EARLIER this month (2nd September) saw the young people from the Savoy Youth Theatre Academy and their families attend their annual awards night, which recognises the students’ achievements from the past year.

Director of the academy, Sam Densham, spoke warmly of how academy members had developed, awarding certificates to recognise their achievements.

Members of both the junior and senior groups described some of the projects in which they had been involved and performed improvised work and speeches from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Awards were also given for make-up and costume design, best newcomer, best comedy duo, funniest rehearsal moments and top fundraiser.

The Savoy Youth Theatre Academy Scholarship was awarded to eight-year-old Seren Shaw-Penman, for outstanding commitment and skills.

This will enable Seren to continue working with the Academy and have her fees paid for the coming year.

A special award was given to Rhi Shaw-Penman for her work over the years in helping build and run the youth theatre as she is leaving the area to make a new life in Cheltenham.

Rhi has been involved with the academy for the past 14 years and has been Sam’s right-hand-woman, teaching, directing and performing in her own right.

Look out for members of the Savoy Youth Theatre in Monmouth’s annual pantomime, Aladdin this December/January.

For more information or to join visit www.savoyyouththeatremonmouth.wordpress.com.