Youth take centre stage at The Masque
Iconic Cape Town venue The Masque has launched a series of youth programmes, putting the talent, passion and creativity of young people centre stage!
The Youth Theatre Club and Curtain Up Club have been established to offer children of all ages the chance to experience the magic of theatre.
The Masque Vice Chairperson and volunteer, Christine Kaye says:
“Our youth are the next generation of actors, technicians, front of house staff and audience members. Moreover, theatre training instills confidence, builds life skills and encourages social interaction, whether you are a budding industry player or not!”
“It doesn’t matter if your child is just starting or a seasoned performer, The Masque offers a nurturing environment to explore creativity, learn new skills and make lifelong memories.”
The Masque’s Youth Theatre Club is aimed at unlocking a world of benefits for theatre enthusiasts aged 8-16. As a member of the Youth Theatre Club, you’ll have access to cool, informal hangouts at the theatre, awesome newsletters filled with theatre news, tips, and stories and the chance to explore movement, storytelling and more.
You’ll also get a 5% discount on children’s tickets to kids shows at The Masque. Membership costs R50 per show season (annual renewal – May to May).
Once part of the Youth Theatre Club, your child can join the Curtain Up Club which offers weekly drama classes, held during term times, led by experienced theatre practitioners. Designed for 8 – 16 year olds, you can take part in fun, warm-up games, voice training, acting exercises, and team-building activities, as well as the chance to audition for The Masque’s annual production!
The Curtain Up Club is run by two theatrical powerhouse organisations: The Masque and Spotlight Youth Theatre.
Together, they are bridging the gap between generations and nurturing a deeper connection to the world of theatre. Through the Curtain Up Club, children can not only develop their dramatic skills but also gain valuable insight into the inner workings of the stage.
With drama maven Melanie O’Connor Horn at the helm, alongside the highly skilled Deborah Gildenhuys, these classes promise to be nothing short of transformative.
Melanie O’Connor Horn, says:
“With The Masque’s dedication to making theatre accessible for all and Spotlight Youth Theatre’s commitment to nurturing young talent, the stage is set for something truly extraordinary.”
Embodying more than entertainment, The Masque represents a community-driven ethos that traces its roots back to 1959. It was then that Bertie Stern’s vision shattered barriers, extending an open invitation to artists from diverse backgrounds. Situated in the lively heart of Muizenberg, the Masque has remained a steadfast beacon of community-centered performance for over six decades.
Spotlight Youth Theatre has an impressive 28-year legacy of fostering young talent, Spotlight Youth Theatre is dedicated to igniting a passion for the dramatic arts. Led by experienced professionals, their engaging youth theatre clubs strive to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of performers.
Note: Children need to be members of the Youth Theatre Club to join the Curtain Up Club and enjoy these exciting benefits.
Sign up for The Masque’s Youth Club newsletter, to get all the updates about these exciting opportunities.
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About The Masque
More than 60 years old, The Masque is an iconic venue in the Cape Town cultural landscape. A unique and historic space, it has been home to many amateur theatre societies over the years and was established by local attorney Bertie Stern with the objective of encouraging voluntary participation in all forms of theatre by all people.
Stern had a vision to provide a platform for both amateur and professional performers regardless of their social or political situation at that time. When The Masque opened, it was one of the only theatres in Cape Town that was open to people of all ethnic backgrounds.
A registered Non-Profit Organisation, The Masque strives to make theatre accessible to all – onstage, backstage and for the audience. Run by volunteers with a focus on community, the theatre showcases all genres of performance and is as widely inclusive as possible. The Masque is wheelchair friendly, has a fully licensed bar and snacks are available before shows and during intervals.
In 1993 Bertie bequeathed The Masque into trust for the benefit and growth of community theatre. The theatre was totally destroyed by fire in 1997 and it took two years to rebuild (thanks largely to the generosity of the late Joan St Leger-Lindbergh). The Theatre is still owned by the Stern Masque Theatre Trust and is managed by a board of volunteers.
At the helm of the operation is a team with professional theatre experience. Continuing its work into the post-Covid-19 era, The Masque seeks to present high-quality amateur theatre productions, providing a service of artistic engagement with the local community, celebrating diversity and building on the Theatre’s reputation as a sought-after professional venue-for-hire.
The Masque Box Office is open from 9am to 2pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Cash bar and simple snacks are available for sale at the Theatre.
