Parsnips Youth Theatre

Parsnips Youth Theatre PYT has now been running since September 2001 in Leicestershire and Rutland.

The group prides itself on being a fun and friendly environment for young actors to hone their talent, meet new friends, and have fun.

18/08/2026

Explore our development pathway for emerging theatre-makers.

23/07/2026

JOB VACANCY: YOUTH THEATRE ASSISTANT

We are seeking a dynamic Youth Theatre Assistant to join our team. The Youth Theatre Assistant is key in helping to lead our Youth Theatre Workshops, held on Saturday mornings during term times. They also assist in the direction and production of the annual Youth Theatre Show held in April or May.

They are proactive, creative and organised, and able to work closely with the Youth Theatre Leader to deliver engaging workshops and activities for 8-18 year olds. They are instrumental in creating a welcoming, safe and positive environment for young people to develop and have a rewarding experience. They are an effective communicator, liasing with children, parents/guardians and theatre/production staff.

A successful candidate would have proven experience working with children in a professional creative environment or similar teaching assistant type experience. They would have experience as a theatre practitioner or teacher. And they would have a good knowledge of safeguarding and championing the wellbeing of attendees.

Rate of Pay: £14.50 to £16.00 per hour, based on experience.

The full job description can be found on our website:
https://thelittletheatre.co.uk/vacancies

To apply, send a CV and cover letter to [email protected]

Deadline: 23:59 on Sunday 2nd August 2026

And we’re done… and boy did the Tuesday group take us out in style!! An absolutely phenomenal performance from a stunnin...
07/06/2026

And we’re done… and boy did the Tuesday group take us out in style!! An absolutely phenomenal performance from a stunning group - I am so lucky that I get to share a space with you!! What a ride this has been. Four incredible audiences, three ‘bursting with pride’ directors, two sensational casts, one bonkers play and a lot of happy tears. Thank you to everyone who made this possible (we in no way do these shows alone). Our lovely chaperones, Lisa, Sharon, Owen and Pam - what wonderful people you are! The technical wizards that are Tony R, Tony W, Luke and Peter - we are so eternally grateful! The backstage crew who kept the whole show running smoothly and are the unsung heroes - Imogen, Esmae and Summer (absolute legends). The magical Harborough Theatre who welcome us so warmly and are so kind in everything they do to help us make this a true theatrical experience. The amazingly brilliant Grover and the whole set team who built this sensational set that brought the whole show to life - there simply are no words. And to Becky, Simon and the two casts - thank you. It’s not enough to express how I feel, how special you are or how much this has meant to me, but thank you. X

What an emotional final performance for the Wednesday group!! I’m all full of the feels ❤️ What a gorgeous, kind, talent...
06/06/2026

What an emotional final performance for the Wednesday group!! I’m all full of the feels ❤️ What a gorgeous, kind, talented and professional group of young people who absolutely nailed their final show. It was a privilege to be a part of your story! A massive thank you to our tech, chaperones, set builders, prop team and the magical Harborough Theatre for all you do to help us tell stories and have fun. But the most emotional part for me was watching two former Parsnips, Becky and Simon, direct this show, nurture their cast and be such an inspiration to me and all the Parsnips. You pair are something else!!! Really can’t wait to see the Tuesday group soon for our final performance of the season as we approach our 25th year running. Love you all!!! X

Simon and I are so looking forward to the summer scheme at Harborough Theatre this year!! We would so love to see any of...
05/06/2026

Simon and I are so looking forward to the summer scheme at Harborough Theatre this year!! We would so love to see any of you lovely 8 - 12 year old Parsnips there if you fancy a week with us devising some original theatre in this magical place! It would also be fabulous to meet some brand new people, so feel free to share with anyone you feel would be interested. Let’s create some new stories together!! 🎭❤️

04/06/2026

And it’s show time… again 😁 So excited for the first night of “The Keeper of the Fairytales” with the sensational Tuesday group (and can’t wait to see the Wednesday group tomorrow). If you fancy a magical night at the theatre, we would love to welcome you to our fairytale adventure!! The cast are superb and it’s a ton of fun. Tickets available on the door for tonight (cash only) and online for the next three performances. Please be aware there are two casts so do check before booking if you are coming to see a particular actor. Best. Job. Ever! ❤️

We would love to invite any Rutland based, curious young people to come along for a free trial at our Uppingham groups t...
01/06/2026

We would love to invite any Rutland based, curious young people to come along for a free trial at our Uppingham groups this term!

Parsnips is a rare opportunity in life, to play, learn and practice the creative process. Run by Claire and Ria (That's me), who both get deep pleasure from seeing young people be themselves, explore with abandon and make friends at the same time, while having a heap of fun.

For those children who need to know what to expect...
We start our sessions with a sit together to discuss our week, you can just listen or join in - we don't mind.
This (sometimes slowly) improves confidence to speak as yourself as part of a group and teaches respectful listening.
Then we play some games that are fun and silly but teach precious skills such as teamwork, quick thinking and focus.
Then we will work on an exercise together that introduces one of the skills of being on stage.
Then we split into small groups and the members are given a starting point to work from, they then devise their own little sketch to show to the small audience. There is no pressure to perform, you're welcome to have a non speaking role, or to help the group create their piece as a director if you prefer. The focus is on loosening the mind and working together. Claire and I are always there to help if you get stuck.

The young people in the audience are then encouraged to feedback to the performing group with kindness and support, encouraging them with positive comments, while noticing areas that could be improved by using a particular theatrical skill. So you're learning what looks good on stage even when you're only watching and learning to manage your communication to be well received. Practicing hearing constructive criticism in a supportive environment also makes for more relaxed performers (and people!)

Kindness and support is at the heart of Parsnips ethos. Everyone gets to be exactly who they are and are celebrated for being just that.

Come and meet our friendly, off beat, enthusiastic family for a free trial, to see if you would like to play..


Email Lisa for any more details - we would love to see you.

Well we don’t sit still for long at Parsnips!! After an incredible run of “Working Title” (which was amazing) - we are n...
18/05/2026

Well we don’t sit still for long at Parsnips!! After an incredible run of “Working Title” (which was amazing) - we are now throwing ourselves into our next fabulous show “The Keeper of the Fairytales”. The cast are simply wonderful and we would love to welcome you along to join us on this magical adventure. Tickets are on sale now and we’d love to see you there!!

The Keeper of the Fairytales:
Step into a world where stories come alive and legends are turned upside down! Join the Keeper, the guardian of all fairy tales, and their delightfully daft assistant, Bonkers, as disaster strikes. When Bonkers clumsily drops the ancient book of fairytales, beloved heroes and villains are flung into each other’s worlds. The Keeper and Bonkers must travel to Fairytale Land to put things right. But trouble is brewing. The notorious Big Bad Wolf takes advantage of the pandemonium. With the Wolf stirring up rebellion, can the Keeper and Bonkers restore order before our favourite stories are lost forever?

(Please note that there are two casts performing this play on different nights. If you are coming to see a particular student, do double check the performance they will be appearing in before booking)

Address

Market Harborough

Opening Hours

Monday 4:30pm - 6:30pm
7pm - 9pm
Tuesday 4:15pm - 6:15pm
Wednesday 5pm - 9pm
Thursday 4:15pm - 6:15pm

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