A PALACE Youth Theatre (PYT) member, who has just received an unconditional offer for her chosen university, is encouraging other youngsters across the borough to get involved with the group.

Becky Exley, who joined the group in 2011, has been offered an unconditional place to De Montfort University to study drama starting in September and believes that the group has helped her achieve her goals and gain confidence.

Becky has been involved in stage productions with the group and has played roles including the Genie in Aladdin and the Beast’s maid in the RSC version of Beauty and the Beast.

She has also helped in the production of various shows as assistant director and stage manager.

She is now encouraging other young people to get involved with the group too.

Becky said: “Over the last eight years, PYT has helped me to be more confident, creative and develop and learn new skills.

"I’ve been given opportunities and I was able to play dream roles, such as Disney’s Genie, that I never thought I’d have.

"As well as being on the stage, I was introduced to stage managing and fell in love with doing it. It’s because of PYT that I now want to learn more about this and potentially do more in the future."

She added: “I believe because of the confidence and skills PYT has given me I was able to secure a place at my top choice university to go on and study later this year.

"The staff are absolutely brilliant and will push you so that you can achieve and reach your full potential."

Liz Tabberer, Youth Theatre and arts officer, said: “We are very proud of Becky and whilst we’ll be sad to see her go, we wish her every success for her future at University.

"The Youth Theatre isn’t just about getting up on stage. Whether they are five of 15, the youth theatre helps children develop skills, team work, confidence, creativity, focus, determination and problem-solving which are all transferrable to the wider world.”

For details about sessions the group runs, including prices, go to redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk/palace-youth-theatre or call 01527 65203.