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National Youth Theatre

Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2016 12:45 pm
by Mumoffive
If someone's DC has been to an audition for the NYT before, could you please pass on some info about how the day went and any tips??

Re: National Youth Theatre

Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2016 4:36 pm
by TalyaB
DS did this last year - thoroughly enjoyed the day, but I didn't get much out of him. He had to prepare a monologue. The morning was a group improvisation and in the afternoon he did his monologue (to a panel rather than the whole group, I think) and had an interview. He said everyone else at his audition was older, but presumably other days had a different balance as there were plenty his age on the course in the summer. He did the Intake Acting Course last summer, had an amazing time (said he learned more about acting than he did in a year each in Matilda and Billy Elliot) and is applying again this year, but everyone who is successful does the course their first year. This means that when you audition to get in for the first time, you're not auditioning for specific roles or against other DCs who have already done NYT.

Re: National Youth Theatre

Posted: Mon Feb 22, 2016 1:51 pm
by SamHelen
I was wondering if anyone knew what days you had off and if you had the weekend off? For the acting course and if it's different for the senior course, thankyou :)

Re: National Youth Theatre

Posted: Mon Feb 22, 2016 3:03 pm
by TotallycluelessMum
I think ( wouldn't swear to it though) that DDs both had the Saturday evening and Sunday ( in the day off). They were both on junior courses.

Re: National Youth Theatre

Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2016 9:56 am
by eldon
Can you access the NYT if you dont live in London? How realistic would it be? Are all of their productions in London? We live an hour away by train.

Re: National Youth Theatre

Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2016 3:27 pm
by busymumof3
TalyaB wrote:DS did this last year - thoroughly enjoyed the day, but I didn't get much out of him. He had to prepare a monologue. The morning was a group improvisation and in the afternoon he did his monologue (to a panel rather than the whole group, I think) and had an interview. He said everyone else at his audition was older, but presumably other days had a different balance as there were plenty his age on the course in the summer. He did the Intake Acting Course last summer, had an amazing time (said he learned more about acting than he did in a year each in Matilda and Billy Elliot) and is applying again this year, but everyone who is successful does the course their first year. This means that when you audition to get in for the first time, you're not auditioning for specific roles or against other DCs who have already done NYT.
We have no experience of NYT but DS had his first ever audition with them over half term and said the day was enjoyable. When do they hear the result and is it true that they like DC's to audition a few years in a row or has he got a chance of getting in at first attempt? Just trying to manage expectation and holiday planning around the Intake Acting course in August.

Re: National Youth Theatre

Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2016 3:35 pm
by TotallycluelessMum
The courses can be residential so proximity to London is not a problem (we're oooop north and DDs managed it).
DD2 got in first time around at 14, so can definitely be done. DD2 took a couple of goes and we now lots of great, talented people who tried several times before succeeding. I think, as with all these things, it's a combination of luck, talent and catching someone's eye.

Re: National Youth Theatre

Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2016 3:40 pm
by TalyaB
DS got in first time. We're outside London too - only a little way but too far to commute daily to Greenwich for two weeks - and although the accommodation (in uni halls) is optional, and no meals are provided, DS was in a flat of five boys and had a fabulous time. He said he wouldn't have enjoyed it nearly as much if he hadn't been staying there.

Re: National Youth Theatre

Posted: Sat Feb 27, 2016 5:53 pm
by rapha
My DS got in first time, one of youngest there as only made age by a week. Had a fantastic time and commuted in.

Re: National Youth Theatre

Posted: Mon Feb 29, 2016 12:02 pm
by It's Showtime
TalyaB wrote:DS got in first time. We're outside London too - only a little way but too far to commute daily to Greenwich for two weeks - and although the accommodation (in uni halls) is optional, and no meals are provided, DS was in a flat of five boys and had a fabulous time. He said he wouldn't have enjoyed it nearly as much if he hadn't been staying there.
Same as Talya - we live South West UK so DS stayed in halls of residence as mentioned. Even those who lived within easy commuting distance appeared to stay too. Yes, they got the middle weekend off . Worked the last Saturday. Fantastic time & DS has just applied for the 2016 summer season 60th year of NYT! Won't hear until May but had a great (long ) day in London auditioning & workshop. It's a fantastic organisation to be part of. Also echo the intake course 2 weeks last year . So much learnt. DS funded it by fund raising etc... Working weekends etc....

Re: National Youth Theatre

Posted: Mon Feb 29, 2016 12:35 pm
by busymumof3
Thanks for replies everyone - we will keep everything crossed.

Re: National Youth Theatre

Posted: Mon Feb 29, 2016 6:19 pm
by jaybeeyellow
My daughter is auditioning in Manchester later in March. She is 18, nearly 19, so I suppose she is at the younger end of the older cohort.
She is on an Acting foundation course at present, and is currently re auditioning for several drama schools. No idea how she will get on at NYT. She has been recalled for NYMT once, but no luck this time. All good experience though.

Re: National Youth Theatre

Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2016 5:05 pm
by Rhymie
Hi, My DS has been in NYT for 3 years and we aren't in London, he stayed in Laban rooms for his 2 week summer course and had a great time as others have said. He has been to casting auditions for the past 2 years and had quite a bit of work the first year and not so much last year. The main production last year was a total disaster and was cancelled at the last minute. He did not fit the casting bill for that as he didn't look school age, he's 19 and 6'4. Casting this year has closed and they will contact everyone who has been cast or recalled for a show casting by the end of April. If you haven't heard by the end of the first week in May then you will get an email saying you haven't been successful this year but to keep looking at the site for voluntary work. This is extremely unfair because if you live outside of London its far too expensive to get involved in as theres no financial help at all. There is hardly any volunteer work outside of London and anyway it doesn't really help their acting or CV in any way. Hope that helps, but PM if you need to ask any specifics. Happy to help. =P~

Re: National Youth Theatre

Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2016 4:19 pm
by busymumof3
Has anyone heard back yet?

Re: National Youth Theatre

Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2016 5:33 pm
by possiblypushy
busymumof3 wrote:Has anyone heard back yet?
Not yet - first time DS has applied and he's only 13 (not 14 till mid-July) so don't expect to get in this year. Will post news either way. Good luck!