The National Youth Theatre has announced a two-year partnership with 10 new associate companies.
Following an open call, the NYT has created the collective in response to the scarcity of affordable space and stages for companies in the early phases of their development, as well as the challenges faced by young people entering the sector.
Each company pitched their vision of being an associate and the impact it would have for them. The chosen partners will gain access to mentoring, costume, props, equipment and space in NYT’s Creative Production House.
The associates will focus on engaging young refugees and asylum seekers, young disabled and neurodiverse people and young gamers specifically.
The new associate companies are: BLINK Dance Theatre, Compass Collective, Dorsetborn & OffPiste, Doorstep Arts, Itch + Scratch, THE LAB, Megaverse, OPIA Collective, Piece of Cake Theatre Company and Project Phakama.
Paul Roseby OBE, NYT CEO and artistic director said: ‘Young people are four times more likely to be unemployed, have been amongst the hardest hit by COVID cancellations and are facing a real lack of access to affordable stages to share their early work on. Collaboration is at the heart of our practice and building on the success of our ongoing collaboration with trailblazers.
‘The PappyShow and the award-winning redevelopment of our HQ, we will work to address these challenges with ten new dynamic associate companies. Connecting coastal, rural and city-based companies through this collective in support of those lacking access, we will provide new pathways for young talent, champion new stories for national audiences and learn as much from them as they do from us.’
Kane Husbands, artistic director of The PappyShow, said: ‘National Youth Theatre has been the catalyst of my work and the birthplace of The PappyShow - so it feels really special to be welcoming all of you; the next generation of companies like ours that will be born from support and community like this. A model of best practice - not only in what we make - but in how we work. Congratulations.’
www.nyt.org.uk/about-us/news/national-youth-theatre-announces-10-new-associate-companies