Honoring Bill Kenwright

The RYTC team was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our friend and patron Bill Kenwright CBE. 

Bill was a partner, father, grandfather, great friend and patron. He will be missed by many and this is testament to his giving nature and impact on the theatre and creative arts space. The team wanted to honour his legacy and influence with this memorial page.

The RYTC’s Artistic Director started her career in Bill Kenwright’s work family. Bill told her to go and open her own youth theatre, because ‘being creative is so important for our kids!’ His mantra… “go and do it”!! And if “it” is right – then you can’t fail.”

To name only a fraction of the awards and achievements Bill received are the notable honour of a CBE in 2002, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Theatrical Management Association in 2008, and an honourary BBC Radio 2 special episode of Friday Night in 2017 broadcast from the London Palladium itself. Bill was nominated for a London Theatre Critics’ Award for West Side Story and a Tony Award for Blood Brothers.

This multi-award winning career saw Bill’s West End productions constantly in notable venues such as the RSC, Dominion, Palladium, Apollo and many others. Ensuring his legacy as one of the UK’s most successful theatre producers.

Bill embodied the spirit of empowering young people through creative opportunities. His legacy will be felt and continued through the many groups and communities he supported with the mission of providing opportunities to local young people. Bill made his community and generations of people richer through experiences such as finding like minds, getting creative and fostering confidence in young people.

The RYTC in memory of Bill will continue to “go and do it” as his legacy will continue to empower our team, kids and encourage everyone to be creative.

Our thoughts are with Bill’s family at this difficult time and also with the many people we know he impacted for the better.

Nurturing Young Minds Through Creative Expression

Drama, often associated with the stage, is more than just performances. It’s a powerful tool for personal growth, social development, and creative expression. Drama Kids classes offer a unique and enriching experience for children of all ages, providing them with a safe and supportive environment to explore their imaginations, build confidence, and develop essential life skills.

The Benefits of Drama Kids Classes

1. Enhanced Self-Esteem and Confidence

Participating in drama activities helps children step out of their comfort zones and express themselves openly. As they overcome stage fright and receive positive feedback, their self-esteem and confidence soar.

2. Fostered Creativity and Imagination

Drama encourages children to think outside the box, explore different perspectives, and develop unique storytelling abilities.

3. Improved Communication Skills

Effective communication is a vital life skill. Drama classes provide opportunities for children to practice public speaking, active listening, and nonverbal communication.

4. Developed Teamwork and Collaboration

Collaborative projects and group performances teach children the importance of teamwork, cooperation, and respect for others.

5. Enhanced Emotional Intelligence

Drama helps children understand and manage their emotions. By exploring different characters and situations, they develop empathy, problem-solving skills, and resilience.

What to Expect in Drama Kids Classes

Drama Kids classes offer a variety of activities, including:

  • Acting Games: Fun and engaging exercises that help children develop their acting skills and improve their spontaneity.
  • Improvisation: Spontaneous storytelling and character creation that encourage creativity and quick thinking.
  • Play Production: The opportunity to participate in full-scale productions, where children learn about all aspects of theater, from acting to set design.
  • Puppetry: A creative and engaging way for children to express themselves and tell stories.
  • Musical Theater: Combining acting, singing, and dancing to create dynamic and memorable performances.

Why Choose Drama Kids?

  • Experienced and Passionate Instructors: Drama Kids classes are led by qualified and dedicated instructors who are committed to helping children reach their full potential.
  • Safe and Inclusive Learning Environment: Drama Kids creates a welcoming and supportive environment where all children feel valued and respected.
  • Diverse Range of Classes: There are classes available for children of all ages and interests, from preschoolers to teenagers.
  • Emphasis on Fun and Engagement: Drama Kids classes are designed to be enjoyable and engaging, making learning a fun and exciting experience.

Enrolling Your Child in Drama Kids

If you’re interested in enrolling your child in Drama Kids classes, contact your local theater or community center. Many schools also offer drama programs as part of their extracurricular activities.

By providing your child with the opportunity to explore their creativity and develop essential life skills, Drama Kids classes can have a lasting impact on their personal and academic growth.