Taking place online this year, the British Youth Music Theatre (BYMT) auditions require no previous experience or preparation and auditionees will be observed and graded by industry professionals.
Three hundred candidates will be invited into the BYMT Company 2021, where they will work alongside professional directors, musical directors and choreographers to build a new musical show from the ground up.
BYMT’s 2021 programme features eight full productions and well-known titles in theatre, music and literature including cultural classics, chamber opera, freshly devised new works and new commissions.
Sophie Alibert, who has auditioned three times and starred in three BYMT shows, said: ‘I think that I’ve definitely grown in confidence throughout my BYMT experience.
‘In each show I feel a lot more capable as a performer as well as a lot more assured and able to make stronger and more nuanced decisions in my acting. And every year at the auditions I feel so much more confident and prepared due to the range of skills BYMT has given me.’
Alibert worked with directors Luke Sheppard, Des Kennedy, and Charlotte Westenra. She added: ‘My directors, Des Kennedy, Luke Sheppard and Charlie Westenra, were just fantastic to work with. They work really intimately with you in creating new characters.
‘One of my best BYMT memories is working particularly with Luke Sheppard. Having him directing me in some scenes, working towards creating the image that he wanted was just such a unique experience I don’t think I would have had anywhere else.’
Jon Bromwich, BYMT executive producer, said: ‘BYMT plays a vital role in investing in the future of music theatre. This year has been a real challenge for the arts industry and we can’t wait to get back to normal and see new exceptional young talent in our next exciting season of musical theatre.’
Each audition is a 2-hour online creative group workshop led by a professional director, musical director and choreographer. Young people are marked on their acting, singing, dancing as well as their ability to work as part of a team.
Audition fees are £30 per person and BYMT offers a reduced rate of £15 for those in receipt of Pupil Premium.
Find out more and sign up here.