National Youth Theatre

[EvilTwins]

Does anyone have DC in NYT or NYMT? Realistically, how much do you end up paying for it?

Thanks.

[Blu]

I'm not sure - it won't be expensive like the courses.

But if your child gets a place, do all you can to support them to take it. Far better training than in many of the commercial outfits such as S'coach, and very good repuation within the industry - young people work with exciting professional directors and writers and they do really interesting work.

[EvilTwins]

I'm not asking for myself- my children are only 6 at the moment. I am a secondary school drama teacher and have two boys in yr 9 who are outstandingly talented. I would like to encourage them to apply for an audition- I am in no doubt at all about the merits of getting involved with such groups. I suspect one of the first questions their parents will ask, though, will be about cost.

[Blu]

It's subsidised by the Arts Council so I wouldn't think they would be allowed to, or want to, make attendng expensive.

Where (roughly) are you based, EvilT?

[EvilTwins]

I'm in Gloucestershire. The NYT website specifies a £30 audition fee, but that shouldn't be an issue- if parents can't afford it, then we have a fund in school for exactly that kind of thing. I remember looking into it many years ago and being a bit at the cost of actually being involved in the projects and performances, which generally run during school holidays. I don't want to encourage these students to go for it, only to find it's impossible for them to take part because of cost.

[Blu]

Hmm, I would be if they charge a lot to take part - that is ahrdly the point. I can understand an audition fee to focus the minds of the less than serious.

I would give them a ring.

Not sure which are the other reputable youth theatres on your area.

I hope it works out for them.

If you are a bit of Glous close to Oxford (my knowledge of that area of the country amounts to 'West - past the red kites on the M4') Pegasus Theatre run very good youth theatres.

[Blu]

I mean it is against what the NYT should be about if the fees and costs deter less well off young people.

[EvilTwins]

Thanks, Blu, that's helpful. We have an excellent Youth Theatre at the Everyman in Cheltenham. AFAIK, these particular boys are involved in that already, but they are extremely talented, and I would love to help them reach their potential. NYT has such an excellent reputation, and I don't expect they know about it. I'll look into it further then.

[flussymummy]

Um... I think you'll find that it's expensive. I was over the moon as a music student in the late 90s to be offered a place as assistant musical director in the band for a NYMT summer production. Over the moon until I discovered that the fees were in the region of £2000. They said that I could apply for regional funding. My local authority offered £50. I didn't do the course. I sincerely hope that things have changed in the last 15 years.

[EvilTwins]

Thanks flussy- that's what I was worried about, and that's what I found was the situation when I was a teenager

Anyone with more recent experience??

[Tinks313]

My DS was part of a summer residential with YMT last summer, it cost £1000.00. He would have loved to audition again for this summer, but we cannot afford £1000.00 each year. It was an amazing experience and if money was not an issue would send him every year!!

[morethanpotatoprints]

EvilTwins.

I'm unable to help but wanted to be the first to say what a fantastic example to your profession you are. [hsmile]

[nickstmoritz]

Yes as far as I know NYT and NYMT are expensive. They will send you a pack with fund raising ideas in but I believe it is indeed around the £1000 mark to take part if you are successful at the audition. Look on the websites for full details. My advice would be to look for some open auditions for professional shows eg they are sometimes held at theatres such as the Hippodrome in Birmingham (easy from Chelt and Gloucester) for touring productions of musicals and plays eg Oliver and King and I auditioned this year. It is free to audition for these. Panto auditions also often hold open auditions but will require some dance (though too late for this year). There are free workshops at most major London theatres every August during "Kidsweek" where children get to work with cast and crew. These are suitable for all different ages. The Globe in London holds Shakespeare summer school which is less £ than NYT NYMT plus other useful workshops through the year. The other thing your students could do is join an agency which will put them forward for acting auditions. A good source of advice is notapushymum website.Working in a professional production is an excellent way of getting a feel for a career in this area because it requires real commitment and provides the excitement of a "proper" show working with actors. We are in Gloucester area and my DD keen on doing MT in future. NYMT etc a bit pricey for us but DD does do dance summer schools. Over 14s can do musical theatre holiday schools at Bird College and other well known training colleges. These are not too bad at around £250 per week plus you get to see the pro colleges. Well done for showing such dedication to your pupils.

[EvilTwins]

Thanks for the responses (and the compliments ) Looks like it's going to be out of the financial capabilities of my students' parents then . It makes me quite cross. Years ago I saw an NYMT production, as it was sponsored by the teaching union I'm a member of, and it was fabulous. What a shame that it's only really open to talented kids whose parents can afford it. Even with fundraising, it's probably out of the question- only so many sponsored events you can ask Granny/Auntie Sue to contribute to.

I might still contact the NYT people- even if it's just to ask how other families manage. In the meantime, they ARE involved in the youth theatre at The Everyman in Cheltenham, which is know is very good.

[EvilTwins]

The boys in question, that is

[spababe]

just found this thread as my son is intereested and on the NMYT website there is a page on bursaries based on parents' salaries which might be of help to your pupils

[EvilTwins]

Thanks, spababe - I have tried to find out more about bursaries, though the NYT itself seems to be pretty evasive when asked specific questions. I managed to find out some stuff, though, from a partner website- it seems there are bursaries (from a "small pot") which will either cover the course fees OR the accommodation, which is better than nothing It still seems very expensive, which made me a bit . HOWEVER, having spoken at length to the parents, and convinced the head teacher at school to commit to supporting them any way we can, both of them have applied for and been given dates for auditions. I will be ludicrously proud of them if they're selected

[Bunnyhunch]

Hello. How did your students get on? My daughter got in and now we are trying to source some funding for her - any ideas gratefully received !

[EvilTwins]

They auditioned but didn't get in They're not downhearted or discouraged though- they're only just 14 and are happy to give it a year or two then try again. Well done to your DD! My Headteacher was happy to support- we have a fund for students to apply for- not sure how much money is in it. Could your DD ask at school?