The thing that strikes me about Cumbernauld Youth Theatre is that everyone knows everyone. Everyone is well like. Everyone is equal, no-one thinks they are better than everyone else and everyone shows each other respect. But what stands out more than anything else is just how friendly this group of young people are. I only joined the Youth Theatre in August of 1999 and when I did, what terrified me most was the prospect of being rejected by this group of strangers. I felt extremely intimidated by the dozens of these people, and having never experience that type of friendships, I found it very hard to cope. I didn't know how to act around these people, the only thing that kept me going back was my passion for drama. I had been there two weeks and already I felt like I could never really be a part of this group. 

That Feeling didn't last long!

Never in all the youth groups and youth clubs I have been to, have I come across such a close nit group of people who can make a stranger feel so welcome and so comfortable. It was now the case that the reason I came to drama was to socialise with these people, with actual drama side taking second in my priorities, but we are a Youth Theatre. Drama had to play it's part, it was my first year in the group and after weeks of auditioning, director Evelyn Wallace saw fit to hand me a lead part in the forth coming production of "Blood Wedding". Sure, this is what I wanted, it is the reason I joined in the first place and I couldn't wait to get on stage, but I couldn't help but wonder how this would affect my new found friendship with the group, and especially with those who had been auditioning for the same part. These people had been going to Youth Theatre for years and were about absolutely sizzling with talent. How would they feel about a newcomer snatching a lead role? The answer? The answer is that if there were an feeling of jealousy they were kept well hidden. You can add selflessness to this groups long list of qualities. 

So if you are interested in joining Cumbernauld Youth Theatre, but are worried because you don't know anyone, hopefully my experiences, and this article, will quench you fears and you will be with us soon. There is a good mix of personalities at the Theatre and one more is always welcome.