00:00So we're doing our house, we're doing a run-through of our house, so we're a week away from the show, so all hands on deck to get it.
00:08Confidence is one of the most important traits we hope young people will develop, and for many, the arts can be a catalyst.
00:16According to a report by the Cultural Learning Alliance, young people who take part in arts activities are twice as likely to report high levels of self-esteem.
00:27In Bristol, rehearsals are underway for our house, the Madness Musical, a high-energy story about choices and identity.
00:36And, while it's just a musical on the surface, it's also a place where teenagers are growing into themselves.
00:43So I'm currently in midway through my GCSEs, and this has been such a great escape from revision.
00:49It's been a good few hours of content, it's fun, it's energizing, and it's just been such a fun time.
00:54It's a daunting experience, but for many young people, it's also transformative.
00:59A study by Arts Council England found that participation in theatre builds verbal confidence and communication skills.
01:07That matters not just for performers, but for future job interviews, presentations, and even friendships.
01:15It's 100%, yeah.
01:16So, like, I joined when I was 12, I'm 14 now, and I, you know, was small and just a bit shy, but now, you know, I'm confident and more confident anyway, yeah.
01:27Well, I think especially since we've just had our exams for end of year, it's just such, like, a way to cool off and have fun and relax and spend time with friends,
01:34but still doing something amazing and fun, like acting and performing on this musical.
01:38It's really good. I love it.
01:40It's, like, a youth company with theatre people, and it's all about the community and the kids who are here,
01:47and it's really wonderful, the adults, too.
01:50So, yes, love it.
01:52For young people involved in theatre, learning to collaborate is as valuable as learning lines.
01:57Data from the National Foundation for Educational Research shows that arts engagement improves teamwork and resilience,
02:06skills employers rate highly.
02:08I've learned through doing Bayles Youth is to be just not sorry for anything, just be yourself, be confident,
02:15and as, like, Will and people always tell us, be strong and wrong.
02:18I think it builds a lot of confidence, and I think what I think the most important thing for me joining was that I built a lot of friendships,
02:23because I was having a rough time socially before I joined, and I've made, like, amazing lifelong breads here
02:28and some of the closest bonds I've had in my whole life.
02:29Yeah, well, I've learned to, sort of, be confident and be able to, sort of, like, express myself through, sort of, like, theatre.
02:39And tell me a little.
02:40It's honestly amazing. Words cannot describe it.
02:43Every Monday, every Sunday, it's the only thing I look forward to.
02:46I'm doing GCSEs at the moment, and it's what keeps me going, 100%,
02:51because you know you need that balance with school and with work.
02:55You need something that you enjoy, and this has been it for me.
02:58It's been so, so good.
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