As part of our #PlayaLeadRole Kickstarter fundraising appeal, we’ve been asking young people to tell us what impact youth theatre has had on their lives. Over to Lily Intihar, a current Strange Town youth theatre member:

I joined Strange Town youth theatre when I was 10 years old. By that point I had wanted to be an actress for four years and didn’t believe that I could ever achieve it. Five years on, I believe that I can do it. That is all thanks to joining the youth theatre. Youth theatre has presented me with so many invaluable opportunities and skills that I could not gain from anywhere else. It has taught me very important lessons about working in a theatre – allowing me to perform in shows at a professional theatre space. One of the biggest benefits I have gained is becoming friends with the most accepting people I know, who I now consider to be my second family. One of the things I struggled with growing up was being able to be myself around people. But joining Strange Town youth theatre has provided me with a safe space where I can be myself and I will not be judged. Overall, youth theatre has changed so many aspects of my life in such a positive way.

You can play a lead role in transforming young lives by backing Scotland’s National Festival of Youth Theatre 2017 at www.kickstarter.com until 23 June 2017.