- **Welcome** - **Approval of Minutes** - **Election of Officers** - **Annual Accounts & Adoption** - **Open Forum - Any Other Business** - _Meeting Closes 8pm latest_ ## **- Dec 6[th] 7 8[pm]** ## **Digital** Centre Celf Tremont Road Llandrindod LD1 5EB **07810 350 994 mpyt@mail.com** **Connections August 2009Mid Powys Youth Theatre, UK Charity Number 1157724** Mid Powys Youth Theatre, Centre Celf, Tremont Rd, Llandrindod, Powys, LD1 5EB Email: mpyt@mail.com Artistic Director - Ralph Bolland 01597 851110 or 07810 350994 Annual Report Mid Powys Youth Theatre ## Welcome ## Welcome to Mpyt’s 7th Annual General Meeting. Thank you for taking the time to join us and for anything and everything you have done to support us over these last extraordinary few months. ## We are pleased to present the Annual Report and Accounts. ## **MPYT - the year in review** It has been a year of frustration: one of hope-rather-than-expectation; and very much a sign of where we all are right now; MPYT is not alone. We remain positive and forward-looking, encouraging our young participants to do likewise. Regular classes have been fitful and subject to the whim of successive lockdowns: Covid protocols necessarily restricting participant numbers and the very nature of ensemble theatre practice. In spring of ’21 A & E Creatives led a programme of video-classes (in two phases) entitled, ‘These Times, This Place.’ The project used creative writing and drama to explore rural lives and creativity for young people in the midst of these difficult times. (See attached project report.) We were delighted when summer arrived: the support of Powys County Council’s ‘Summer of Fun’ grant allowing us to offer a range of activity. A week-long engagement ‘under the canopy’ at Rock Park in Llandrindod allowed for intensive rehearsal and public shows of our ‘Twm Tales.’ The piece played both to an audience of MPYT supporters and unsuspecting members of the public alike. It worked well and offered a clear model of direction for future public/street theatre and community engagement. The project also offered theatre classes for younger age groups (11-13) and a brilliant one-off Masterclass in Improv from Terry B-Daddy Cripps. **2** MPYT AGM Dec 2021 Annual Report Mid Powys Youth Theatre Throughout the year, work continued on our 3-year Business Development Plan, aiming to better-fit MPYT to a model that can sustain and prosper in the long-term. The Development Plan will be launched in the Spring of 2022. MPYT successfully applied to take part in the National Theatre’s ‘Connections’ programme, which features dozens of youth companies from across the UK: each group working on one of a set of new plays commissioned for the project. MPYT will produce ‘Variations’ by Katie Hims: firstly, at a local venue in Feb’ 22 and then at Aberystwyth Arts Centre in May, where we will meet with - and enjoy the work of - other Youth Theatre groups. Rehearsals for ‘Variations’ began in early November with a company of twelve and we are focussed now on this core group setting the pace for a slow, steady progression back towards some form of normality. The watchword is ‘rebuild.’ 2021 was notably, the year when Mary Bunny, our long-standing Treasurer (and last-but-one original Board Member) elected to stand down as a trustee, though she will continue to serve as Treasurer/Finance Officer – and for that we are grateful. Mary has served the organisation with real distinction and self-less dedication: her exemplary work in keeping MPYT’s financial affairs in order has provided a vital, rock-solid base, without which any, or all, of our fanciful imaginings may have easily foundered. The Board wishes to express its deepest thanks on behalf of the entire MPYT family for Mary’s invaluable contribution over the past eight years. Here’s to a better, busier, and safer year in 2022. ## **Ralph Bolland** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Twm Tales|Powys Summer of Fun|Aug
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**3** MPYT AGM Dec 2021 Annual Report Mid Powys Youth Theatre ## **These Times, This Place:** brief report for project in progress 31.o3.21 **A & E Creative Remedies is a collaboration between Creative Writer Emma Beynon and Drama Practitioner Aimée Corbett. Experienced facilitators they run workshops using creativity to connect, socialise, have fun and explore the extraordinary that can be found in everyday lives.** _A&E Creative Remedies have led four creative workshops on Zoom for MPYT. Tuesday March 2 – Tuesday 30 March 2021_ ## **Our aim** to provide an opportunity to connect and creatively explore ‘These Times, this Place’ in an informed and enthusiastic virtual space. Supporting young people and their wellbeing during lockdown. ## **Output** The focus of these 4 workshops has been process rather than product. But at the end of this first phase there will be: - collected documentation; recordings of the sessions and creative writing from the young people about ‘These times and This Place’. - Feedback from a creative consultation that gives participants the opportunity to co-create what they would like to do next ## **What we have been doing** Using drama and creative writing we have been exploring our lives in this current context, giving voice to thoughts, ideas, and opinions. We have been connecting, sharing, writing and performing poetry. We have introduced the participants to creative writing techniques such as free writing and the power of using the five senses to capture the world around them; to notice and create. We have used drama to develop confidence and the groups’ trust and mutual support intuitively. The improvisation activities encouraged the participants to listen and respond positively to each other, to take risks and play. The group extended over a wide age range and included referrals from outside MPYT and an easy and generous sense of collaboration was created. There was a lot of laughter, none of the participants apologised or qualified their work before sharing. ## **Outcomes** Here are participants summary words for each workshop Workshop 1: Happy, Exciting x2, Fascinating, Relaxing, Friendly Workshop 2: Cleansed/Warm/Joyful/Nostalgic/Crashing/Interesting Workshop 3: Awake/Energetic/Inspired/ Fun/Lively/Respite! Workshop 4: Yey, Emotional, ‘Happy sad, I don’t know how to describe it!’, content, proud and reflective ## **What the young people thought about the workshops** ‘We liked exploring different styles of writing, poetry and other things’ ‘We liked just having fun playing, we liked the relaxed messy poems and putting the poems together on chat.’ ## **Participants have** - Developed new skills - Explored their creativity - Engaged with others - Shared their voices - Been active Continued **4** MPYT AGM Dec 2021 Annual Report Mid Powys Youth Theatre _(This project has enabled participants to practice all 5 actions for Health and Wellbeing as identified by Powys Teaching Health Board: Connect, Take Notice, Keep Learning, Be Creative & Give) http://www.powysthb.wales.nhs.uk/mental-health-what-you-can-do_ **What they would like to do next?** _(feedback from chat)_ - Generate more material, :) - I’d like to write about spirit during lockdown - write about smells - I’d like to generate more material - I like the theme of location because (I’m not sure where everyone lives) but I think living rurally has this really specific and important feeling that would be cool to discuss!! - I’d like to write about Nature - How to come back from lows ## **Numbers** Workshop 1 – 6 participants, Workshop 2 – 6 participants, Workshop 3 – 5 participants, Workshop 4 – 5 participants ## **A&E Reflection** ‘During the discussion I really got the sense they were learning from each other, the analysis and ideas was really welcomed by everyone as if they were really learning together. I have never witnessed such a collaborative and open approach to discussing poetry!’ ‘It has been poignant to see the weight of Covid on the young people shoulders and to watch them relax and transform it through their creativity’. ## **Group Poem by Participants** ## **Home** **Home is a huge thick woolly jumper worn by everyone. It is fresh bread, breath, a pistachio shell, it is safe. Home is the sound of a bed time story, the ring of a doorbell, the sigh after the first sip of tea, muffled laughter, homecooked burger. Home is the murmur of the tv mindlessly on, it is waves falling in the calm, clear sea. Home is warm sand on sore feet. Home is a Land Rover with enough room for everyone, Home is the garish woollen jumper knitted by my grandmother last Christmas. Home is so long it trails on the floor and gets tangled all over, It is the warm embrace of a soft jacket Home is the blunt edge of a 60’s haircut, it is a messy bun Home is a woolly jumper given by a friend.** **5** MPYT AGM Dec 2021 Annual Report Mid Powys Youth Theatre ## **3 Techs Alumni** ## We recently wrote to the Margaret Davies Trust thanking them for their generous support of our _**GetOffTheStage Tech Training**_ initiative. Three of our tech alumni kindly offered their own testimonies. Hey! My name’s Cerys, I’m 19, I come from Mid Wales and am currently in my second year of studying Stage Management and Technical Theatre at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama which I am thoroughly enjoying. However, this was not the path I had seen myself taking. I was originally heading down a medical path, however felt I would much prefer a more creative profession but was lost to what exactly. I came to MPYT originally to join the acting side; however, it opened my eyes to the more technical side of the theatre and gave me the opportunity to help kick start my passion and future career as a Stage Manager. I believe there is a real lack of recognition and appreciation for the production side of the theatre, film, and the TV industry. Youth Theatres like MPYT play a crucial role in enlightening and educating people from a young age and act as a gateway into the industry. Cerys|Stage Management & Technical Theatre|RWCMD I’m Felicity, I’m 20 years old and I’m from Llandrindod Wells, Mid Wales. Currently I’m in my second year of studying Stage Management and Technical Theatre at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. I joined MPYT when I was 13, not really knowing anything about theatre; I didn’t know that Stage Management existed, let alone that you could have a career in it! I had a go at acting and decided that it wasn’t really my thing. I then asked to help out with prop making and this is where I fell in love in with being backstage. MPYT introduced me to many areas of Stage Management and Technical Theatre. It gave me an all-round understanding of the disciplines of lighting, sound, AV and working as an ASM and DSM in a fun environment. This helped me gather paperwork, images and items that I could put into a mini portfolio when applying to drama schools. I am very much enjoying studying Stage Management and Technical theatre and hope to have a career in either Stage Management or scenic construction. I’m very grateful for all MPYT has done for me. Felicity|Stage Management & Technical Theatre|RWCMD Hi, My name is Rory, I’m 20 years old and in my third year on the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts production and technical course. I have also been working freelance at Footprint Scenery which has been a huge pleasure and I’ve been able to work on some pretty awesome projects. I’m now living in London and making a career I’m proud of, and I’m able to do work that I find exciting and fulfilling. Mid Powys Youth Theatre marks the start of that journey for me, from joining as an actor and meeting others I could relate to, to getting interested in tech and receiving mentoring from professionals. As we did productions I learnt more and was introduced to Beth Treen a professional DSM and ex MPYTer, she pointed me towards going to a Drama School and let me shadow her in the Wycombe Swan theatre. I was inspired and applied to several Uni’s like RADA and Bristol Old Vic and got offers from almost all of them thanks to the references and support from those within MPYT. So yeah, a massive thank you to those who have and continue to support them and I’m excited to someday meet a new Techie in the industry who passed through MPYT on their journey. Rory|Stage Management & Technical Theatre|LAMDA **6** MPYT AGM Dec 2021 Annual Report Mid Powys Youth Theatre ## **Mission Statement** ## **What MPYT offers:** **Exceptional theatre activity for Young People across a vast and remote, rural catchment: workshops, summer schools and professional masterclasses; research trips, theatre visits and social events; community productions, applied vocational training and mentoring; a learning environment outwith formal education, where participants are encouraged to take risks and learn that it’s ok to fail; to ask questions and challenge conventional wisdoms.** ## **What MPYT believes:** **That participation in high-quality, ensemble theatre offers an immeasurable boost to the personal growth and health & wellbeing of a Young Person. A creative, nurturing environment encouraging Young People to express themselves openly, and setting a high artistic bar, is a powerful, transformational tool with the potential for lasting impact: enhancing communication and thinking skills; developing recognition of individual/social responsibility, and allowing Young People to better explore, question and assimilate their understanding of the world.** ## **Multi-disciplinary:** **MPYT aspires to be a microcosm of the wider profession, with off-stage disciplines integral to the whole: recognising that Young People need not be on stage to enjoy the benefits. We seek out those who may flourish in other disciplines, offering opportunities wherever they might find the greatest challenge or reward.** ## **Artistic Quality:** **MPYT is an independent theatre company with a distinct voice, aiming always to create work made by Young People that surprises, challenges and delights: that engages their peers and beyond; that considers themselves and their world; that leaves a lasting impression. MPYT aims to set a benchmark for excellence in youth and community theatre, not only in Powys but nationally and beyond.** **7** MPYT AGM Dec 2021 Annual Report Mid Powys Youth Theatre **8** MPYT AGM Dec 2021 Annual Report Mid Powys Youth Theatre Continued **9** MPYT AGM Dec 2021 Annual Report Mid Powys Youth Theatre Continued **10** MPYT AGM Dec 2021 Annual Report Mid Powys Youth Theatre ## **MPYT is proudly managed by its Board of Trustees:** **Eleanor Baird Sue Early Hannah Harrop Louise Williams Mary Bunney (Treasurer)** MPYT Artistic Director - Ralph Bolland Mid Powys Youth Theatre, Centre Celf, Tremont Rd, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5EB Email: mpyt@mail.com Artistic Director - Ralph Bolland 01597 851110 or 07810 350994 **11** MPYT AGM Dec 2021 MID POWYS YOUTH THEATRE Registered Charity no. 1157724 Recelpts and Payments Accounts for the Year Ended 10" April 2021 Total FL¢nds 2021 Total Funds 2020 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Note Receipts Subscriptions Donaiions Fundraising Grants Ticket Sales Programme sales Other s81es Refunds 3) 4.294 11,107 4) 5) 6) 24 24 11,500 5,868 99 Total Receipts 24 24 32.868 Payments Wofkshop Leade￿ & Assistants Staff costs Rent & Venue hlre Training Travel Admin & Office Costs Marketing Insurance Fundr8i8ing costs Bank charges MSCT partial grant ￿lUnd Projects & Productions Production le8m Workshop leaderslfacililators Set & wardrobe materials Marketing, printing & translation Venue hire Admln. & mlleage Writers feelcopyright Calering & show party 225 225 8,000 1.320 133 95 214 4,535 8,000 1,320 133 95 214 2,370 1, 140 580 250 290 2, 100 312 312 325 2,420 2,585 327 895 4.561 467 240 1,350 1,350 Total Payments 3.649 8.000 11,649 23,085 Net movement in funds -3.625 4.000 -11,625 9, T83 Reconciliatlon of funds Total funds brought fO￿ard Total funds caffied forward 38.787 10,994 49,781 39,998 MID POWYS YOUTH THEATRE Registered Charity no. 1157724 Stat•m•nt ofAssets and Llabililies at 10° Aprfl 2021 Tolal Funds 2021 Total Funds 2020 UnrestrKled Funds Restricted Funds Note Cash funds Cash at Bank Cash in hand 35.112 50 2.994 38.106 so 49.731 50 Total cash funds 2,994 38,156 49.781 Current value Value 2020 Assets retainod for Mpyfs own use Fund Cost Laptop computer {pur¢hased 2016117) Unrestricled 350 Liabilities None l Low J'w lkn IDIL Ap,J lo￿ b&s- f trLfg ML, ctrYJ V£bJ Cv E kJiLLIA148 Approved by the Boatrl and sKJned on ifs behalf by.. MID POWYS YOUTH THEATRE Registered Charity no. 1157724 Notes to tha Attounts Year Endod 10 April 2021 1} These accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis in accordanoe wilh the reqltirements of the Charity Commission. There has been no change in basis since lasl year. 2) There are no employees. The lemporary role of Strategic Development Offlcer has been pahj on a self-employed basis 3) Subscrlptions from participants No subscriptions were requested from partiCiP8nts as it was agreed that whatever limited acti￿tY was possible under Covij restrickn"ons. would be financed entirely from funds. 4) Donations Amazon (Smile alc) Llandrindod Town Counol Arts Angel 24 Total donatlons 24 5) Analysi$ of Funds Al 11°April 2020 Incoming sources Resources expended At 10° April 2021 Unrestrlcted Funds General fund Design8led funds.. MPYT Development fund (formerfy MPYT 150) Minibus training fund Rent reserve fund Performance ￿serve fund Workshop reserve fund 12618 24 -3566 9078 19 19 150 1000 20000 5000 38787 1000 20000 5000 35162 24 -3649 Rostricted Funds Davies Trust Foyle Foyndatlon 1994 9000 10994 1994 1000 2994 -8000 -8000 Total Funds 49781 24 -11649 38156