About Us
We are the UK Centre of the International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People, known worldwide as ASSITEJ, a network for makers and promoters of professional theatre for young audiences.
Under our local name TYA-UK we offer links to theatres, organisations and individual artists around the world.
Our members and partners in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland deliver, support and promote:
- high quality theatre experiences for all children and young people
- professional development for established and emerging artists
- festivals and conferences
- information about plays, artists, events and trends worldwide
- research into new approaches
We welcome new members as organisations or as individuals. Professional theatre companies of adult performers for young audiences, individual theatre artists working for young audiences, researchers, teachers, theatre venue programmers, parents and people interested in high quality theatre for children and young people are all welcome to join. While many of our members offer related activities, such as youth theatre, drama classes or educational drama programmes, TYA-UK focuses on the promotion and development of professional theatre for young audiences.
The Board of TYA-UK
ASSITEJ (International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People) holds a General Assembly and a Congress every three years. An International Representative for the UK is elected by all UK members to represent the UK abroad.
For most years since the foundation of ASSITEJ in 1965, a UK citizen has served on the Executive Committee of ASSITEJ.
Since 2008, the Chair of TYA-UK Board has been the UK International Representative.
England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales each have two Board places.
Board Members are elected for a three year term, to match the international cycle of ASSITEJ Congresses.
Board Members 2011-2014
Chair and International Representative: Nina Hajiyianni, Artistic Director of Action Transport Theatre
Deputy International Representative: Vicky Ireland MBE
Secretary: Paul McEneaney, Cahoots NI, (Northern Ireland)
Treasurer: Eimear Henry, Executive Director, Replay Theatre, (Northern Ireland)
Steve Ball, Associate Director, Birmingham Repertory Theatre (England)
Katie Boon, Paper Balloon (England)
Paul Fitzpatrick, Catherine Wheels (Scotland)
Sarah Jones, Mess up the Mess (Wales)
Jeremy Turner, Artistic Director, Arad Goch (Wales)
