Established in 1956 as the world’s first youth theatre, National Youth Theatre (NYT) produces ambitious theatrical productions in local communities, on leading global stages and in unusual spaces across the UK and beyond. This Spring, the prestigious and pioneering NYT has announced dates for a host of free UK-wide community auditions.
Taking place 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 aged 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 likeminded creatives from across their city.
NYT is a creative home for young storytelling talent with inclusion at its heart with members coming from a wide range of backgrounds and all around the UK. Global stars who started their journey with the charity include Ed Sheeran, Helen Mirren, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rosamund Pike, Olly Alexander, Matt Smith, Vanessa Kirby, Zawe Ashton and many more including NYT patron Daniel Craig who said, “I literally owe my career to the National Youth Theatre.”
CEO & Artistic Director of NYT Paul Roseby OBE said “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!”
Glasgow auditions will take place on 4th February at the Brian Cox studio at the boardwalk and local alumni include double-winner at the 2023 Scottish Baftas Lauren Lyle.
Birmingham auditions will take place on 10th Feb at Birmingham BOA Stage and Screen Academy where NYT alumni include David Harewood. Auditions in Bristol will take place on 18th Feb at 1532 Performance Arts Centre where alumni include Joel Dommett. Newcastle auditions are on 18th Feb at Northern Stage with graduates including Andrea Riseborough and Gina McKee and Manchester auditions are on 24th Feb & 2nd Mar at Contact Theatre where previous local members have included Julie Hesmondhalgh and Paula Wilcox. London auditions will take place at the NYT’s home in Holloway on 6th & 7th January and 3rd & 4th February. A video audition can be submitted before 21st March.
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
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 