Dunfermline: Carnegie Youth Theatre group steps into Limelight Academy

The Carnegie Youth Theatre (CYT) was under threat after returning from the pandemic but its future has now been secured thanks to a former member.

After committee members stepped down with a heavy heart when restrictions had eased, a plea for new blood was made.

Local group Limelight Productions came forward to offer help through its manager and founder, Bobby Mitchell, who had been with CYT in his teens.

He explained: "I have a great deal of affection for CYT. They not only gave me my passion for performance and the theatre arts, which I hold to this day, but my years with CYT also turned out to be quite instrumental in my subsequent founding of Limelight Productions.

"I was afraid that there was the distinct possibility that CYT might not continue as a going concern. As such, I and the team at Limelight entered discussions with the parting CYT committee about becoming formally involved with the group."

Following a number of meetings, it was determined that Limelight Productions would take over the custodianship of CYT, leading to a restructure of the committee and company.

"I was delighted when we were accepted as custodians of this great company," added Bobby.

"Carnegie Youth Theatre is an institution in the youth arts in West Fife and has been the springboard for many young people across the decades to start their careers in the performance arts.

"It would have been such a shame to potentially see the group disappear from the local theatre scene, and we at Limelight are just so pleased and proud to be in a position where we can ensure the legacy continues and that opportunities for young people to develop with CYT are maintained."

Following the move, Carnegie Youth Theatre will become part of the 'Limelight Academy’ and will merge formally with the existing 'Limelight Youth' to become 'Limelight Carnegie Youth Theatre'.

Any young person wishing to join the academy can obtain further details via www.lime-light.co.uk.