CMYT is a theatre company for children and teenagers (6-18) based in Chepstow, Monmouthshire. We provide a chance for children and young people to act, sing and dance in professionally-produced shows. We perform 2-3 shows and other events each year. Children can join from Age 6+.
Classes and rehearsals take place every week in term time on Thursday evenings at Chepstow Community Music Centre (Wyedean School). CMYT prides itself on its friendly youth club atmosphere and professional performance and
behaviour of its students.
Established in 2001 CMYT is Chepstow’s premier youth theatre with over 500 students having been members, some for over 10 years. Many of our students have gone on to study Musical Theatre, Drama, Music and Stage Management at University and Stage Schools across the country.
2021 will mark the 20th anniversary of CMYT. Many hundreds of local children and young adults have been members since the company’s formation.
1. What is CMYT?
CMYT is a theatre company for children and young people. It exists to teach performance-driven, practical musical theatre skills, and provide the opportunity to perform in professionally-produced shows. Students are taught to act, sing and dance, as well as Stage Craft. There is a happy, vibrant, ‘youth club’ atmosphere, with friendships formed across all age ranges. For many students CMYT is the highlight of their week!
2. Is previous experience required?
No. Children can join at any age from 6 (Year 2) upwards, and most who join have no previous experience of singing, dancing, acting, performing or being on stage.
3. My child does drama at school – is there any point in joining CMYT as well?
Absolutely, because if your child enjoys drama at school, they will love CMYT! It provides an opportunity for every child to develop skills and interests in music and the theatre, and is often a richer experience than school drama classes. Our teaching is predominantly Stage Craft – this is the area that schools, mainly because of the rigidity of the academic requirements, seldom have the time or the ability to teach. Learning about the various methods of acting is useful, but not if you are not shown how to implement it!
4. Who are the teachers?
Teaching is provided by very experienced professional and semi-professional staff: Louise Marsh leads both CMYT Academy (ages 6-11), and CMYT Advanced (ages 12-18) with a team of staff. Staff have many years’ experience in the worlds of theatre and entertainment, and some have long connections with CMYT.
5. Are teachers DBS-checked (formerly CRB)?
Yes. The safety and well-being of students while at CMYT is taken very seriously.
6. When and where does CMYT meet?
Classes/rehearsals take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Chepstow Community Music Centre, Wyedean School, Beachley Road, Sedbury, Chepstow NP16 7AA as follows:
– CMYT Academy (ages 6-11): Tuesdays 5.30pm- 7.30pm
– CMYT Advanced (ages 12-18): Thursdays 6.00pm-9.00pm
Each student attends only one class a week. As a show approaches, rehearsals will often take place at the performance venue.
7. What shows does CMYT put on, and where are they performed?
We normally put on 2-3 musicals and an annual review each year.
In 2018 we performed ‘Fiddler On The Roof’ and ‘Oliver!’, and in 2017 we performed ‘Legally Blonde the Musical’ and ‘Annie Jr.’ In 2016 we put on ‘Disney Camp Rock The Musical’ (at Chepstow Castle), ‘Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ and ‘Curtain Up’; 2015 saw us perform ‘Anything Goes’ and ‘Little Red Riding Hood – a New Musical’; in 2014 it was ‘Grease!’ and ‘Peter Pan’; and in 2013 ‘Bugsy Malone’ and ‘The Crucible’.
The company also takes part in concerts and carol singing at Christmas, and runs week long courses through the school summer holidays. Summer schools have included ‘Annie’, ‘Wicked’, ‘Glee’, ‘Hairspray’, ‘Mamma Mia’, ‘Blood Brothers’, ‘Matilda’ and ‘Much Ado About Nothing’.
Shows are usually performed by different age groups – all students within each age group are able to participate in the shows. Venues are in Chepstow and other local towns, and have included the Drill Hall and Chepstow School, Chepstow Castle, local churches and Lydney Town Hall. The shows always attract a large and enthusiastic audience – local fans of theatre and musicals, as well as friends and family of the casts.
8. What should students wear to classes/rehearsals?
All students are required to wear the CMYT ‘uniform’ at classes and rehearsals: a black or pink polo shirt and/or hoodie with the CMYT logo. Students should also wear trousers or shorts (not skirts) and tie back long hair. All items are available through our shop.
9. What are the membership fees?
Fees – which go towards staff salaries, insurance, venue and equipment hire – for CMYT Academy are currently £130 per 12 week term per student (i.e. £390 pa). Fees for CMYT Advanced are currently £150 per 12 week term per student (i.e. £450 pa). Fees are payable termly in advance. Invoices are distributed to students at the start of each term. Individual students can pay their fees directly through the shop. There is a discount for siblings.
10. Can parents get involved?
Parental involvement is encouraged and welcomed, particularly at show time! Parents have traditionally been involved in making costumes, and assisting during shows backstage and front of house. All enquiries about assistance are welcome!