YOUTH ACTION THEATRE TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT 2023 The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financial Statement for the year ended 315t December 2023. Overview Youth Action Theatre (YAT) is a theatre and performing arts group for young people aged 16 to 25, based in the Teddington and Hampton Hill area of south-west London. Run entirely by volunteers and free of charge to its members the group has been operating now for 53 years, making it one of the longest running youth theatre groups in the country. Ob'ectives Activities & Public Benefit The object of the charity remains the same as has been the case since YAT'S inception: to advance in life and help young people by providing facilities for them to participate in theatre workshops and productions, as actors or in back-stage roles, free of charge and under the guidance of experienced leaders, thereby promoting their artistic, personal and social development for the public benefit. The group is open to young people of all abilities and regardless of past experience. Plays are chosen to include everyone that wants to take part and all that is required is a commitment to the rehearsal process and the enthusiasm to work hard in helping to produce high quality productions. Structure Governance & Mana ement YAT became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation on 30th January 2016 and continues to be run by a committee of past members, all who have been selected with regards to their skills, knowledge and experience to assist in the effective administration of the group and in accordance with it5 Constitution. The Committee appoint suitable group leaders to direct and produce plays that are performed by its young members throughout the year. Performances & Achievements in 2023 This year YAT performed some theatrical greats giving some amazing challenges to a very talented group of young members. Joe Evans started the season directing an imaginative and contemporary interpretation of Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream. A high energy and compelling production of School for Scandal followed, directed by Josh Clarke, which moved from Hampton Hill on to what proved an enjoyable run at the Edinburgh Fringe for both audience and members alike. Last up this year was a remarkabLy strong, bold, production of Machinal, an early example of expressionist theatre directed by Alex Farley and telling the grim tale of Ruth Synder convicted and executed for the murder of her husband. Financial Review 2023 With three successful productions at the box office this year and supporLed by several generous benefactors all costs of the group's activities were covered this year including supporting some of the social events for the group at Christmas and during the summer trip to Edinburgh. However, the current economic climate is proving extremely difficult for everyone and the rising costs of theatre hire is making it extremely difficult to select affordable venues that can support and inspire the numbers of young people in Richmond and the surrounding areas, all eager to develop their creative skills in the world of theatre. Despite the many challenges we will though continue to explore ways to provide exciting challenges for the current generation of YAT, whi15t ensuring that there remain sufficient funds for the future. Funds held as custodian on behalf of others Eric Yardley, also bequeathed a sum of £200,000 in 2012 to support the training of young drama students. The sum has been invested in an interest-bearing bond with the Metro Bank. We are pleased to have now teamed up with St Mary's University in Twickenham to help support some of the talented local drama students. The bursary fulfils his W15h of providing opportunities for those in need and talented students studying drama and stagecraft. Future Plans 2024 We anticipate a full year of productions in 2024, although venue costs may restrict some opportunities with the technical aspects of theatre that we have been able to provide in previous years. More informatlon about YAT and their work can be found on the website www. at.or 88¥8a8%8 888888%8 Tomx4000 rnOO ri a888888 omzz£ ooo 8888888