2010 applications for the National Youth Theatre Auditions and Technical Interviews are now open! The National Youth Theatre will be auditioning for the 2010/11 company in February 2010. They are accepting applications from all young people nationwide to join the company’s prestigious acting and technical departments for what promises to be their most exciting year to date.
Matt Lucas, award-wining comedian, actor and NYT alumnus, said:
“The National Youth theatre greatly contributed to my own love of acting – it gave me heaps of confidence and a belief in myself and my abilities. It’s just brilliant that this innovative organization exists and so many young people involved will get to enjoy the long-term benefits.”
The NYT offers young people the chance to work together in a professional environment, giving them artistic and technical skills as well as the invaluable experience of working as part of a dedicated team. Initial applications are invited for acting, costume, lighting and sound, scenery and prop making and stage management courses. Membership is open to anyone between the ages of 13 – 21 for acting applicants and 16 – 21 for technical applicants. Everyone who applies will be offered an interview or audition, regardless of previous experience.
Will Wheeler from Salisbury attended an acting course this summer and said, “I had an amazing two weeks with the NYT, it was the most diverse, energetic, and thrilling time of my life. I am really excited about future performances and work with the National Youth Theatre. Britain is lucky to have such an amazing organisation for young
people.”
All acting applicants take part in a fun, informal workshop-based audition before giving their individual audition. Technical applicants will have an informal interview, where they will get the chance to show any previous work should they wish to.
Daniel Craig is one of many illustrious past NYT members. Others include Sir Derek Jacobi, Matt Lucas and David Walliams (Little Britain), Catherine Tate, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jamie Theakston, Jessica Hynes, Orlando Bloom, Max Minghella, Harry Melling, Dame Helen Mirren, Sir Ben Kingsley, Jack Peñate, Timothy Spall, Liza Tarbuck, Ian
McShane, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Kate Adie, Rosamund Pike, Krishnan Guru Murthy, David Suchet, Douglas Hodge, Ed Westwick and Paula Wilcox.
The National Youth Theatre has the reputation for producing exceptional and innovative theatre that breaks convention and excites audiences. This year, as part of our 2009 Season: First Timers, National Youth Theatre has produced a series of inventive projects for the stage, outdoor site-specific locations around the UK and online. Each performance has celebrated First Timers past and present. From the first female Muslim leader, from a girl’s first boob job, to a boy’s first stag night to the first UK Flight, it has been a season of Firsts showcasing the best of Britain’s young talent.
National Youth Theatre on IdeasTap – their new online creative partner – has also taken off this year having produced eight interactive projects especially designed to encourage young people interested in the arts to pursue their passion for new writing, filming and digital media. The company’s first online drama, Casino 52, written by
company members is in production this autumn.
In addition to this, Talking to Bryon and Drama Across Boundaries were two creative learning pilot projects, that toured schools across the country to promote cultural exchange and to raise awareness of the affects of knife crime amongst young people.
Applications can be made online by visiting www.nyt.org.uk or alternatively, forms are available from The Auditions Department, The National Youth Theatre, 443 – 445 Holloway Road, London, N7 6LW, 020 7281 3863.
For postal applications, completed Application Forms should be returned by Monday 4 th January 2010 with the £30 application fee (cheque payable to National Youth Theatre). Online applications will close on Friday 15 th January 2010.
hi my name is stef and im 12yrs old I already go to dance and singing lessons (ballet level 3,jazz,modern +musical theatre level 2)and im already learning point work i had been doing drama at dance classes to but in september i was accepted on a level 2 btec course in performing arts at merthyr college on my 12th birthday please could you tell me if you have ever accepted anyone at 12 before and would it be worth me applying for the youth theatre. i am very tall for my age 5ft 4in which makes me look older my ambition is to act/dance but i suffer withJIA its a form of athritis and it could later on affect my dance so im looking towards an acting career i am fully mobile at present and i dont let my condition get in my way just ask mum when im dancing and acting my way around the living room! iv told mum what iv asked you so she does know and has told me that i must follow my dream like she followed hers (she teaches judo) love steffi x
Hi Stef, I’m afraid that we can’t pass your question on to the National Youth Theatre. I suggest that you contact them yourself on info@nyt.org.uk. I’m afraid I don’t think it’s likely that they would accept someone at 12. Good luck with your ambitions, though, you sound very determined and that is half the battle!