We are thrilled to be able to announce that, after having been closed for the best part of 18 months, Off the Ground Youth Theatre is reopening this week!

The first COVID-19 lockdown arrived just days after our final youth theatre performance of Monkey! in 2020, and days before our upcoming production of Wind in the Willows, which sadly had to be cancelled.

Unsure when we would be able to return, we took to operating sessions online, which was a new and creative challenge for all involved.

These sessions, usually carried out on Zoom, took us right through to the early part of 2021, when our preparations began for reopening properly. We are glad to have made it back and to be able to offer face-to-face sessions once more.

It's an exciting period for OTG, with plenty of productions coming up, and the opportunity to attract new students to join our core of existing talent is very exciting indeed.

As a result of the pandemic, and for the first time in many years, Off the Ground Youth Theatre has spaces available at all ages.

Tuesday's group caters for ages 10-14, Wednesday for 17+, and Thursday for 14-17.

OTG is the only youth theatre based on the Wirral to offer such a wide range of stage experience. All the sessions, whether they are Shakespeare or stage combat, are led by current practising industry professionals - actors, writers, musicians and directors.

They take place at the Drama Studio of Calday Grammar School (via the entrance on Column Road).

The first session is free for all new students, after which we charge a termly fee of £200. However, this can be offset by our fully funded bursary places, which are currently available to all students!

Older members and graduates of the youth theatre often go on to claim their first credits with Off the Ground Theatre, on their annual touring productions.

With strong ties to Young Everyman & Playhouse, LJMU and LIPA, opportunities abound for youth theatre graduates.

Recent graduates have gone on to appear in TV dramas such as Broadchurch and Game of Thrones, while others have appeared in Hollywood films, TV commercials and West End stage productions.

OTG doesn't require any experience for new students to join, nor do they ask for any auditions as part of the application process. The only requirements are a willingness to try new things and get involved, as well as a good work ethic.

To find out more and apply please email me, Connor Wray, at [email protected]

You can also visit our website by clicking or tapping here.