What is a Priority Booker and how do I become one?
As a priority booker you are automatically allocated a date for each of our tours. You will be informed of the date at least 3 months prior to the tour, so plenty of time to get the date in the diary. To become a Priority Booker, follow the link to the Priority Booking page and send us your details.
I would be interested to work with Theatr Iolo as a performer / technician / designer etc. How should I apply?
We cast through casting agents and by association. However, you can send in your CV, photo and a cover letter at any time and we will keep your details on file and contact you if we think you might be suitable for something. This can be sent by email to info@theatriolo.com or to Kevin Lewis, Artistic Director, Theatr Iolo, Old School Building, Cefn Road, Mynachdy, Cardiff, CF14 3HS
I would be interested to do a work placement / work experience with Theatr Iolo. Who should I write to?
You are welcome to send your CV and cover letter explaining your interest and availability for a work placement to Kerry Shelley, Tour Administrator. Please note that we are often not able to offer work placements though we endeavour to try to accommodate people where possible. Work experience placements are usually booked through your school or Careers Wales.
Can I interview Kevin Lewis or anyone else? Can I come and watch a rehearsal?
Kevin is happy to hold interviews, but please do be aware that Kevin Lewis has a very busy schedule. Other people may be available and you will need to contact the office to make an appointment. You may well discover that many of the interview questions that you have in mind have been answered on the pages of this website, and also see the reading list in the FAQ section for some ideas. Please note that all our rehearsals are closed to maintain intimacy and focus.
I am doing some research and would like to know more about Theatr Iolo.
You will find general information about the company on the About Us page on this website. Archival information and reviews can also be accessed here. Please see Company Information FAQs below for other information.
I have exhausted all of these resources and still have more questions! What shall I do now?
Email or write to us, making your questions as specific as possible, and we will do our best to help. Please note that we are a very small administrative team and, at busy times, we may not be able to respond as quickly as we would like to.
Company Information
When was the company first started?
There has been a children’s theatre company on the premises in Mynachdy for over 30 years. The first company, Action Pie, was a Theatre-in-Education company founded by John Prior (who is currently a Trustee of the company) and one of the first company members was Glenys Evans (Education Officer). Theatr Iolo was registered as a limited company in 1987 and is committed to creating high quality theatre for children and young people, working with teachers and advisors in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan to ensure our work is relevant to our schools. We are a recipient of the coveted Beacon Award for excellence.
What is the structure of the company?
There are six permanent staff who create the team that carries out the day-to-day running and organisation of the company. Final responsibility for all matters rests with the Board of Trustees, a group of volunteers committed to the work and ethos of Theatr Iolo. The company also employs a number of freelance artistic personnel on short term contracts. The company fully believes in the empowerment of individuals to contribute and influence the work of the company, and welcomes everyone to put forward ideas for improvement that will be introduced into the discussions of the core company.
How many shows does the company produce each year?
The company normally produces four productions in each year, performing to nursery, infants, junior and secondary age groups. Every third year, the company produces a Welsh-language piece that tours throughout South-east Wales, taking this in turn with Spectacle and Gwent Theatres. Theatr Iolo is committed to finding plays from around the world to bring the highest quality theatre to our audience. The company has commissioned new plays and devised performances but is also keen to find and develop plays that often have had only one performance run.
Where does the company perform?
Most of our performances take place in schools in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan although the company has also performed in a number of venues and children’s theatre festivals across the UK, Europe as well as Russia and Macedonia.
How many performances do you give?
On average, the company gives 180 performances to over 13,000 children each year. Performances in schools are usually limited to a maximum of 60 children to ensure they have an intimate and effective experience of theatre. Performances to early years take place in the classroom to one class of approximately 30 children. Our revenue funding allows us to keep costs to schools very low, and the school pays only £60 per performance. The company also works with schools to make our visit as easy as possible, making every attempt to make our productions accessible to all schools in our area.
How do I see a Theatr Iolo performance?
Performances in schools are not open to the public, however we usually do at least one public performance during each production tour. The tour schedule is available on the website pages of current productions.
Where is Theatr Iolo based?
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Theatr Iolo, The Old School Building, Cefn Road, Mynachdy, Cardiff, CF14 3HS