National Children's Theatre
Johannesburg Youth Theatre Trust
With the founding and formalisation of the Johannesburg Youth Theatre Trust (JYT) as a non-profit educational theatre trust, in 1989 /90, and Joyce Levinsohn's appointment as Executive Director came the recognition of the Johannesburg City Council, which granted the Trust a 50-year lease on a heritage site in Parktown, Johannesburg. Two historic houses on a property, which is situated on all major bus and taxi routes fulfilled Joyce's dream of providing all of Gauteng's children, irrespective of socio economic circumstances, with an easily accessible theatre environment in which creative energies are channelled to encourage cognitive development, life skills and literacy.
Under the direction of the undisputed doyenne and forerunner of children's theatre in South Africa, JYT has consistently delivered an imaginative year-round repertoire.
The National Children's Theatre Trust
In 1990 the Johannesburg Youth Theatre Trust) was renamed the National Children's Theatre Trust (NCTT) with Joyce Levinsohn still its Artistic Director.
The National Children's Theatre
The National Children's Theatre (NCTT) has its own theatre at 3 Junction Avenue, Parktown and presents stage adaptations of classics, contemporary plays and educational theatre to the acclaim of critics and joy of audiences. Well-loved stories, fantastic characters, beautiful sets and costumes come together to bring the magic of theatre to thousands of children from all socio-economic backgrounds.
In 2004 the NCT reached over 3 million viewers during live performances and television appearances. The NCT is rooted in the belief that earlier experiences with the arts will have profoundly positive effects on the development of children and ultimately, their participation in the life of their communities.
The NCT's reputation is built on a history of staging a variety of classic children's literature, as well as teaching vital interactive life-skills through theatre-in-education programmes and theatre workshops.
The NCT has formed valuable partnerships with schools, various homes, and welfare organisations.
