A Concise History of BYP
Originating from a drama group at Canterbury Avenue Youth Centre, Bradford Youth Players was formed in 1975 and staged on its first production the following year. BYP welcomes any young person between the ages of 8 and 25 who is interested in the performing arts, with members given the opportunity to learn and perform drama, music and dance techniques as well as "technical stage crafts" associated with dramatic and theatrical performances. In March 2004 BYP became a Registered Charity No. 1102702.
Why BYP is Unique
BYP is unique, being the only youth club in West Yorkshire which specialises in using the performing arts to deliver all of its youth work.
We offer a range of opportunities for our members: for those who wish to participate in the performing arts as a hobby, the club provides an environment which allows members to meet and work with other young people with similar interests, and the chance to develop their self confidence and skills (performing, social and general) which may help them in their future lives. It can also provide a useful starting point for those contemplating a career in the performing arts, and it is sometimes possible to arrange coaching with our experienced and skilled staff for relevant exams (e.g. LAMDA) and for entry into Drama or Performing Arts College. As well as the performing arts, members have many social opportunities including theatre visits and the chance to take part in other youth activities in the area.
BYP is for Everyone
There is no entry audition of minimum standard required to join BYP, and any member who attends regularly and wishes to take to the stage will have the opportunity to do so. Every member is expected to try their hand at everything - singing, dancing, acting and the backstage tasks - and anyone hankering after the limelight has the opportunity to audition for lead roles in club productions. Importantly, BYP makes great efforts to ensure to treat all members fairly and equally, and that all members are comfortable at and enjoy coming to BYP.
Since BYP is a self-contained group it also designs and makes most of its own sets and costumes. This oft-overlooked aspect of the group is just as important as the actors, as without sets or costumes our plays and musicals would have little atmosphere or authenticity. Accordingly, people who join for the drama may find themselves, for example, becoming more interested in the art and design of the costumes and sets. These backstage activities are the cogs in the machinery without which the group could not function and young people (and other volunteers) who are drawn to these aspects of production are just as welcome as those who come to sing, dance and act.
BYP has changed and developed over the years in order to meet the needs of young people. We now run three performing arts clubs (Juniors, Inters and Seniors) each of whom rehearse on one evening each week during term time at our premises at Little Lane Church Community Hall, Little Lane, Duckworth Lane, Bradford, BD9 5HD. All sections perform in a range of local venues including the Priestley (Chapel Street, BD1), St. Augustine's Church (Otley Road, Undercliffe, BD3), the Hockney Theatre at Bradford Grammar School (Keighley Road, BD9), and The Lord Kalms Theatre at Dixon's City Academy (Ripley Street, BD5).