Guest Blog Post – Former member Lauren Riley

A member at 14 I walked through the studio door
No confidence or friends my head to the floor
There were so many people I felt I could not return
I was forced to go back by family to learn
7 years later, now a leader, I still haven’t left cyt
The friends I have gained, we’re like one family tree.

First a member, then a apprenticeship at the age of 16
I now run my own classes with the cyt team
We’ve performed all over, in theatres and outside
Our passion and love for this group is hard to hide
I owe Jane a lot, shes made me who I am today
Once you’re part of CYT you’ll never stay away.

Without CYT I wouldn’t of travelled to Germany
Lithuania too, we’ve performed at so many
I was later trusted to take my own show abroad
In the Czech Republic, we got a standing applaud
Don’t forget Wales, our weekend visits to Buckland

The memories and fun we had make us all very fond.

I met my lovely boyfriend through being connected to CYT
If I hadnt stayed 7 years ago, Jamie wouldn’t of known me
Please let it continue to make such a difference
It’s shaped young lives for years its truly magnificent
So dig deep in those pockets and spare all you can
Thank you for listening, love from CYTs biggest fan!

Former member and now CYT Tutor Lauren Riley