Mel Giedroyc has been announced as the Patron of the newly established Yvonne Arnaud Youth Theatre in Guildford.
The new initiative builds on the venue’s existing Young Company, with a renewed focus on expanding opportunities for young people and improving access to the arts.
Surrey-born Giedroyc has long supported the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, including hosting fundraising events, and will now play a key role in championing the Youth Theatre’s mission.
Mel said: “I’m truly honoured to have been invited to be a Patron of the Yvonne Arnaud Youth Theatre, whose commitment to supporting young people often overlooked by society is incredibly inspiring, especially with half of its places offered through bursaries to ensure real accessibility.
“I strongly believe the arts are essential for fostering creativity, confidence, emotional well-being, and self-expression, while also helping to bridge inequality and reduce anxiety. The work the Arnaud does in the community is life-changing”.
The Youth Theatre will formally launch in the autumn term, initially for ages 13 to 16, with plans to expand to additional groups in the future.
Half of all places will be offered through free bursaries, ensuring wider access for young people who may otherwise face barriers to participation.
In the past year alone, more than 6,500 people have engaged with the Yvonne Arnaud’s Creative Learning activities, highlighting the growing demand for accessible arts opportunities in the region.
Rhiannon Fisher, Head of Creative Learning, said: “We are so excited to have Mel as the Youth Theatre’s Patron. Not only is she hugely creative, she has a genuine understanding and appreciation of the many positive benefits Youth Theatre can bring to the lives of children and young people. Mel brings bucket loads of empathy to the role and is the kind of grown up that young people can learn from but also relate to. We can’t wait to work with her on championing access to the arts at the Yvonne Arnaud.”
The programme forms part of the theatre’s wider commitment to breaking down barriers to arts participation and supporting young people’s creativity, confidence and wellbeing.
More information can be found here.
