NATIONAL YOUTH THEATRE OF WALES

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED… 

However, if you would like to be considered for a late application for National Youth Theatre of Wales please email nyaw@nyaw.org.uk with your preferred audition venue and date as spaces may be or become available. 

We have also added an additional date in Llandrindod Wells and you can still book this date by heading over to our auditions page. 


OVERVIEW

National Youth Theatre of Wales (NYTW) works with leading theatre partners to offer world-class training and performance opportunities for Wales’ most talented young people. 

For over 45 years this flagship for youth theatre in Wales has nurtured the talent and ambition of thousands of young people. We do this by delivering professional quality performance opportunities alongside skills and training programmes that build confidence and pathways into the performance and creative industries.  

NYTW is proud of its illustrious rollcall of previous members who have gone on to excel as performers, writers, directors, stage managers and producers including Michael Sheen, Morfydd Clarke, Matthew Rhys, Ruth Jones, Rakie Ayola and Caroline Sheen, amongst many others.  

We are passionate about bringing creative people between the ages of 16 and 22 together, regardless of background and we pride ourselves on delivering a bilingual membership offer that is an essential next step for Welsh and Wales-based performers and theatre makers. 

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A NYTW ENSEMBLE MEMBER? 

Every year we audition across the length and breadth of Wales and those who are successful immediately become a NYTW ensemble member for a six-month duration. Being a member means you get a chance to be a part of the highly regarded NYTW summer production, rehearsing and performing at a professional production level, but also weekend residential skills building residencies, access to high calibre development workshops and masterclasses and the chance to work alongside some of the leading practitioners working within the industry today. Being a NYTW member also allows you to build your confidence and your creative and professional networks, it gives you access to exclusive discounted ticket offers and the opportunity to make new friends and embrace the varied social programme of activity. 


NYTW MEMBERSHIP 2024 

NYTW will be once again partnering with some of the most respected and exciting artists, theatre and arts companies working in Wales and beyond, offering performance and training residencies alongside workshops, masterclasses, and online workshops. There will also be go-and-see opportunities and a chance to meet and connect with fellow NYTW members throughout the year.  

There are two NYTW membership offers within the 2024 programme. Those who are successful following their audition will be offered ONE of these membership options: 

Cast Ensemble & Professional Pathways Membership   OR Professional Pathways Membership 


NYTW PROGRAMME 2024

Summer production  

A brand-new bilingual theatre production in partnership with Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and Fio.   This opportunity is for Cast Ensemble Members.

Working with these two dynamic companies under the artistic direction of Dr Sita Thomas and Steffan Donnelly we’ll be commissioning new writing in both Welsh and English specifically for our cast ensemble members. The cast will rehearse with a fully professional creative and production team during our August residency with public performances in North and South Wales in early September*.

 This intense rehearsal and production period will include a full and varied programme of social, well-being and professional development opportunities.  

*NYAW will liaise with any individual schools or colleges to arrange permission for members to attend during term time.

 
 

Professional Pathways

In partnership with Theatr Clwyd. This opportunity is open to all NYTW 2024 members.

This ever popular and essential part of NYTW’s Membership offer is a unique chance to nurture performance, backstage and industry skills and knowledge. Run in partnership with Theatr Clwyd and in association with Wales Millennium Centre Professional Pathways will include a 3 day residential element based in Theatr Clwyd with in-depth access to the teams behind one of their key summer productions “Rope” as well as one off training days and online workshops. The programme will include the following elements: 

  • Performance skills for stage and screen 

  • Introduction to Backstage e.g. Scenic and Costume Design, Lighting and Stage Management   

  • ‘Audition Ready’ support for those auditioning for roles, drama schools and colleges 

  • Theatre Making opportunities 

  • Industry Insight Days 

  • Organised trips to performances including a visit to see National Theatre and Wales Millennium Centre’s Nye with accompanying day of workshops in Cardiff. 

The full Professional Pathways schedule will be sent with any membership offer. 


DATES

28 June – 1 July: 3-day Professional Pathways Residency at Theatr Clwyd, North Wales.

19 August – 7 September: Cast Ensemble Residential Rehearsals in Carmarthen with a performance tour to North and South Wales. 

April – July: A full schedule of additional workshops and training days in North and South Wales and online will be sent out with membership offers.  


COST

Ensemble Cast Membership: £790 (Includes Professional Pathways activity)   Professional Pathways Membership: £250 (includes residential and all one-off workshops and opportunities) 

Your membership fee includes all tuition costs, accommodation, food and board, travel within the residency and social activities. Thanks to the generous support from our funders and supporters, National Youth Arts Wales subsidises a significant part of the costs of being a member of one of the national youth ensembles. 

Our Bursary Fund could help to cover some or all of the membership fees so that no one is deterred from applying for the NYAW Ensembles for financial reasons. If you have an annual household income of less than £70,000, you could be eligible for financial support. 

Bursary Fund

Additionally, with support from The Leverhulme Trust, we can offer full Fee Waivers and additional support towards travel expenses and other costs associated with NYAW membership for those who need it most. Visit NYAW BURSARY FUND for full information including how to claim help toward audition costs and membership fees. 


Eligibility

NYAW accepts applications from people who live/study in Wales or were born in Wales.   

For the 2024 membership, you must be aged between 16 and 22 on 31st August 2024.

Although we are looking for those who show exceptional talent and potential, we don’t ask for any formal qualifications or level of experience and we don’t expect everyone to be studying drama in school or college to apply. We are looking for those who have a passion for exploring and collaborating as a performer with others and who are committed to developing their skills and interest in theatre.  

For full details of what to expect at an NYTW audition and what to prepare, head over to our auditions page.

NYAW reserves the right to exclude anyone from taking part in its ensembles at its reasonable discretion, to be exercised by senior staff or trustees.