For Allegra, a 14-year-old who has attended Cast Youth Theatre since she was eight, Wednesdays are more than just a day of the week - they’re a highlight. “It's a really special thing, Cast Youth Theatre,” Allegra said. “It’s a nice thing to look forward to during the week and with all your friends, you create performances and do fun things...it’s really lovely.”
Her journey into Cast began through an outreach program, where staff encouraged her to join. Donna, Allegra’s mum, reflected on how this simple invitation changed everything: “It was the best thing she ever did. She’s had such great times, and it’s been an amazing part of her life.”
Donna credits the Youth Theatre with helping her daughter develop in ways that stretch far beyond the stage. “It’s been a really good thing for her confidence and public speaking,” she shared. “She’s going to take part in a National Theatre Connections play, and the discipline - showing up on time, learning lines - has been setting her up for her future. I think it shows when I get feedback from school that she’s really confident and always puts her hand up. And I do think Youth Theatre’s helped that.”
Allegra agrees. “It’s helped me become more confident, friendly and sociable,” she said. “I’ve had the chance to write my own play through the Young Writers, which was acted out. That’s something I’ll remember forever.”
The opportunities extend beyond creative pursuits. “It’s also given her the chance to see behind the scenes as well as on stage,” Donna added. “She’s gained an insight into technical jobs.”.
During the pandemic, Cast Youth Theatre became a vital connection for Allegra. “It was a lifeline,” Donna said. “They kept the sessions going on Zoom, and it gave her something to turn up for, and it was fun, and it was familiar - it really was a lifeline.”
Allegra’s story isn’t the only success story. Many young people, like siblings John and Catie, some of our Youth Theatre Alumni, have had their lives transformed. John is now studying at university and shared how Cast was a safe and welcoming place, “I wasn’t letting my disabilities put me down, even when doing the shows. Quite a lot of us had mobility issues and wheelchairs.” John’s involvement in youth theatre gave him the courage to explore theatre beyond his childhood, and now, John hopes to continue his journey at Cast as a Youth Theatre Leader after graduation.
Catie took her skills from Youth Theatre beyond Cast. “This year I started up my Personal Trainer business and Youth Theatre helped me with my communication and adapting” she says, “I took a three-year gap before PT. Coming to theatre just to help me gain my confidence and everything.”
The siblings also shared how Cast has helped them through hard times. Catie shared “It brought closure to us, and we could express ourselves how we wanted to.” Partly due to the close connection participants make, "Cast it’s like a close-knit family full of different people, different ages, but we all treat everyone the same.”
These incredible stories are made possible thanks to supporters like you. Through The Big Give Christmas Challenge (3–10 Dec), every donation will be doubled, helping Cast provide even more life-changing opportunities for Doncaster’s young people.
When you give, you’re not just supporting theatre - you’re empowering the next generation to shine. Your donations allow young people to gain confidence, build friendships, and develop skills they’ll carry with them throughout their lives.
Join us in supporting Cast and helping even more young people unlock their potential. Every donation makes a difference. Click here to donate.
