High School Musical Jr
In Spring 2025 after watching successful school theatre performances and discussing with young people the dream of beginning a Drama Club of which we could put on our own shows – a seed was planted.
It was over the next couple of months, that we planned and discussed the development of CYI’s first ever Drama Club – that small seed started to grow and a new club took form bringing staff and young people together. It it with thanks to the Community Foundation who paired us to a funder that our ambition to start a theatre club began.
In September 2025 we started the new club, chose High School Musical Jr (MTI Europe) as our first production and worked together for seven months to bring our performances to life. As beginners, with no theatre training this was a roller coaster, but it was worth the ride!
Over the months we learnt to be resilient, collaborative and creative, we made new friends and supported sharing ideas.
In March 2026 the Corbridge Youth Initiative Drama Club performed their first ever shows of High School Musical Jr.
It was a dream come true and memories we will never forget. Personally it is a moment in my career that will stay with me forever. To see the passion, joy and dedication the young people put into this project has been a privilege. I do not take for granted either getting to see their personalities shine and confidence grow. 
The establishment of the Drama Club would not have been possible without all those involved.
I would like to acknowledge some of the key figures in this project, who of which without the project would not have been a success.
Firstly Sarah, my colleague and friend who has worked and supported this project throughout, without her this project would not have happened. 
Thank you to Maddie, our young volunteer who transformed over the duration. Her passion has been inspiring and motivating to our younger members and we are grateful for all her hard work.
Thank you to Emily and Molly who helped with sound, backstage, hair and makeup. Without them the shows would not have ran as smoothly and successfully as they did.
Thank you to the Sound Technician Mark, his assistance in helping does not go unappreciated and we are grateful for his help.
Thank you to Abbie, for helping us in our early rehearsals and taking the time to practice with our members.
Thank you to Ian Wylie for his time and support in helping with the venue as well as other logistics.
Thank you to MTI Theatre for providing all the resources and licensing, making this an easy process.
Thank you to the family, friends, staff, trustees and fabulous supporters who came to watch the shows! It is with thanks to you all that we raised £650.00 to continue directly funding the Drama Club!
One of the biggest compliments came from the young people after the shows, who want the club to continue.
After orginally posting this message online, we asked for support in funding the continuation of the project.
We were blown away to receive an anonymous donation of £10,000 from a local community hero, supporting the continuation of the Drama Club moving forward.
For the next two years we will be able to develop our club, increase participation, work with new partners and provide more opportunities for members. That little seed we orginally planted is thriving and blossoming.
If you would like to support this club or other projects we are working on you can donate here – https://www.givey.com/corbridgeyouthinitiative
With heartfelt thanks, Amber 
