About
INTROWelcome to the new and exciting world of the International Youth Theatre Network. This organisation has been formed in order to try and link up youth theatre companies from round the world. Please click on the proposals link to learn more about its objectives and if you should then desire, please go to the registration page to be included in the IYTN directory. This is a very new project, having only been conceived in the summer of 1999, so I am on an extremely steep learning curve. If you have any suggestions or would like to contribute in any way please e-mail me. Any feedback will be gratefully received.
Background
I now have around 15 years behind me working professionally as a theatre technician, plus another 15 odd years as an enthusiastic stage manager and performer in youth and community productions. My work in recent years has again led me to become heavily involved with youth theatre projects. During this years Edinburgh Fringe festival I was once more working around a number of youth theatre groups, from around the world, when it occurred to me that there was little opportunity for them to link up with each other. Even during an event such as the Edinburgh Fringe there is little chance. Due mainly to the fact that the festival is so big. So from this, the idea emerged to set up some way of networking all these groups together in order that they would then have the chance to talk, meet, exchange ideas and even work with each other. The internet is naturally the easiest way to start this network so my first task is to create a directory of interested youth theatre companies and related organisations. From there I hope the project will grow to include many diverse activities including organising exchange visits between companies and eventually an international festival of youth theatre
Overview
The network would actively promote youth theatre in the community and encourage the interaction of youth theatre groups from around the world. The network would also provide a point of reference, where those working with youth theatre organisations can find support and resource material.
This would initially be achieved by setting up a home page on the world wide web which would contain a directory of youth theatre groups along with contact lists for various relevant organisations from around the globe. The web site would go on to provide further advice and information such as book lists, how to pages and theatre industry contacts. A notice board, help desk and forum would also be a major part of this resource.
The network could then go on to organise specific events such as workshops, training, conferences and festivals.
Aims
- To provide a resource for youth theatre companies working with young people in the community.
- To encourage dialogue between youth theatre groups from around the world.
- To provide advice and information to those working with youth theatre companies.
- To provide administrative and technical support for youth theatre groups undertaking specific projects, such as participating in major festivals or undertaking international tours.
Plan of Action
- The set up and administration of a home page on the world wide web to include directories, forums and help pages.
- The compilation of a directory of Youth Theatre Companies and relevant organisations.
- The publishing of advice on the running of youth theatre companies and similar projects.
- Creating a data base of professional theatre practitioners with expertise in youth theatre.
- The commissioning of books and articles by professionals on specific subjects related to youth theatre in the community.
- To offer specific advice to youth theatre companies who are planning to take productions the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
- To run a drop in centre to provide advice and support for Youth theatre companies visiting the 2000 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
- The running of workshops and lectures by experienced individuals on related subjects.
- To organise an international festival of youth theatre in 2002.
Organization
- The network could either be set up as a none profit making organisation or a limited company with in built ethical working practices.
- Although the network would rely partly on voluntary input it would aim to provide a living wage to its general staff and any professionals brought in for specific projects.
- Staffing levels would depend on the success of the organisation but would consist of a core of planning, fund raising and administrative personnel. This initially would represent no more than 2 or 3 people. Additional staff would then be recruited for specific projects.
Funding
- The network would look to grants and sponsorship to fund both the general administration and specific projects.
- Membership to the network would be free to participating youth theatre companies. However some charges may need to be levied to cover the nominal costs of such things as publications and postage etc. (i.e. news letters and ‘How to’ literature for those without access to the internet.)
- Workshops, lectures and festivals may require fees from participating organizations.
- Groups requiring substantial support for specific projects may be required to cover the costs of the Networks involvement.
