THE Everyman Youth theatre that launched the careers of Ian Hart, David Morrissey and Cathy Tyson is being relaunched.

Under ambitious plans revealed today, it will expand to provide opportunities for young people to develop their skills under Young Communicators, Young Technicians, Young Programmers and Young Directors programmes.

Now named Young Everyman Playhouse (YEP), the scheme aims to put young people aged 11-26 at the heart of the Everyman and Playhouse theatres and enable all aspects of the organisation’s work to become more youth orientated.

Matt Rutter, YEP director, said: “In 2006 the youth theatre had 40 members, today there are 100 Young Actors and this exciting new initiative, which will influence every aspect of the Everyman and Playhouse’s work, will engage with more than 400 young people over the next year across all of the strands.

“YEP will provide them with a rare opportunity gain valuable insight and training in all aspects of theatre and help them gain the skills to become the young cultural leaders of the future.”

The scheme will also will increase accessibility to theatre for young peopleby offering £5 tickets to see shows, regular information on all the activities for young people, give guidance on careers in theatre and offer a chance to meet new people and try new things.

A satellite programme will provide a diverse range of workshops without a waiting list, while community engagement projects will work with groups of young people who may never have experienced theatre before.

When the Everyman’s new building opens next year it will include a dedicated space for youth and community work.

This spring, YEP will produce four performances, including Intimate at Camp and Furnace from February 24-26, You Are Being Watched at Static Gallery from March 10-11 and Illyria by Bryony Lavery in the Playhouse Studio in April.