You can download our ‘Artistic History’ Brochure, packed with the history, images and memories of more than 35 years of Central Youth Theatre.
Who Are We?
Central Youth Theatre (CYT) has been Wolverhampton’s leading youth theatre since 1983. The youth theatre was founded by Jane Ward MBE and for the last 40 years, thousands of young people have passed through, many of whom have gone on to study drama and are now working professionally in theatre, film and television.
CYT is a registered charity (No 1130961) members, parents, friends and former members play an increasingly vital role in helping to raise funds and support the ambitious work of the group.
The youth theatre currently is based at the Newhampton Arts Centre – where the facilities include an administrative office and shared rehearsal rooms.
In 2016 CYT was named Highly Commended in the UK Youth Awards for Youth Organisation of the year.
Meet the Team
All of our staff are former members of the youth theatre who have passed through the ranks of CYT from member, to former member, to staff
CEO - Holly Parry
Holly is a former member of the youth theatre, having joined at the age of 13. She went on to study Community and Applied Theatre at Birmingham School of Acting after leaving CYT. Since graduating, Holly has worked as a freelance director for CYT as well as other West-Midlands theatre companies including The Birmingham Rep, Bigfoot Arts Education and Gazebo T.I.E. In 2015 she became Assistant Director and in 2017 joined Jane as Co-Director of the organisation. She took on the role of CEO in 2022.
COO - Annie Fletcher Hall
Annie is a former member of the youth theatre having joined at the age of 5. She worked as a freelancer for CYT for 10 years, directing productions, leading workshops and travelling to international youth theatre festivals with the group. She took on the role of Central Youth Theatre’s Cheif Operations Officer in 2022.
Drama Tutor - Zak Douglas
Zak is a former member of the youth theatre having joined in 2013. Zak joined the CYT team as an apprentice through a Creative Alliance Scheme. Since then he has directed productions, led outreach programmes and travelled internationally with CYT both as a leader and performer. Zak works as a professional actor for stage and screen and always journeys back to Wolverhampton to teach at CYT between acting jobs.
Assistant Drama Tutor - Roisin Murphy
Roisin is a former member of Central Youth Theatre and joined as a member of the staff team in 2021 through the national KickStart programme. She is a now a part time Assistant Drama Teacher for CYT, directing productions, leading workshops and supporting with office administration.
Email: youcyttube@gmail.com
Finance Officer - Matthew Allen
Matthew is a former member of CYT. Matt trained at ALRA as a professional actor and has starred as Billionaire Boy in the national tour of David Walliams much loved story produced by the Birmingham Stage Company. Matthew is CYT’s finance officer, supporting our accounting systems and reporting to our board of trustees.
Founding Director - Jane Ward MBE
Jane Ward founded Central Youth Theatre in 1983 and spent 40 years helping young people to achieve their ambitions and develop their creative talents. Former members have become actors, theatre producers, drama teachers and have gone on to broadcast journalism and television.
In 2013 Jane was awarded an MBE for 30 years of service to drama in Wolverhampton. In 2021 Jane stepped away from front line delivery at CYT, but continues to support the organisation through fundraising and advocacy.
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