York Theatre Royal has launched a campaign to raise £500,000 to help pay for its biggest upgrade in 50 years. Today, The Press publishes the latest in an occasional series of columns by writers explaining what the theatre means to them.

I HAVE been a member of Project D at York Youth Theatre for about three months and I look forward to it every Saturday. I’d even say it’s one of the highlights of my week.

However, on my first day at the drama club, I was a tiny bit nervous because most things were new to me. I didn’t think I would know anyone there, but to my surprise I actually did.

But, even if I hadn’t, I would have been fine because the activities meant I had fun with new people. By the end of my first session I’d made quite a few new friends.

The members of Youth Theatre are kind and caring. For example, the instructors and the children always encourage you to do your best and to have fun.

At the start of each session, we normally play a few great games, which I love. For instance, ball games, running games or games which involve creativity and teamwork.

But occasionally we write out some drama phrases or make up actions from words off a sheet of paper.

It didn’t take me long before I knew what was happening and all about Youth Theatre.

My best memory in Youth Theatre was when we went to see a show at the Theatre Royal and this term the production was called Where The White Stops.

I really enjoyed it because it was full of physical drama, which is what we had been learning about and practising all term.

The story was about a girl named Crab and she wanted to see if she could go where nobody had been before.

Crab did go where she was wishing to go and she found out all about what the ‘white’ was. The ‘white’ was simply snow, and in it lived a beast which kept coming onto the stage.

Usually, it was driven away by Crab and her friends. Even though the ending was a little confusing, I still thought the performance was magical. I’m sure other people would have loved it too.

Youth Theatre is always great fun. Personally, I think Project D could not be better.

By Beth Eaton, Youth Theatre member

• York Theatre Royal is fundraising for a £4.1 million redevelopment, taking place in 2015. There is still £213,000 left to raise to ensure the theatre can be enjoyed by future generations for years to come. For more information, please visit www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/donate

Donate to the Theatre Royal Capital Project now by texting YTRC15 £5 or YTRC15 £10 to 70070