Exit Stage Left: Burnley Youth Theatre's 50th Year Podcast

Anthony Preston: A Journey from Participant to Visionary Leader at Burnley Youth Theatre - Part 2 of 2 Welcome back to Exit Stage Left for the highly anticipated Part 2 of our captivating conversation with Anthony Preston. In this instalment, we continue to unravel the extraordinary journey of this key figure at Burnley Youth Theatre, exploring the deeper layers of his impact on the arts community. As we delve further into Anthony's story, discover the pivotal moments that shaped his leadership path, from his role as Artistic Director to becoming the Head of the Board. We explore the challenges, triumphs, and unwavering dedication that have made him an instrumental force in the evolution of Burnley Youth Theatre. Part 2 also shines a spotlight on Anthony's experiences leading groups of young performers across the country, collecting awards and accolades along the way. His commitment to fostering creativity and providing opportunities for aspiring artists has left an indelible mark on the very fabric of the youth theatre. Join us for the continuation of this insightful and inspiring conversation, as we conclude the journey through Anthony Preston's remarkable career at Burnley Youth Theatre. From the early days of participation to visionary leadership, his story serves as a testament to the transformative power of youth theatre in shaping lives and communities. Tune in to Exit Stage Left - Part 2 and witness the culmination of Anthony's narrative, celebrating the enduring legacy and impact of Burnley Youth Theatre on the arts landscape.

Anthony Preston: A Journey from Participant to Visionary Leader at Burnley Youth Theatre - Part 1 of 2 Dive into the rich history and vibrant legacy of Burnley Youth Theatre as we sit down with the extraordinary Anthony Preston. From his early days as a passionate participant to his current role as the Head of the Board, Anthony's journey is a captivating narrative of commitment, innovation, and community building. In this first part of Exit Stage Left, we explore how Anthony became a cornerstone of the youth theatre. Not only did he participate enthusiastically, but he also took the reins to run a theatre company on-site. His evolution continued as he ascended to the role of Artistic Director, leaving an indelible mark on the organization. Anthony's dedication to nurturing young talent has seen him lead groups of aspiring performers across the country, earning accolades and awards along the way. His influence extends beyond the stage, reaching the very heart of Burnley Youth Theatre's growth and success. Behind Anthony's story is the pivotal role played by his mother, Moria, in the organization's survival and flourishing. Together, they contributed to the establishment of the first purpose-built youth theatre in Europe right on the site—a testament to their unwavering commitment to fostering creativity and community. Join us for this insightful conversation that highlights the impact of individuals like Anthony Preston in creating spaces where creativity thrives, young voices are heard, and the magic of theatre continues to unfold. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we delve even deeper into Anthony's journey and the enduring legacy of Burnley Youth Theatre.

Title: "Pip's Spotlight: A Journey Through Friendship and Theatre at Burnley Youth Theatre" Description: Step into the captivating world of Burnley Youth Theatre as we sit down with the remarkable Philip J Hindle, affectionately known as Pip. On Tuesday, April 3rd, 1984, Pip embarked on a transformative journey at the youth theatre, and his story is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode of Exit Stage Left, Pip shares the heartwarming tale of how Burnley Youth Theatre became more than just a stage; it became the backdrop to lifelong friendships. From the moment Pip stepped through the doors, he discovered a community that would shape his life in profound ways. Not only did Pip attend the youth theatre, but he also took on the role of a director, leaving an indelible mark on the stage and the hearts of those around him. His impressive list of directed shows stands as a testament to his dedication and passion for the arts. Join us as we delve into Pip's experiences, the camaraderie he found, and the countless memories created at Burnley Youth Theatre. Whether you're a theatre enthusiast or simply love a good story, this episode promises to be a celebration of creativity, friendship, and the enduring magic of the stage. Tune in to Exit Stage Left and discover why Philip J Hindle, aka Pip, is a living testament to the power of youth theatre in shaping not only exceptional performances but also lasting bonds that stand the test of time.

From Behind the Curtain to Birthing Suites: Lola Wilde's Journey on Exit Stage Left. Join us on Exit Stage Left as we sit down with the Lola Wilde, a former actor, stage manager and prompter turned midwife, whose journey through the Burnley Youth Theatre in the 1990s has shaped her life in unexpected ways. Lola takes us back to her early days at the Youth Theatre, where she initially navigated the world of theatre from behind the scenes. Lola shares the inspiring story of how she summoned the courage to step into the spotlight by auditioning. In this episode, Lola reflects on the impact Burnley Youth Theatre had on her both personally and socially. She discusses how the immersive experience pushed her out of her comfort zone, fostering personal growth and resilience that she carries with her to this day. The tight-knit community of the Youth Theatre became a crucial support system, teaching her valuable life skills that extend far beyond the stage. Tune in to Exit Stage Left as Lola Wilde shares her heartfelt journey from behind the curtain to birthing suites, illustrating how the transformative power of theatre can lead to a life filled with purpose, compassion, and the courage to embrace new beginnings.

Welcome to "Our Place: Buildings and Beginnings,". Join us as we take you on an extraordinary journey, delving into the captivating history of Burnley Youth Theatre's(BYT) Buildings and Beginnings. In our special episode, "Our Place: Buildings and Beginnings," which was a Live Zoom Event that aired on 31st May 2023. We hosted a unique reunion of BYT's luminaries, spanning generations. These remarkable faces from across BYT's storied history gathered to discuss the organisation's formative years and the incredible journey that led to the realisation of our purpose-built theatre. This episode was not just for our esteemed alumni; it was an open invitation to anyone who had ever had a connection to BYT. Whether you attended a workshop, volunteered, were part of the BYT team, supported our mission from near or far, or simply cheered us on from the front row, you were a part of our cherished legacy. Parents, friends, funders, and partners, whether you were with us at that time or had been at any point over the past 50 years, we were delighted to have you join us. Our host for this special episode was the legendary Philip J. Hindle, a name synonymous with the BYT community. We were honoured to be joined by an extraordinary lineup of guest speakers, each with their own chapter in BYT's rich history: - Anthony Preston: Artistic Director from 1986 to 1997. Anthony's journey with BYT was a testament to the organisation's growth over 50 years. He had witnessed BYT evolve from his early days as a participant to his role as our Chair of Trustees. - Jacky Hardacre: Artistic Director from 1997 to 2005. Jacky played a pivotal role in BYT's history as the Artistic Director when our current building was inaugurated in 2005. - Andrew Walker: The visionary architect who had overseen the plans of Burnley Youth Theatre's main building. Not only a professional architect, Andrew was an integral part of the volunteer team that had dedicated a decade to fundraising, ensuring that our participants had a purpose-built Youth Theatre to perform in. "Our Place: Buildings and Beginnings" was a celebration of our shared history, a testament to the power of community, and a testament to the enduring spirit of Burnley Youth Theatre. Listeners got ready to be inspired, moved, and transported back in time as we uncovered the fascinating story of our beloved BYT.