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Welcome to CATS!

CATS Youth Theatre is a friendly, dynamic and inspiring amateur group that aims to provide an education in stage skills and experience in theatrical performance and musical theatre for young people aged between 5 and 21.

CATS is split into four age groups. Have a look at our groups to see which is the one for you!

See what people say about us!

Our Groups

We offer four different age groups for young performers, as well as a concert group for hire and a training group for the renowned LAMDA qualification.

Click any of the pictures for full details.

Kick, turn and dance your way through the wonderful world of Musical Theatre!

Kittens is a fun way to develop your child’s communication skills, co-ordination, concentration and confidence using drama and performance. Jam-packed with games, songs, dance and drama these classes will stimulate your child’s imagination, help them to develop social skills and will be a lot of fun!

When: Saturday Mornings – 10:00am-11:00am or 11:00am-12:00pm

Where: The Peace Community Centre

How much: £32 payable in eight week blocks

Meet the Team:

Louise 200x300 Em 200x300
Louise Cohen
Group Leader		 Em Cohen
Group Leader
Our_Groups_-_Kittens.jpg

In Primary Juniors we teach theatre skills, dancing, singing and stage discipline, whilst increasing the children’s confidence. We enable members to learn new skills and achieve their potential in a non-threatening environment, and also provide the opportunity for members to demonstrate their skills through performance.

When: Thursday Evenings – 6:30pm-8:00pm

Where: The Peace Community Centre

How Much: £10 per month

Meet the team:

Louise 200x300 Em 200x300 Elliot 201x300
Louise Cohen
Group Leader, Director,
Choreographer		 Em Cohen
Group Leader, Director,
Choreographer		 Elliot Hogben
Group Leader, Stage Manager
Kayley 200x300 Wendie 200x300
Kayley Mabon
Group Assistant		 Wendie Dodd
Group Assistant
Our_Groups_-_Primary_Juniors.jpg

In Secondary Juniors we teach theatre skills, dancing, singing and stage discipline, whilst increasing the children’s confidence. We enable members to learn new skills and achieve their potential in a non-threatening environment, and also provide the opportunity for members to demonstrate their skills through performance.

When: Tuesday Evenings – 7:00pm-8:30pm

Where: The Peace Community Centre

How Much: £10 per month

Meet the Team:

Paul 200x300
Paul Cohen
Group Leader, Director
 
 
Sue 200x300 Aileen 200x300 Kayley 200x300 Janice 200x300
Sue Crosby
Group Assistant		 Aileen O'Toole
Group Assistant		 Kayley Mabon
Group Assistant		 Janice White
Group Assistant
Our_Groups_-_Secondary_Juniors.jpg

In Seniors we focus more on performance skills and giving our members opportunities to gain performance experience.

We perform two major musicals a year, each differing in style and genre to allow our members to gain a vast range of experience in multiple ranges of roles and performance techniques.

When: Tuesday Evenings – 7:00pm-9:00pm

Where: The Peace Community Centre

How Much: £10 per month

Meet the Team:

Louise 200x300 Em 200x300
Louise Cohen
Director		 Em Cohen
Choreographer

 

Our_Groups_-_Seniors.jpg

Music for a Cause (MFAC) was set up in 2011 by Natalie Toole, and is now run by Louise Cohen.

Music for a Cause consists of some members from our senior group, and we entertain by performing around the Bolton area to fundraise for CATS.

We are willing to perform no matter how big or small the event, and will provide anything from 20 minutes to a full evening’s entertainment. We don’t ask for a set fee, just a donation to the CATS Youth Theatre Charity Fund. Please get in touch with us if you would like to arrange a concert.

Meet the team:

Louise 200x300 Simon 201x300 Alan 201x300
Louise Cohen
Co-ordinator, Sound Crew		 Simon White
Sound Crew		 Alan Dodd
Sound Crew
Our_Groups_-_MFAC.jpg

We offer one-to-one LAMDA sessions for our members, with the intention of entering the partaking children for the London Academy of Musical and Dramatic Art Acting examinations. These sessions and examinations are beneficial as they help to unlock the imagination, as well as developing communication skills, refining technical artistry, and allowing the participants to gain some experience with exam conditions.

We have been offering LAMDA sessions since 2007, with a 100% pass rate, and each examination passed adds to the students UCAS points.

Meet the Team:

Paul 200x300
Paul Cohen
LAMDA Coordinator
lamda2.jpg

Success Stories

At CATS Youth Theatre we are very proud of the achievments of some of our former students…

Danny Law
Danny Law
Rebecca Morton
Rebecca Morton
Sammy Bland
Sammy Bland
Rebecca Bolton
Rebecca Bolton
Joseph Foster
Joseph Foster
John Wood
John Wood
Katie Ball
Katie Ball
Kyle Cambray
Kyle Cambray
Lewis Gorse
Lewis Gorse
Josh Little
Josh Little
Scott Unsworth
Scott Unsworth
Nicola Avino
Nicola Avino
Grant Thresh
Grant Thresh
Danny Whitehead
Danny Whitehead
Nell Martin
Nell Martin
Alice Finlay
Alice Finlay
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Testimonials

What parents say...

N. Powell

Lucy has been coming to CATS (and Kittens) for 4 years now, we tried a few drama groups at the time but we instantly loved it here after attending her first Summer School. Lucy used to be so shy but Em and Louise have completely brought her out of her shell and when she performs she is so confident! They have always been amazing! The theatre group is really inclusive and brings out the best of all the children and young people. Thank you for everything x

N. Powell
L. Williams

I used to attend amateur dramatics myself as a child and my nephew attended CATS. I went to see him in some of the shows and they were fantastic. I knew straight away that I wanted my child to attend when she was old enough. Since Josie started Kittens she has grown in her confidence and socialising with other children. She loves dancing, singing and acting and never keeps still now, it also helps to keep her focused. The staff are amazing with the children and I can’t wait for her to move up into the next group which I know she will love just as much. I would highly recommend CATS to any parent for their child.

L. Williams
J. Roberts

My daughter Ellie absolutely loves CATS! CATS has such a family feel and from the moment Ellie started over 2 years ago, she has loved every second. Ellie has made so many friends and gets so excited when its time to perform for her medals or perform on the big stage! We can't thank everyone at CATS enough for all of their hard work and dedication; it truly shows!

J. Roberts
S. Timmins

My daughter had been attending CATS for a little while now, first as a Kitten and now in Primary Juniors. She absolutely loves going to cats and its quite often the highlight of her week. She has grown so much in confidence since she started attending. We love going to see all the shows put on by CATS, they are all so well done. Thank you, for all you do.

S. Timmins
T. Higson

My daughter absolutely loves coming to CATS. She is like a different girl since starting. Her confidence is amazing, and she even shares dances and songs with her friends and family. ALL the staff are brilliant with the kids too. She loves the shows and is so excited when she wakes on a Saturday morning knowing she gets to see her CATS family. Thankyou Louise, Paul & Em (and everyone else involved) for all you do!

T. Higson
L. McKenna

My daughter absolutely loves coming to CATS every week. One week when I picked her up she told me she wanted to live there!

L. McKenna
L. Taylor

CATS has been the best thing that has ever happened to my son. It’s taught him discipline confidence and self-belief. He’s always loved the arts but now he’s become focused on what he wants. He loves it, it’s the highlight of his week. We also go watching the senior shows too as they are always fantastic. The effort the staff make with the children and the way they teach and truly care for the children has never been matched by any other drama school my son has attended. I’m sure he will still be at cats for many years to come. Thanks for everything you do for my lad!!!!

L. Taylor
N. Powell

Lucy absolutely loves her Kittens class and it has really helped her confidence. You guys are brilliant. Thank you 

N. Powell
K. Newton

My daughter Abigail joined CATS when she was 5 now 8 loves it given her lots of confidence and loves doing the shows xx you are doing an amazing job well done 

K. Newton
R. Jones

I have three children who attend CATS, all with very different personalities. CATS is great for building children’s confidence, communication skills and working hard together to put together performances. The team are really dedicated and ensure the children put on great productions. Even my most reluctant child thoroughly enjoys CATS and despite not wanting main parts, is encouraged to participate and this is really beneficial to confidence. All of the experiences CATS provides definitely have a positive impact the children and their lives outside drama. 

R. Jones
G. Turner

My son Charlie is 7 and has attended Kittens for nearly 2 years. Charlie has lots of fun and loves it. His confidence has grown massively, who’d have thought he would be up on a stage performing!!
Amazing 

G. Turner
K. Gradwell

CATS was recommended to us two years ago as a friendly yet professional drama group for Jack who already loved his acting. He has made some great friends, has learnt a lot yet has fun along the way. He hates to miss a session and even tried to leave hospital on the same day he’d had an operation in order to attend! 

K. Gradwell
C. Royle

My daughter joined CATS just a few months ago. She was instantly welcomed to the group and has already made some good friends. She has really enjoyed being part of her first show and learnt lots from the experience.

C. Royle
J. Howcroft

Both my teenagers go to CATS. They have been to other groups but CATS has been the most professional and fun by far. Both have gained confidence in their acting, singing and dancing. So much so they want to make a career out of what they do. Brilliant experience for all age groups.

J. Howcroft
J. Myatt

The difference in my son’s confidence since starting at CATS is amazing. He was a shy, quietly spoken, nervous pupil at school. Less than two years later and he is now a peer buddy, school counsellor and confident in class. This is all down to CATS. He loves attending his Kittens group, and we’ve had to arrange our family holiday around summer school! Thank you so so much for enabling him to shine. My 3 year old can’t wait to attend! She knows most of the songs and dances as she had the Christmas DVD on permanently. She’s often heard saying “when I’m 5, I’m going to CATS aren’t I?!”

J. Myatt
S. Heyes

My daughter has attended Kittens for just over 2 years and absolutely loves it! She has learnt skills in singing, dancing and acting, and through Kittens has an ever increasing circle of friends. CATS Youth Theatre provide a drama experience that is second to none and I would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone! 

S. Heyes
D. Rice

My little girl has been coming to CATS since she was 5, she’s 8 now and she absolutely loves it, she’s made lots of new friends and her confidence has really grown.

D. Rice
V. Smethurst

My daughter has been coming to CATS for nearly 2 years. She enjoys it and thinks it’s really good fun.

V. Smethurst

What CATS members say...

I. Budis

I have been a member of CATS for nine years now, and have taken part in 11 shows and I can honestly say I have loved every second. The people you meet quickly become like a second family, and the confidence you earn by going every week is amazing. You get the chance to perform high standard shows, while learning so many skills and having a fabulous time throughout. Being a part of CATS is brilliant and you definitely won’t regret it!

I. Budis
L. White

Over the last 7 years I’ve been a member of CATS and have been given so many opportunities in performance. I started out in Juniors and moved up to Seniors. I have gained lots of confidence and friends and I now love performing on stage even more! There really is something for everyone, whether you have plenty of experience or very little, everyone is accommodated. If you are interested in performing or just want something fun to do that will give you lots of confidence don’t delay join us!!

L. White
J. Little

I got involved with CATS after watching their outstanding production of Les Miserables in 2005 and was lucky enough to go on to play some fun roles in Disco Inferno and Anything Goes. My favourite show at CATS was being in the ensemble of Steven Schwartz’ Children of Eden.  CATS was a vital part in my training and building my passion for the Arts. I thank Paul, Louise, Jenny, Alan and especially Sheila with her bob on prompting! 

J. Little
K. Shaw

Being a member of CATS youth theatre was a huge part of my childhood and I can’t imagine life without it! The confidence and skills it has given me have enabled me to achieve things I didn’t think I would be capable of and I made friends for life. Paul and Louise are incredible people and I genuinely wish I was young enough to still be a part of it. For anyone thinking about joining – do it, you won’t regret it! 

K. Shaw
H. Meadows

I love coming to CATS because it gives me a great opportunity to build my confidence skills, also I have made some great friends that will last a life time I have been with CATS for 7 years and I have loved every single show! 

H. Meadows
H. Cohen

I have been a Member of CATS for nearly two years. However, have been a part for longer. I have done 1 Junior show, both Summer Schools and two Senior shows and am about to start rehearsing for the next one. CATS is a great way to meet some great people and be a part of some amazing shows. 

H. Cohen
H. Mirza

I have been in cats for 6 years now and I think it is a great hobby to do in my spare time. During rehearsals we go through what we need to do but we can also spend time with our friends. Everyone gets a chance to perform which I think is great because I love to perform.

H. Mirza

Seat Plaques

We are so grateful to all these generous sponsors for purchasing seat plaques. These are displayed on the seats in our theatre. Thank you, you will always be a part of CATS!