wgytc is a youth theatre providing quality performance experiences for young people aged 11-21 in the West Glamorgan area.
The Company has historically been funded by City and County of Swansea and Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council but now survives solely on grants and charitable donations.
The Company is run by an Artistic Directorate responsible for ensuring a varied and challenging programme of study for participants.The aim of the work is to broaden students knowledge of dramatic text by focusing on less traditional, ‘popular’ youth productions.
wgytc also prides itself in creating work for a variety of venues across the counties, ranging from Arts Centres to schools and outdoor spaces.
The Company was founded by drama educationalist and advisor Godfrey Evans, he writes:
"West Glamorgan Youth Theatre Company was established as part of the implementation of a series of policy decisions by the then county education authority: access to the arts was considered important for all young people. Linked with this was the belief in the value of residential education. The Youth Theatre was seen as part of an integrated education provision in collaboration with the work of schools and colleges.
From this beginning, wgytc has grown, developed, changed but has always balanced a fundamental expectation of success for all young people, with rigour and with creativity."
WGYTC is one of the UK’s leading youth theaters. We pride ourselves on a legacy of excellence, having served as a springboard for countless young performers to enter top-tier drama schools and the professional industry.
Our structure is designed to offer a clear progression for young people aged 13 to 21, moving from community-based classes to our elite Core Company.
Our Outreach classes are the perfect entry point for those looking to develop their skills and get a feel for the company.
Accessibility: Open to everyone; no audition required.
Format: Weekly classes and seasonal "Summer Schools."
Pathway: A proven route into the company—many of our Outreach participants successfully audition for the Core Company.
The Core Company is the heart of WGYTC. Membership provides a professional-level training environment until you turn 21.
Audition Cycle: Held annually in the Autumn (September to November).
The Workshop Experience: Our auditions are cost-free and workshop-based. There is no need to prepare monologues or learn material; we focus on creativity and collaboration in a relaxed setting.
Long-Term Membership: Once accepted, you remain a member of the Core Company until you age out at 21.
Core Company members are eligible to apply for our intensive performance courses. While every member is invited to apply, these projects are cast individually to ensure the best fit for each production.
| Course | Timing | Description |
| Summer Course | July / August | A flagship two-week intensive project focusing on large-scale production. |
| Winter Course | February Half-Term | A focused performance block including preparatory rehearsal weekends. |
Audition registration and course applications are announced via our mailing list. Ensure you are signed up to receive the latest updates on when the next registration window opens.