Drama Classes
Greenroom Classes
We have been holding Saturday morning classes for children and students aged 8-18 for more than 50 years, in some cases attracting successive generations of the same family – and we love to welcome fresh talent.
Tutors Andrew Leggott and Lisa Debney are long-time Playhouse members, and experienced stage performers and teachers. They lead the children in games and theatrical exercises, followed by the preparation of drama scenes, usually improvised but occasionally text based. Other skills such as stage fighting, mask work and clowning are also covered.
Junior Class
The Junior Class runs from 9.30 – 10.30 am for children aged 8 – 11. This age group are blessed with very few inhibitions and throw themselves (sometimes quite literally) into all the exercises. The classes are also invaluable for the development of the shyer child, building confidence and new friendships in a freer, out of school environment.
The Juniors will feature in a production of “Aladdin” by Kathryn Schultz Miller in the Wildman Studio in January 2025.
Junior Greenroom – June 2024
Senior Class
The Senior Class runs from 10.45–11.45 am. These 12–18-year-olds may still experience some nerves, along with the inevitable struggles of simply being teenagers, and the weekly fellowship that the Greenroom offers – new friends, learning and working together and plenty of laughter – is a refreshing oasis in the midst of school and exams.
Many of our Junior and Senior Class students have gone on to become successful professional actors. However, you don’t have to become a star to benefit. Our Greenroom classes are invaluable in increasing confidence and self-esteem. Plus, they are great fun!
In 2023 the Senior Greenroom entered the National Theatre Connections Festival for the third time, performing the play “(Circle Dreams Around) The Terrible, Terrible Past” by Simon Longman. 22 teenagers were involved. The play was performed three times in our Wildman Studio, then once in York Theatre Royal Studio. We were then selected as one of ten out of 264 Youth Companies nationwide to perform our play in the National Theatre’s Dorfman Theatre on the South Bank in London in June 2023 – a completely unforgettable and enriching experience.
In March 2024 we worked on Vivienne Franzmann’s insightful play about teenage mental health, “The IT”. This was performed in our Wildman Studio for three nights to great critical acclaim.
Senior Greenroom – “The IT” – March 2024
In January 2025 the Seniors will return to the Wharfeside stage with “The Trials”, by Dawn King, a powerful play concerning climate change, set in the not-too-distant future.
GREAT THINGS HAPPEN AT GREENROOM!!
Greenroom classes take place every Saturday morning during term time.
Fees from September 2024 are £55 per term, payable in advance.
Additional siblings in the same family qualify for a reduction to £45 per term.
Cheques should be made payable to ILKLEY PLAYERS LTD. Cash payments may be made to the tutors.
Online payment is preferred: Yorkshire Bank, Ilkley Players Ltd, Sort Code: 05-05-30, Account Number: 35025028, with your child’s name and “GR” as the reference.
If for any reason you are unable to pay the fees for your child for a particular term, this may be discussed in confidence with the tutors.
Contact: Andrew Leggott if you wish to discuss the sessions
Email a.leggott1@btinternet.com
Telephone 01943 602014 or Mobile 07986032574
Our Greenroom Policy Document can be found here