Andrea’s passion for theatre inspires pupils (From Croydon Guardian)

Andrea’s passion for theatre inspires pupils

12:33pm Wednesday 14th September 2005

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Andrea Gillie's energy and commitment inspires members of the youth theatre group she runs to turn up week after week.

For the past three years she has worked as a youth theatre leader at Croydon's Warehouse Theatre with members of Croydon Young People's Theatre (CRYPT).

The youngsters are so dedicated they turn up every Saturday afternoon and give up their holiday time to be involved in productions.

Andrea says: "It's not because of me, it's because they work as a team and they know if they don't attend they will let everyone else down.

"Youth theatre is so much more than just kids doing a bit of a show. Not all of the youngsters in this group are performers. I have directors, stage managers, lighting technicians etc, because so much goes on back stage."

Andrea, of Woodplace Lane, Coulsdon, enjoyed a successful career as an actor before the natural progression into community theatre. The mum-of-two explains: "I went to drama school and became an actor, then worked for eight years in theatre and did a little bit of television. I worked with a professional touring company that took productions to community centres, village halls, hospitals and art centres."

Andrea, 42, was no stranger to youth theatre when she joined the Warehouse. "From the age of 11 to 19 I was a youth theatre member myself. Youth theatre was the highlight of my week it was a place to go where it didn't matter what class or culture you were from.

"That's what I feel is important with CRYPT. Yes, there are children who want to be an actor but there are others who find it a way to be part of something exciting.

"I come as a practitioner and someone who has a lot of experience and that's my input into the workshops and productions here. CRYPT members can try their hand at all aspects of theatre. They can direct, devise plays and work behind the scenes. It's all very empowering."

Andrea is also involved in the Loud and Clear project aimed at asylum seekers aged 14 to 16 with English as a second language. She says: "I work with young people who have not had a chance to participate in the arts before; they are not only learning drama but get to use the language in a creative way."

Andrea was happy to hear she had been nominated for a Croydon Champions award, saying: "I am very surprised and delighted that the work I and the Warehouse Theatre do has been honoured this way.

"I am lucky to do something I love, the young people are so enthusiastic and imaginative they are a pleasure to work with. You hear so many negative stories about young people but I am so impressed by what they bring to our stories.

"It is also fantastic for them, the group would not exist without them and although I have been nominated I hope they feel part of it."

Andrea was nominated by Patrick Dutton who said: "With so little things to do in Croydon for kids it is nice for someone to think so passionately about their job. I believe we need the youth group to keep kids entertained and is therefore a great champion of Croydon."

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