The prestigious and pioneering National Youth Theatre (NYT) have this month announced dates for a host of free UK-wide community auditions…
Following auditions which took place last weekend in London more auditions are to be held in London, Birmingham, Bristol, Newcastle, Manchester, Glasgow and Leeds, the auditions are open to all young people aged 14-25, and disabled young people up to the age of 30.
NYT Auditions offer a relaxed audition environment where participants can get a sense of what it’s like to be part of the NYT community and what courses are best suited to them. Auditionees will also have the chance to ask questions and meet like-minded creatives from across their city.
Double 2023 Scottish BAFTA Winner and recent NYT REP Graduate Lauren Lyle said: “National Youth Theatre changed my life. I still use the things I learnt there every day. There’s nothing else like it.”
Auditions in London will take place at the National Youth Theatre’s home in Holloway with previous London members including Rosamund Pike, Rafe Spall, Joe Cole, Zawe Ashton, Paapa Essiedu, Shiv Jalota and William Gao. NYT Patron, Daniel Craig said “I literally owe my career to the National Youth Theatre”.
Glasgow auditions will take place at The Brian Cox Studio at The Boardwalk and local alumni include double-winner at the 2023 Scottish BAFTAs Lauren Lyle. Birmingham auditions at Birmingham BOA Stage and Screen Academy where NYT alumni include David Harewood. Auditions in Bristol are at 1532 Performance Arts Centre where alumni include Joel Dommett. Newcastle auditions take place at Northern Stage with graduates including Andrea Riseborough and Gina McKee and Manchester auditions are held at the Contact Theatre where previous local members have included Julie Hesmondhalgh and Paula Wilcox. A Leeds weekend will have further details announced shortly.
Free Backstage interviews are also open online and in person for young people aged 16-25 interested in roles behind the scenes in Costume, Lighting, Scenic Construction, Sound and Stage Management. Dates and more information can be found at www.nyt.org.uk/backstage
For full information and to register, visit nyt.org.uk/auditions. EastEnders star Shiv Jalota said: “It has given me the strength to realise that if you want to perform or be backstage or behind the camera, to just go for it. Fail, make mistakes but learn and be present in the moment, that’s so important for any actor coming into it and that is what the NYT has taught me.”
Established in 1956 as the world’s first youth theatre, NYT produces ambitious theatrical productions in local communities, on leading global stages and in unusual spaces across the UK and beyond. National Youth Theatre is a creative home for young storytelling talent. Inclusion is at NYT’s heart and its members come from a wide range of backgrounds and all around the UK. Global stars who started their journey with the charity include Ed Sheeran, Daniel Craig, Helen Mirren, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rosamund Pike, Olly Alexander, Matt Smith, Vanessa Kirby, Zawe Ashton and many more.
Paul Roseby OBE, CEO & Artistic Director of National Youth Theatre; “We welcome all young people to this year’s auditions, especially those with zero previous experience. We are a home for young storytellers, on stage, on screen and behind the scenes. We invite young people to come and tell their stories with us. Without the next generation of young talent there’s no talent pipeline or thriving creative industries – so we need you!”
Auditions:
London – National Youth Theatre
Glasgow – The Boardwalk
Birmingham – BOA Stage & Screen Academy
Bristol – 1532 Performing Arts Centre
Newcastle – Northern Stage
Manchester – Contact Theatre
Leeds – February Weekend Sign Up Here
