AN AM-DRAM group is celebrating its 50th year but don't expect to find any members even nearing the age of 50.

As The Young Theatre is aptly named as it is for youngsters aged 10 to 22. These gives younger actors the opportunity to shine in roles they would perhaps not normally be given.

The group director Tom McGrath said: "The group is run by the members. It is not like you have this whole team of adults telling you the shows we are going to do.

"At the beginning a committee is allocated from the membership. You can stand if you want. "They are the people who make the decisions."

He said as a young person you get to play parts you wouldn't necessarily be able to in other drama groups.

The group have performed plays such as A Midsummer Night's Dream, Macbeth and The Crucible.

The 20-year-old from Amersham said: "I think something like 20 per cent of Young Theatre members have gone on to work professionally- both teaching and acting."

"It does give you this real boost of confidence which you need if you want to go into acting. "I think you naturally improve your skills."

There are 35 members at the moment but they are always looking for more. Tom, who is applying for drama school over the coming year, said: "Quite a lot of members, and I was one of them, are really shy and are looking to express themselves.

"You are doing shows with like minded people. You get to open up."

The Young Theatre's upcoming season includes the Beaconsfield family pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, and the focus of its 50th anniversary celebrations is its entry to the National Theatre Connections 2014 programme.

Jack and The Beanstalk is at The Curzon Centre in Beaconsfield on December 23, 24, 26 and 27. Tickets are £12 for adults and £8 concession. Go to www.youngtheatre.org.uk.

If you'd like more information about The Young Theatre contact tom.mcgrath@youngtheatre.org.uk, or go down to a session every Sunday at the Curzon Centre, Beaconsfield, from 2 to 5.30pm.

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