Younger Generation Theatre Group
Younger Generation Theatre Group (YG to its friends) is a charity that gives young people aged 8-18 a safe space to sing and dance free of judgement, in an inclusive, caring and welcoming environment. We rehearse for an annual show performed at a professional theatre. Everyone's star can shine
The charity was originally started over 30 years ago by Frank Graves, who wanted to set up a stage group for South London children to get the chance to perform on a professional stage. The shows are a similar style to Scouts ‘Gang Shows’. Each year a theme is chosen, then the production team put together a series of numbers that fit the theme. The show is a team effort: there are no individual stars. All of our cast are 'Stars' which is why in our programme we always have the cast in alphabetical order and, in the finale, everyone is dressed the same.
YG are affiliated with NODA and received the NODA Flame award for "Outstanding Training for Young People in the Fields of Music and Dance". We have also received The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. Over the years we have taken part in The Lord Mayors Parade, the New Years’ Day Parade in London, the Queen Mother’s Birthday Parade and the Golden Jubilee celebrations
We rehearse the show every Sunday afternoon starting in April, at St Marks Church Hall in Purley, culminating in performing the show in a professional theatre in August. Next year we are planning to perform at the Charles Cryer Theatre in Carshalton.
The shows include many styles of dance - tap, ballet, street, modern, Acro - and a huge variety of genres of music. The show is created depending on the abilities of who we have signed up for the cast that year. Everyone is involved in at least six numbers as we build up the confidence of the young cast. Those involved in YG make life long friendships, and often continue with the group after they turn 18 to be involved as leaders.
YG are a charity, so we depend on fund raising activities. You may have seen us bag packing in Sainsburys, or running a soft toy tombola at a summer fete. We are also signed up with the Jack Petchey Award Scheme celebrating achievement amongst both the cast and leaders. We make the annual subscription as low as is feasible to cover costs – a fraction of the cost of similar stage school clubs.
Right now, YG are at a bit of a crisis point. We couldn’t perform during the pandemic years and during that time a lot of our core cast members turned 18 and moved away. We are now trying to relaunch, but what we need more than anything else is enthusiastic young people who would like to join us, make some great friendships and show off to their hearts content every Sunday.
Annual subscription is FREE this year for the first 20 applicants
We realize that starting a new group can be daunting and signing up for a whole year for a new group can be a big commitment so Younger Generation are offering the opportunity to perform with us for free this year.
Members of NODA and affiliated with Jack Petchey Foundation
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