National Youth Theatre

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The National Youth Theatre is a registered charity in London, Great Britain, committed to creative, personal and social development of young people through the medium of creative arts. Whether you want to pursue a professional career in the entertainment business or not, the National Youth Theatre can offer you many exciting opportunities to learn new skills, develop your own talents and to have great fun, all of which can be applied to whatever you choose to do in later life.^[1]

The National Youth Theatre aims to be a centre of excellence in all of its activities, using theatre to help in the personal and social development of young people. Thanks to this aim, it is a member of The National Council for Voluntary Youth Services (NCVYS)^[2].

It offer a series of acting courses with an emphasis on ensemble playing. The acting courses for new members generally take place in August and are of 12 days duration. During that time, up to thirty young people on each course improvise, devise and perform under the guidance of a professional director and specialist tutors, developing an understanding of performance and learning skills and disciplines which will serve them in the future. The courses culminate in a performance which is presented to other course members. These performances are closed to the public.

In addition to the NYT acting courses, the company also offers extensive and comprehensive Technical Courses for new and existing members to gain practical training and experience in the technical approach to theatre production. These include Lighting & Sound, Stage Management, Costume and Scenery & Props. Applicants for the four main technical departments are interviewed, and if successful, join one of the departments to be given specialist training in their respective fields. Under professional supervision by experienced theatre practitioners, the technical members form the production teams for all of the NYT productions.^[3]

Contents 1 History 2 NYT alumni 3 Current staff 4 Current productions 5 See also 6 References and notes 7 External links

[edit] History

The National Youth Theatre was founded in 1956 by Michael Croft, aided by Kenneth Spring^[4]. Croft had been responsible for producing a number of school plays at Alleyn's Boys' School and following his departure, was approached by a number of pupils from the school to continue working together on productions in school holidays.

The first production of Henry V created something of a stir. At the time, it was unusual for young actors to be performing Shakespeare and this innovative venture attracted the attention of a curious public. Amongst the first audiences were Richard Burton and Ralph Richardson and being so taken by the achievement, Ralph Richardson immediately agreed to become the company's first President. The organisation evolved rapidly throughout the UK involving young people on a National basis.

Croft had created a vehicle by which young people from all different backgrounds could come together for a common purpose, and through the medium of the theatre, which in itself involves teamwork, discipline and focus, would allow them to improve their communication skills, self esteem and achieve their aspirations.

It was clear through the popular demand of the young people taking part that the National Youth Theatre's purpose was not solely theatrical, but it also played a significant role in the social development of young people. These "twin pillars" which Croft created as the fundamental objectives of the organisation remain at the heart of its mission today, reflected in the theme of the 50th Anniversary year "50 Years of Giving Youth A Voice".

Michael Croft died in 1986 and was succeeded by Edward Wilson as Director. Building on Croft's successful vision, Wilson took the company forward into new territory, increasing its range of activities and reinforcing its approach to technical production values. Wilson also recognised the opportunity to extend the organisation to more disadvantaged young people and started the first Outreach department in 1989, working initially with young offenders and gradually widening the opportunities to other socially excluded groups. Wilson also secured the organisation's current Headquarters building in North London, which now houses all of its production facilities including rehearsal rooms, scenery and costume workshops, sound studio, photographic dark room and administration.

Edward Wilson left the company in 2004 when Sid Higgins (Executive Director), John Hoggarth and Paul Roseby (Artistic Directors) took over. Since then, they have built on the legacy inherited from Michael Croft and Edward Wilson, and the organisation has continued to evolve, expanding its opportunities to young people from a more diverse background through a wider range of theatrical projects and collaborations.

John Hoggarth stepped down in 2007 and Paul Roseby continues as the organisation's Artistic Director.^[5]

[edit] NYT alumni

Former National Youth Theatre members include:

Kate Adie Orlando Bloom Joanna Christie Daniel Craig Timothy Dalton Gareth David-Lloyd Daniel Day-Lewis Calvin Dean Chiwetel Ejiofor

Sophie Ellis-Bextor Shaun Evans Romola Garai Julian Glover Douglas Hodge James Hyland Sir Derek Jacobi Ellie Kendrick Sir Ben Kingsley Alex Kingston

Michael Kitchen Matt Lucas Clive Mantle Matthew Marsden Gina McKee[6] Harry Melling Max Minghella Dame Helen Mirren

Alec Newman John Oliver Ed Petrie Rosamund Pike Diana Quick Charlotte Reather Sam Riley Andrea Riseborough

Reece Ritchie Matt Smith Timothy Spall Jessica Stevenson David Suchet Liza Tarbuck Catherine Tate Jamie Theakston

Luke Treadaway Harry Treadaway David Walliams Simon Ward Ed Westwick Paula Wilcox Beth Winslet Gywneth Keyworth Michael York

[edit] Current staff

Executive Director — Sid Higgins Artistic Director — Paul Roseby Development Director — Kirstie Sant Development Manager — Richard Wilkinson Trusts and Foundations — Charlotte Rooke Development Assistant — Carolyn McBain General Manager — Alexa Cruickshank Finance Manager — Peter Broad Human Resources Manager — Jamie Storey Production Manager — Mark Beasley

Associate Director — Peter Collins Creative Learning Co-ordinator — Helen Temple Regional Programme Manager — Alan Gill Social Inclusion Manager — Jim Pope Playing Up Manager — Anna Niland Playing Up Student Support Co-ordinator — Michelle O'Callaghan Assistant to the Artistic Director — Beth Watling Administrative Assistant — Mervat Shallouf Project Administrator — Chiara Goldsmith Project Administrator — Cat Cracknell Project Administrator- Sarah Sweeney Playing Up Interns- Bryony Jarvis-Taylor and Lewis Morris Head of Stage Management- Jaqui George

[edit] Current productions

Traditionally, National Youth Theatre have done most of their work with their members in the summer months, but increasingly this is changing. Creative events and performances take place throughout the year, courses take place in the Easter holidays and the company continues to expand its work with young people from all areas of the community.

A full list of previous productions is available on the National Youth Theatre's website ^[7]

The National Youth Theatre's summer season is titled First Timers. The 2009 season includes three double-bill shows entitled: "Eye/Balls", "Tits/Teeth" and "Foot/Mouth".

[edit] See also

• National Youth Music Theatre
• Youth Music Theatre: UK

[edit] References and notes

[edit] External links

• Official NYT website
• The National Council for Voluntary Youth Services (NCVYS)

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