old producing a show - from script to stage in just five days.

Gillian said: “Participants start on a Monday morning with nothing but the script and by the Friday we have a show ready to perform! It’s intense but attendees love the challenge. With a small and mighty teaching team, oodles of energy and wonderfully talented young people, the journey is always fun and worthwhile!”

All are welcome to attend the final production on August 4 and 5.

HYT will end the summer with a performance at Pride in Moray in Grant Park at the start of September.

Having returned to Forres after graduating from university in Glasgow with a BA in Community Arts, Gillian loves passing on her knowledge of drama, art, music and dance.

She finished: “I learned how to use the creative arts to enhance inclusion and empower communities. In my final year, I specialised with children and young people, working extensively with arts and theatre organisations in the Central Belt. Having grown up in Forres, and since returning to raise my own girls, I know there is a demand for a creative space to nurture young performers.”

For more information visit www.highlandyouththeatre.co.uk