The Chipstead Players’ Youth Theatre
consists of a group of enthusiastic actors, singers, dancers and backstage workers, ranging in age from 7 to 18.
In the last few years our Youth Theatre members have taken part in a full range of high standard shows – musical productions, comedies and serious drama.
Recent examples include Grimm Tales, Punk Rock, A Monster Calls and James and The Giant Peach. We regularly combine with the adult Players to produce ambitious shows such as The Hypochondriac and Uncle Ebenezer.
That sounds great – how do I get involved?
Our youth shows are scheduled for the September, January and April of each season and are cast by open audition. The auditions are advertised on this website and local media platforms – and if you’re already a member, you’ll receive the details by email too.
Can I become a member?
Certainly – we’d love to have you and it’s a great way of keeping up to date with what’s going on. Membership for Youth Theatre and Student members is only £10 per year. Go to our Membership page (coming soon), select the correct membership category, and you’ll be invited to fill out a membership form.
Once you are a member of The Players, you’ll automatically be a member of our Youth Forum. Take a look at our Instagram here.
You don’t have to be a paid-up member in order to audition, but you’ll have to join if you get cast in a show or become a member of the crew.
Can you tell me more about the Youth Theatre shows?
The Players’ September production is usually for our older Youth Theatre members (mid to late teens) and has involved adult members of The Players as well. This year the play is Dracula. The April show is for the younger members, aged from 7 and up to mid teens – this year it was James and The Giant Peach, and it will be The Wolves of Willoughby Chase in 2026. Our January production is a family show (Sleeping Beauty next January), which often has a mixed cast of both adult and youth members. Sometimes there are roles for younger members in the other adult productions, too.
What about rehearsals?
Each director will advise prospective cast members at the audition when rehearsals will be. You will have to be able to commit to these dates and times before we can cast you.
Rehearsals usually start about 3 months before production and will include weekdays in the evening and Sunday afternoon rehearsals. We work hard to call you to attend only if you’re needed for the scenes being practised, but as we get closer to ‘curtain up’ you’ll be needed for all dates.
What if I want to help backstage?
There are lots of opportunities to help backstage. We love to encourage new experiences and Youth Forum members often get involved in Stage Management, Sound and Light Operation, Hair and Makeup, Costumes and Props. Please let us know your areas of interest when you become a member and/or when you respond to an audition notice and we’ll find a role for you.
Other than the shows, is there anything else?
We frequently run workshops and social events for Youth Forum members. Once you join, you’ll receive emails of forthcoming events, or be able to read about them in our news mailshot.
If you like the idea of a regular drama class, then Drama Kids may well be for you. These classes provide drama workshops based at The Courtyard Theatre on a Friday evening. It’s a great way of making new friends, promoting confidence, communication, and creativity through drama.
See the section below for more details.
Join the Drama Kids Academy
(Please note that Drama Kids is not a part of The Chipstead Players.)