Joining YESPA

Ultimately musical theatre is FUN! Our young performers experience the joy of working hard to achieve high standards of performance which in turn entertain and captivate our audiences. It is easy to join YESPA and there are no auditions in order to become a member. Members are welcome to attend all of our Weekend Workshops and social events, and to attend an audition to be part of our summer production.

If you love theatre and like the idea of being part of something fun and memorable then join us at YESPA.

YESPA welcomes children and young adults aged 11 to 21, with a limited number of places available for confident performers aged 8 to 10.

Membership starts at £10 per year for those aged 8 to 17, and for anyone aged 18 or over who is in full-time education. For members aged 18 and over who are not in full-time education, the annual fee is £15. Family membership is available for £25 per year and covers two or more family members living at the same address.

Membership runs on a calendar year basis from January to December. Existing members are required to renew their membership on January 1st each year. However, if you join between September and December (after the summer production has taken place), your membership will remain valid through to December 31st of the following year.

Complete our Youth Membership form here. 

YESPA offer some of the most competitive acting fees in order to make our productions as accessible to as many young people as possible.

Age 11 - 21 years | £210 (50% due 22nd April, 50% due 22nd June)
Age 8 - 10 years | £195 (50% due 22nd April, 50% due 22nd June)
2nd sibling/family member (over 10 years only) | £190

Show Contract will be delivered to you by email: 21st March

Withdrawal Policy

Before 22nd April, no fees retained
Between 23rd April and 22nd June - 50% of show fees retained
After 22nd June - 100% of show fees retained

YESPA's Weekend Workshops are designed to teach new performing arts skills in acting, singing and dancing. Held on selected Sundays, these sessions are all-day events, from 10am – 4pm, and are led by industry professionals as well as our own YESPA creative team.

​Our workshops are open to all YESPA members, whether they wish to take part in our summer production or not.

Due to high demand, workshop places must be booked and paid for 1 x month in advance of the workshop date. Places are limited so early booking is advised.

More details will follow but "Save the Dates" are as follows...

2025

Sun March 16th   | 10am - 3pm - Stagecraft Tools & Tips
Sun October   | 10am - 4pm - date and activity to be confirmed

Workshop fees are between £25 and £35 for a 5 or 6 hour day, depending on the skill being trained and the number of attendees the trainer will accept per session.

YESPA believes that young people should have the opportunity to engage with the arts without financial constraint. A variety of bursaries are available for those who would be unable to take part without financial assistance. Enquiries and Applications can be emailed in confidence to Ali Bond at: ali.bond@blueyonder.co.uk. Applications need not be sent in until after the auditions have taken place and you have received an invitation to join the cast of the show, but Ali is available for a chat about bursaries before the auditions or indeed at any time.  When applying for a bursary, an indication of the approximate amount you would like to apply for would be helpful.  We will help as much as we can depending on the number of applicants and the funds available.

Eddie and Mary Waller Bursary (£50)

Eddie and Mary Waller held a deep commitment to the arts in Reigate and Banstead Borough over several decades. Their particular interest was in encouraging youth participation. They both held the position of Joint Presidents of The Opera Club of Reigate and Redhill until Mary’s death in 2009. Eddie continued in the role until 2014 when the Opera Club merged with ESOS to form ESOSOC. Together with Fred Harrison, Eddie was appointed Joint President of ESOSOC and remained in this role until his death in 2016.

​Eddie and Mary Waller have bequeathed to YESPA a bursary to be awarded annually to a young person who wishes to participate in YESPA workshops and/or the summer show but who would be unable to do so without financial assistance.

Fred Harrison Bursary (100% of show fees)

YESPA is delighted to launch the Fred Harrison Bursary in memory of and with gratitude to our much loved late ESPA Productions President who died in 2022. Fred supported the arts in the borough in numerous ways and had a special place in his heart reserved for ESPA Productions. His greatest wish was that young people from all walks of life should be able to enjoy the musical theatre hobby that had given him so much joy over many years.

This bursary is for disadvantaged families and is administered by Trustees of a third party charity. The decision on eligibility for an award is made at the discretion of the Trustees not by the YESPA Leadership team, but we are very happy to put forward and support deserving applications.

Applicants must be:

• 18 years and under

• Living or at school in the Reigate and Banstead Borough

• Able to provide evidence of hardship (e.g. UC statements, Benefits statements, PIP etc).

The YESPA Hardship Bursary (Various amounts from £60)

For those who would not be able to take part without financial support. An indication of the amount you are applying for would be helpful.

Bursary application deadline: 2025 season | Sun 16th February 2025

Discounts for Students and self-supporting 18-21 year olds

If you are a student, or an adult aged 18 or older in a low-income job who no longer receives financial support from your parents then you are eligible to apply for a show fees discount.  To do this please request a conversation with Ali Bond and she will discuss your situation with you and let you know what might be possible. Email her at: ali.bond@blueyonder.co.uk