DESPITE last Friday being the last day of Gwent Theatre and Education the doors continue to be open for Gwent Young Peoples' Theatre with exciting projects in the pipeline.

The sadness of the day was tinged with some much needed excitement for Gwent Theatre and its supporters who were devastated last year by the announcement that the Arts Council for Wales cut their funding.

A number of campaigns were organised which saw the local community, past and present members of Gwent Theatre and all Gwent MPs and AMs pull together to appeal to the Arts Council to reverse their decision but to little avail.

Speaking to The Chronicle, Artistic Director Gary Meredith said, "Friday was last day for Gwent Theatre and Education, however it is not the end of Gwent Young Peoples' Theatre.

"Although staff have been made redundant Gwent Young Peoples' Theatre will continue and in the future we will seek funding from the Arts Council."

In the meantime, Gwent Young People' Theatre has some exciting developments. Monmouthshire County Council has given the company a grant which, ironically has secured a £30,000 grant from the Arts Council for the youth company

To begin with, the company is working on a project called Light on Broken Glass, involving Abergavenny writer Charles Way, who over 12 months will carry out workshops for the young people which will result in the creation of a play which will be performed inn February 2012 at the Borough Theatre, The Metropole in Abertillery and Blackwood Miners Institute.

Gary said, "This means that we will be working with our counterparts in these areas and the group will perform with these other theatre companies to broaden their outlook and give them experience."

The young peoples' theatre will also been bringing in trainees from designers, directors, musicians, and stage management who will all work alongside the professionals.

Gary added, " This is a new era, a new beginning for Gwent Young Peoples' Theatre.

"We have exciting plans in development that young people are going to benefit from."

Within these plans, the GYPT board is aiming to create a centre of excellence at The Drama Centre in partnership with other local arts companies including Dance Blast, Abergavenny Film Club and Offstage.

A three year training programme will be developed, creating another 14 places, this will enable the company to decrease the waiting list by absorbing them into other classes.

There will also be a mentor scheme where there 16-year-old plus aged group will work alongside the younger children, taking on responsibility as well as passing on their knowledge and advice.

This is all followed by a summer school at the end of year and will result in a qualification equivalent to an A Level.

Gwent Theatre is also aiming to build on relationships with adult education, encouraging adults to add to the skills they already have and work with many people in the community.

Plans are also in progress to create a BTEC performing arts course which in turn can lead on to the Welsh Baccalaureate qualification.

Gary said, "All the elements are there, we're just building on what already exists particularly focusing on young people and a wider inclusion of the community.

"We have deep gratitude to the community throughout the difficult campaign with the Arts Council. We are indebted to all Gwent MPs and AMs. Lynne Neagle AM has been extremely supportive and we are looking forward to their continuing support.

"We have had support from all parties which has led the Arts Council to support us in these projects. We certainly don't intend on going away."

If you would like to be involved with any of these projects contact Gwent Theatre on 01873 853167.