about the jypa
OUR MISSION
Jersey Youth Performing Arts supports young people aged 9 to 21 through the performing arts, offering a free, inclusive space where everyone is welcome, regardless of their background or their aspirations in the arts. Our mission is to nurture talent, bolster self-esteem, and foster a sense of belonging. We’re not just about developing performers; we're about creating a supportive environment where every young person with a love of performing arts can find their voice and feel at home.
Our Objectives
To promote the educational benefits of involvement in the performing arts
To encourage inclusivity in the performing arts
To provide access to the performing arts to young people in Jersey irrespective of socio-economic background
Young people are the future. Cultivating their creative energies, passion and sense of engagement is fundamental for the success of their own lives and the economic, social and cultural vitality of our communities.
Sir Ken Robinson
Our Core Beliefs
All young people have a right to participate in high quality, engaging, challenging and meaningful theatre experiences.
Youth theatre is vital to the personal, social, political, aesthetic and educational development of young people. The theatre art is a universal expression of human kind and helps young people to find their place and voice in society.
Youth theatre should reflect and represent the diversity of all young people taking part.
Our History
In October 2019 the team behind JYPA were responsible for a sell-out production of Bugsy Malone at The Jersey Arts Centre. Over one hundred young people auditioned and forty-seven were chosen as cast members.
Many of the successful auditionees had received no formal training and had only limited exposure to the performing arts through the school curriculum.
JYPA wants to give more young people the experience of being involved in the performing arts. We recognise that, whilst there are an increasing number of performing arts schools available in Jersey, these all come at a cost. They are often outside the reach of low-income families.
JYPA has created a performing arts forum where children from different schools and different walks of life can meet and work together towards a common goal. JYPA is an inclusive youth theatre where every young person is given a chance to shine.