They’re the youth theatre group that always goes one step beyond.
But this May, South Yorkshire Performance Academy welcome you to the house of fun as they open the doors to their latest production, Our House.
Running from Tuesday 20th to Saturday 24th May at Rotherham’s Civic Theatre, SYPA will be bringing the Madness to Rotherham and hoping for another sell-out show.
Now he’s come of age, temptation is on the way for 16-year-old Joe Casey. He’s got to choose between two paths – the right and the wrong one – but will it be a life of Shame & Scandal just like his criminal dad?
Set to the music of legendary ska band Madness, this comedic love story is all about having fun and loving what you do – baggy trousers optional!
“This show is a volcanic eruption of energy with characters you fall in love with. Regardless of whether you are a Madness fan, the story really does transport you into another reality. It’s going to be a great night out filled with high-energy choreography,” says artistic director, Danyl-James Turvey.
The smash-hit musical is the latest in a long line-up of popular productions by the youth theatre group. In recent years they’ve received rave reviews for their performances of Hairspray, Sister Act, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and Grease.
But being part of SYPA is more than just the glitz and the glamour of being centre stage. Theirs is a fresh take on youth theatre, combining performance with the promotion of positive mental health.
The non-profit group works with around 60 young people aged between 10 and 25, with the aim of improving self-confidence, teamwork and communication skills.
Their performers have regular one-to-one check-ins with the welfare and safeguarding team to make sure everything is okay away from the stage – something that’s not the norm in youth theatre.
They also have a creative support team made up of 15 teenage members who are buddied up with newer recruits. They’re there to go through routines, share advice and give reassurance when needed.
One of their newer members, Tawana, has been blown away by the support on offer. He said: “The atmosphere at SYPA is so amazingly supportive and understanding. I really appreciate that the welfare team goes out of their way to make sure everyone here feels safe and isn’t feeling left out in any way. It’s such a loving environment.”
Creating a place of acceptance where young people could express themselves was a main priority for Danyl when he formed SYPA in 2017. Having worked as a professional performer in London theatres and on cruise ships, he aimed to give better opportunities and more support for young people in amateur dramatics.
“I wanted to open a safe space where performers feel appreciated, and every member has an equal chance to share their talent. SYPA was founded to be accessible for all, where our differences as individuals is valued working towards a common goal: extending the knowledge of its performers in a practical setting.”
Together with group co-ordinator Ash James, who’s worked in musical theatre for 20 years, Danyl has developed an open, inclusive and welcoming environment that nurtures every young performer’s journey through the arts.
They work on one major production each year and always have two casts, doubling the number of roles available for members to audition for. The two casts each do three shows during performance week which helps reduce the pressure and fatigue on these young performers.
Every production has a live orchestra, stunning lighting, high-quality sound, and professional sets.
As a non-profit, SYPA is fortunate to receive the support of over 100 volunteers each year.
Many volunteers are parents and relatives who help with everything from prop design to costume making and unloading the vans on show week.
Musical director Andy Collis oversees the musical aspect, former member Libby has returned as assistant vocal coach while training to be a teacher, and nurses and social workers give their time on the welfare and safeguarding team.
They also have over 60 licensed chaperones who support the performers backstage and during rehearsals.
SYPA meet twice a week between September and May at community venues in Brinsworth, Harley, Kimberworth, and Parkgate.
During the summer months, they will be running workshops for young people interested in joining for the 2025/26 season. Again, wellness and wellbeing will be a big focus alongside singing, dancing and acting sessions.
“Being part of SYPA is not just about being a triple threat as a performer. We’ve had members go on to top drama schools, but we also want our members to flourish in essential life skills, transferrable skills and leadership qualities that will help them in whatever path they take,” says Ash.
Find out more by emailing contact@sypa.co.uk or visiting SYPA’s website.
Tickets for Our House are £18 and can be booked by calling the Rotherham Theatre’s box office on 01709 823 621 or online at www.rotherhamtheatres.co.uk
