The National Youth Theatre is coming to Edinburgh to recruit for their 2011/2012 company, offering young people nationwide the chance to follow in the footsteps of Daniel Craig, Matt Smith, Orlando Bloom, Matt Lucas, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Catherine Tate, David Walliams, Sir Derek Jacobi, Chiwetel Ejiofor OBE, Dame Helen Mirren and Sir Ben Kingsley – all of whom once tread the boards with the NYT.
As well as acting talent, the NYT is looking for behind-the-scenes technical talent - applications are invited for costume, lighting and sound, scenery and prop making, and stage management courses.
"I absolutely loved being a part of The National Youth Theatre," said singer and former NYT alumnus Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
"It was so much fun and really boosted my confidence. As an adult, I've carried on going to see the wonderful plays they put on each year and am always so impressed with their work. It's a fantastic organisation, with massive benefits for anyone that gets involved."
The NYT's success is down to over five decades of experience in training young talent and showcasing it on different platforms around the UK and the world
“We’re looking to illuminate the raw talent of young people from across the UK with spark, passion, focus, enthusiasm, commitment and generosity,” said Paul Roseby, Artistic Director of National Youth Theatre of Great Britain.
Recent productions include Relish at the Tramshed in London – a true story of a Victorian superchef and Stars over Kabul in Glasgow – a tale of modern love and loss set against ‘Afghan Star’ – an X-factor style TV talent show that swept the war-torn nation. In the summer, the NYT travelled to Shanghai to perform Living the Dream – a fresh take on A Midsummer Night’s Dream - at the World Expo 2010.
Application details
The closing date for applications is 7th January 2011, with auditions and interviews taking place at venues across the country in January and February 2011.
Auditions and Interviews in Edinburgh will take place at Dance Base, 14-16 Grassmarket, EH1 2JU.
Everyone who applies will be offered the chance to try out, regardless of previous experience. Applications are open to anyone who will be aged 14 to 21 on 1st August 2011. Members of the company who have completed the initial course are eligible to audition each year for productions until they reach the upper age limit.
For more information and to apply online, visit www.ideastap.com/nytapply
Alternatively, forms are available from The Auditions Department, The National Youth Theatre, Woolyard, 52 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3UD, 0207 281 3863.