Cassons young professionals enjoy being centre stage

Two young professionals swapped the office for a stage as part of a link-up with Burnley Youth Theatre.

Sinead Duffy and Dan Woods from Cassons business advisers got a backstage tour of the theatre, learnt how to build sets, and took part in a ‘Little Imaginations’ workshop with pre-school children, which involved music, dance, acting and circus skills.

The visit was instigated by CATALYST, an innovative collaboration between Burnley Youth Theatre, Mid Pennine Arts, In-Situ and the Horse and Bamboo Theatre.

The aim of CATALYST is to develop strong, long-term relationships with East Lancashire’s commercial sector, draw attention to the threat of losing ground-breaking local arts organisations, and convey the importance of the arts for local people.

The four arts organisations are working together on a special one-off extravaganza entitled ‘Made In Burnley’, which will take place at BYT on June 18.

The event will shine a light on the town’s achievements to date and its hopes for the future through a series of theatrical scenes, dance and music.

An exhibition displayed on the evening will also showcase some of the artistic endeavours of Burnley’s business community.

Sinead, a tax adviser with Cassons, said: “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it’s been brilliant. We helped to make some props and got to sing the Hokey Cokey, so it’s been a bit of a change from our normal working day!”

Mandy Precious, BYT artistic director, said: “Burnley Youth Theatre was referred to as the jewel in Burnley’s crown. We want to see it shine again and make friends with people who want to get involved.

“Being part of a theatre teaches you skills that are applicable in all walks of life. Responding to deadlines, working in teams, public speaking, confidence, emotional intelligence - these are just some of the skills our young people pick up. “It’s not about developing great actors. It’s about nurturing great human beings.”