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.

​​Are you feeling stuck in a routine? Craving a chance to unleash your creativity and explore new skills? Look no further than your school’s drama club! Drama club isn’t just about putting on a show (although that’s pretty awesome too). It’s a treasure trove of benefits that extend far beyond the classroom walls. Here’s why you should consider joining:

1. Shine Like a Star (Even If You’re Shy)

Drama club provides a safe space to step outside your comfort zone. Whether you dream of belting out a showstopper or disappearing into the background as part of the tech crew, there’s a place for you. Through improvisation games, character development exercises, and rehearsals, you’ll gain the confidence to express yourself, even if public speaking gives you chills. Imagine the feeling of conquering those stage jitters and delivering a powerful performance!

2. Level Up Your Communication Skills

Drama club is all about communication. You’ll learn to use your voice effectively, project clearly, and articulate your thoughts with confidence. This extends beyond the stage, too. From collaborating with fellow actors to discussing characters and scripts, you’ll develop strong listening and teamwork skills – valuable assets in any classroom or future career.

3. Unlock Your Creativity

Drama club ignites your imagination! You’ll explore different worlds, delve into historical periods, and bring characters to life. Whether you’re brainstorming ideas for a set design or crafting a unique voice for your character, you’ll tap into your creative problem-solving skills.

4. Build Lasting Friendships

Drama club fosters a supportive and collaborative environment. You’ll work alongside students from all walks of life, united by a love for storytelling and theatre. The shared experiences of rehearsals, performances, and backstage chaos create a strong sense of camaraderie and forge lasting friendships.

5. More Than Just Acting

Drama club isn’t all about being in the spotlight. Many students discover a passion for the technical aspects of theatre – from sound and lighting to set design and costume creation. These roles are just as crucial to a successful production, and drama club offers opportunities to learn valuable technical skills.

6. Benefits for Parents

We know you want the best for your kids! Drama club can have a profound impact on your child’s development. From boosted confidence and communication skills to teamwork and creative thinking, the benefits extend far beyond the stage. It’s a fantastic way to nurture their talents, explore new interests, and make lifelong friends in a positive and supportive environment.

So, what are you waiting for? Check out your school’s drama club and see what it’s all about. Joining your school’s drama club could be the opening act to a journey of self-discovery, creativity, and lasting friendships. Take a bow for taking the first step – head to your next drama club meeting and see where the spotlight takes you!