COTSWOLD YOUTH THEATRE
Nurturing young talent in the performing arts. We offer opportunities for young individuals to share their voice and explore the world of theatre in a safe, creative space.
The Cotswold Youth Theatre was established in Bourton-on-the-Water in 2022. We offer drama classes to individuals from ages 4-18, welcoming students of all backgrounds, skills and experience.
ALL ABOUT US
The Cotswold Youth Theatre is a vibrant, inclusive space where young people can explore and develop their creative potential. It offers a safe environment where voices are free to be heard, and diversity is celebrated. With sessions catering to various age groups—from 4 to 18 and home-educated children. It creates multiple productions a year, along with opportunities to take part in Arts Awards and LAMDA exams. The community is united by a love of theatre, with fun activities such as theatre trips, all fostering creativity, confidence, and friendship.
The Cotswold Youth Theatre was established in 2022 by Sarah Dowie, a Theatre Studies graduate from Lancaster University with a postgraduate focus on directing. She brought over 20 years of teaching experience to the youth theatre. Inspired by her passion for directing and nurturing young talent, she created this group to give local youth weekly access to performing plays, building confidence, friendships, and industry readiness.
You can explore and book our classes here:
WE ARE HIRING
JOIN OUR CREATIVE TEAM
FREELANCE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR & CHOREOGRAPHER
Are you an emerging theatre-maker with a passion for directing, movement and inspiring young performers?
Cotswold Youth Theatre Company is seeking an enthusiastic Freelance Assistant Director & Choreographer to support the creation of our National Theatre Connections 2027 production.
The Role
Working alongside the Director, you will help shape rehearsals, develop movement and choreography, support young actors, and assist in bringing the production to life from rehearsal through to performance.
Rehearsals
Wednesdays: 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Bourton-on-the-Water Primary School
Thursdays: 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Cidermill Theatre
*Key dates:
Saturday 21st February 2027 | 10.00am-4.00pm | Cidermill Theatre
Friday 27th February 2027 | 6.00pm - 8.00pm | Bourton-on-the-Water
Cidermill Theatre Performance Friday 6th March 2027| Time TBC | Cidermill Theatre
National Theatre Connections Festival Performance
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One performance date to be confirmed
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Worcester Theatre (Festival Partner Theatre)
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Dates available: 14th, 15th or 16th March 2027
Pay: £25 per hour
We are Looking For Someone Who:
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Is a recent graduate or emerging theatre practitioner.
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Has a minimum of A-Level Drama (or equivalent).
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Has strong dance training and choreography experience.Is confident leading movement-based rehearsals.
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Enjoys working collaboratively with young people aged 11-18.
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Is reliable, enthusiastic and creative.
Essential Requirements
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Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one).
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Experience working with young people is desirable.
Join us in creating an exciting National Theatre Connections production while developing your own directing and choreography experience within a supportive youth theatre environment.
To apply, please fill in the form
“Jack really enjoyed Youth Theatre! He loved acting with his friends, and performing.His confidence on stage really grew. He also did a LAMDA Exam which is fab for his CV in the future.”
“Before my daughter, Brooke, joined the Cotswold Youth Theatre, she was very shy and had absolutely no confidence and didn’t mix with people her age. Now, three years later, Brooke is first to put herself forward for shows, she now mixes well with others within youth theatre and out at school etc. She has taken part in shows at school and is planning on going to Drama School. A big thank you to the CYT!”
“Matilda loves being part of the Cotswold Youth Theatre. She has grown in confidence and loves to perform.”
“After Youth Theatre, he comes home buzzing every week!”
“My daughter has regained her confidence since joining the Cotswold Youth Theatre thanks to Sarah and the Team’s patience, understanding and inclusive support. She has experienced a lot of mental health challenges but always loved performing and theatre, she now has the confidence to enjoy this again!”
“Theatre inclusion for my child has been profound. He has grown up with social anxiety and Drama has helped him find his self esteem, personality and friends. He has grown in his confidence and grown up in a safe, inclusive space where his peers treat each other with respect and kindness. They learn social skills and how to build relationships with healthy boundaries. This experience has been phenomenal and we love what Sraha has created.”
“Since my daughter joined the Cotswold Youth Theatre her positivity has increased, her friendships have deepened and developed into supportive and respectful safe spaces. Her knowledge and interest in the creative arts has expanded with her confidence to travel, she adores Shakespeare and has visited the Globe theatre several times which was a true highlight.
The ‘Traitors’ residential was a huge success, she regularly texted us saying how much fun she was having and that she was ‘loving it’. Such a wonderful inclusive supportive group, who have formed strong healthy bonds and friendships.”