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Since the beginning of Wolverhampton's Central Youth Theatre back in 1983, nearly 3,000 people have passed through its doors - and many members have gone on to become theatre producers, lighting directors, PAs to famous bands and so on.

To mark the 25th birthday celebrations of one of the UK's longest running youth theatre groups, a massive arts council funded project has been commissioned.

Claire with Boyzone

At the heart of the project is an exhibition featuring 25 former members, looking at what has happened to them since their youth theatre days.

Claire Pearson is one of those featured. She attended the Youth Theatre from 1986 to 1994 and went on to become a Production Assistant for Boyzone.

Working with Boyzone

"I joined because my parents thought I needed bringing out of my shell! I was kinda shy then!"

Claire started working behind the scenes at the Youth Theatre and instantly loved it. She knew that this was what she wanted to go on to do.

"I've worked with lots of 'famous people' but I don't want it to just sound like I'm name dropping!

"I was Boyzone's Production Assistant on their last tour. If they go back on tour I'd like to join them, but it all depends on what other jobs I'm doing and if I'm available - but I'd definitely work with them again as they are great lads.

"I've also worked on Live Eight and Live Earth, so that covers most of the entertainment industry in itself."

Light spectacular

"I've just been working on WWE and I'm due to go out on a Live tour soon – I can't really mention which tour until I've done it. You get fans quoting my name as a reference to get backstage - trust me fans will find any info and use it!

"I know quite a few people in the industry who've been through the Central Youth Theatre.

"Stephen Abbiss is a Lighting Designer for many bands. Sometimes we meet on tours we're doing. Tim Routledge is also an LD – he's worked for Elton John amongst others."

Tim Routledge is the guy who sat it in the red bus next to David Beckham, programming the lighting for London's contribution to the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. The photo of him above is when he was the Lighting Programmer for the Classical Spectacular concert at the Albert Hall London.

Stephen Abbis at a Fat Boy Slim concert

Past members don't just work in the music industry. Liz Griffiths works on films. She's worked on Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead and Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging.

Theatre producer Edmund O'Driscoll is currently touring productions of 'Allo 'Allo and Dad's Army, while Ian Connop is the stage manager at the National Theatre.

"Most of the people who've 'made it' from the Youth Theatre are from my generation," said Claire. "I suppose we're all at a certain age, so at a certain stage in our careers."

Wolverhampton's home

A lot of the time Claire is away from home (she still lives in Wolverhampton) is spent on a tour bus and you get the feeling although she loves her job, she's always happy to get back home.

"I realised a long time ago that it didn't matter where you lived, so I stayed in Wolverhampton. It's where my family is and where Central Youth Theatre is, and trust me I go back to CYT on a regular basis and whenever there’s a big project, if I'm around I love getting involved. Most people never really leave CYT they just have to do other things in between!"

Stephen Sutton, Stadium Manager at Molineux

Another former members of CYT who was photographed for the 25th anniversary project is Steven Sutton who is the Stadium Manager at Molineux Football Club. However not all members go on to work in the entertainment industry. David Smith is now an ear, nose and throat specialist at Cardiff University Hospital!

All of the former members are grateful to founder Jane Ward. Claire said:

"Without Jane Ward there would be no such place as Central Youth Theatre. The time and dedication she gives to it is outstanding, she deserves a medal!"

Sarah Bond of Arts Council England said: "Central Youth Theatre empowers young people to get involved in all aspects of managing and producing high-quality theatre. The Arts Council believes that their experiences will help them to develop artistic skills and cultural understanding, and also encourage the development of their talents in other aspects of their lives.

"We're delighted to support this project, which we hope will offer a unique opportunity to document and celebrate the impact Central Youth Theatre has had on the lives and careers of previous members."

Jane Ward

On canvass, on radio, on film

The 25th Birthday Celebrations received £35, 000 in funding from the Arts Council to not only produce a photographic exhibition, but also residential workshops for current and former members, a radio play and series of careers lectures from selected alumni.

Three short films, dealing with each decade of the Youth Theatre's existence, will be produced and developed pending further funding.

The photographic exhibition created by West Midlands photographer Kate Green and new artist Rhiannon Worgan, "Look at Me Now", can be seen from 17th June – 19th August at the Grand Theatre Wolverhampton.