Big names in dance and musical theatre to help celebrate performance across Wales

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie star Layton Williams and the ground-breaking ZooNation –The Kate Prince Company are among the big names set to be running workshops for young Welsh dancers, as part of a virtual celebration of dance and performance this May. 

Young dancers from across Wales are being invited to take part in this digital Day of Dance, which will feature a jam-packed day of workshops and masterclasses being run by some of the country’s leading choreographers and dance organisations. 

National Youth Arts Wales are organising the event, bringing together Welsh dancers aged between 11 and 19 years old to take part in a range of vibrant workshops, featuring a wide variety of dance styles. 

Taking place on Saturday 15 May, the workshops will be led by some of the country’s best known choreographers and dance organisations, including National Dance Company of Wales, Ballet Cymru, Company Chameleon and many more. 

Best known for landing the lead role in the hit musical ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’, Layton will lead a one-hour long workshop, focusing on musical theatre.  

"I cannot wait to slay with everyone (virtually) soon... Let’s dance!!” - Layton Williams

Meanwhile, the award-winning ZooNation – The Kate Prince Company, will be running a hip hop theatre workshop. 

As well as workshops, Day of Dance will also feature masterclasses and panel discussions, providing an opportunity for the country’s finest dance groups to come together and celebrate dance through a lively programme of digital interaction. The event will be capped off with a number of digital masterclasses taking place on Sunday 16 May aimed at dancers in training, graduates and professional dance artists aged 18+ working or living in Wales. 

The Saturday day event will be followed by the U.Dance Cymru online evening showcase – a national celebration of performance by young people aged 11–19 years, and up to 25 years for young people with disabilities. U.Dance Cymru 2021 is produced by National Youth Arts Wales as part of the national U.Dance programme, which is delivered in partnership with One Dance UK. 

One Dance UK and U.Dance Cymru welcome dancers performing any style or genre, and actively encourage inclusive groups to apply to dance at the festival. 

Due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, this year’s event will be held entirely online. 

The closing date for U.Dance 2021 applications is 5pm on Friday 30 April, and groups must be available to take part in digital workshops and activities on Saturday 15 May. 

Jamie Jenkins, Producer at National Youth Dance Wales, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be hosting two such fantastic events – Day of Dance and U. Dance Cymru in tandem. 

“At a time where we’re still having to stay apart, it’s brilliant that we can all come together virtually to celebrate dance and showcase the wonderful array of dance styles we have across Wales. 

“It’s a privilege to have some of the biggest names in dance involved with this fun and vibrant event.” 

Mentors announced for Music Futures 2021

Following a successful pilot project in 2019, National Youth Arts Wales’ contemporary music development project Music Futures is underway for 2021.

Music Futures is a collaborative, creative experience for young musicians and artists aged 16-18, aiming to uncover and develop the next generation of emerging music talent in Wales.

Through an intense series of digital masterclasses and workshops, these talented and passionate young people will work alongside a group of industry mentors based across Wales, developing contemporary song-writing and music-making skills, learning about routes into the industry, while creating exciting new work.

National Youth Arts Wales are pleased to announce the mentors for Music Futures 2021. Ranging in genre from hip-hop and soul to indie, folk and electronica, we’re proud to be working with a cohort of creatives representing the best of the contemporary music landscape in Wales.

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Heledd Watkins

Heledd studied as a theatre maker before moving on to work as a session bass guitarist, touring with Emmy the Great, Chloe Howl and Paper Aeroplanes. She started writing her own music as the front woman of art-rock band, HMS Morris with highlights including, performing at Glastonbury, releasing two albums and gaining two Welsh Music Prize nominations. She has also dabbled in radio and TV presenting.

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Osian Huw Williams

Osian studied Music at Bangor University and stayed there to do his Masters in composition. He now plays for Candelas, Blodau Papur, Siddi and Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog which means he is usually gigging all year round. Osian won the composers medal at the National Eisteddfod in Meifod back in 2015 and is still in the process of developing the musical with his brother and sister. He counts himself very lucky having orchestrated and played three gigs with the Welsh Pops Orchestra, these gigs with Candelas, Blodau Papur and Geraint Jarman.

He has composed numerous arrangements and theme tunes for television and now runs Stiwdio Sain, Llandwrog with two other engineers and has produced artists such as Mared Williams, Y Cledrau and Rhys Gwynfor.

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Tumi Williams (Skunkadelic)

Following his debut album release ‘Musically Drifting’ in 2010, Skunkadelic has racked up an impressive number of accolades including live shows alongside Talib Kweli, Chali 2na, The Pharcyde, Jehst, Rag n Bone Man, Blackalicious, Ugly Duckling, Jungle Brothers, Ocean Wisdom…. As well as collaborations with the likes of The Allergies, Mr Woodnote, Dr Syntax, TY, Sparkz, Truthos Mufasa, Twogood, Band Pres Llaregubb amongst a host of others. The hunger to create and share is the driving force that influences every move he makes. 2020 has seen his music really gain traction with heavy rotation from Lauren Lauverne (BBC6 music), Adam Walton (BBC Radio Wales), Jo Wiley (BBC Radio 2), Tom Robinson (BBC6 music) & the ITV ident theme tune 2021.

Aside from solo work, Skunkadelic has a resident post at the helm of 9-piece monster funk collective Afro Cluster and has written, recorded and toured extensively with the group over the last decade. They’ve appeared at numerous high profile festivals and events including Glastonbury, Womad, Greenman, Boomtown & Festival Of Voice and toured alongside the likes of Ibibio Sound Machine, Craig Charles, Gilles Peterson and Hot 8 Brass Band.

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Gwion ap Iago

When a DJ didn't turn up to play a set, that's when Gwion's electronic music journey started. Having done musical theatre whilst in school and being in a production for Youth Music Theatre UK in Aberdeen at the age of 16, music was always somewhere in Gwion's life but only at the University of Aberystwyth the love for the 'untz untz' the 'wobs' and the 'boots and cats' came to fruition. Since that fateful night Gwion has played all over the uk in countless main rooms, numerous festivals, dingy bars and the occasional live stream with his electronic outfit Roughion. Gwion also runs an electronic label for artists based in Wales, aptly named Afanc after the underground beaver in the Mabinogi. His role here is to represent up and coming artists and to give advice on their sounds and help them along their way, and he is currently working with Welsh hip hop royalty MR Phormula on a remix album for Tiwns. He says - "I'm working on lots of exciting projects at the moment but i'm by far most excited about Mentoring with NYAW. I can't wait to get stuck in to learn and evolve with the next potential 'Bicep', 'Goldie' or Charlotte de Witte."

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Dionne Bennett

Dionne Bennett is a multi-genre vocalist, songwriter, voice-over artist, music producer and performer. She also lectures at degree level, specialising in vocal performance, and technique. Dionne is a former Welsh Music Prize nominee who began gigging regularly at the age of 14, released her first record at 15, and has since continued to work successfully in the industry.

Dionne has an extensive and varied body of work that crosses many musical styles. This has led her to work with some of the most respected and talented musicians in the industry, from 5-time Grammy award winner Dr John, the immensely talented Jazz Pianist Jason Rebello, and solo winner of the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge Gee Weevil, to Welsh music royalty including Daf Ieuan and Gruff Rhys of the Super Furry Animals, Mark Roberts of Catatonia and Grammy award nominee Lincoln Barrett (High Contrast)

Dionne continues to write and release new material here in the UK and abroad, and her creativity and creative output is testament to the importance of ensuring diversity within the music scene. As a multi-genre artist, she has collaborated on numerous albums, creating a fusion of different cultures, musical stylings and traditions with her own cultural influences as a Welsh black woman.

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Kizzy Crawford

A Welsh speaker with Bajan heritage, 24 year old Kizzy Crawford has made her mark by fusing bilingual soul-folk jazz. Kizzy has had recognition for her work with airplay on BBC 6MUSIC, BBC Radio 1, 2, 3 & 4, BBC Radio Wales & Radio Cymru plus Jazz FM as well as support on European airwaves and in the US.

Kizzy has played many gigs including shows at the National Assembly for Wales during WOMEX, London Jazz Festival, The Great Escape, UNESCO Berlin, Hay Festival, Dinefwr Festival, the Plaid Cymru Conference, Blissfields, Wakestock, Celtic Connections, L’Orient, Abergavenny Food Festival (where she performed her single Golden Brown live on BBC Radio 4) and the Prince Edward Island Festival, Canada. Kizzy also performed as guest artist with BBC National Ochestra of Wales and has played as support artist for Gruff Rhys, Newton Faulkner, Benjamin Francis Leftwich, she also performed alongside Cerys Matthews at the House of Commons, Westminster and more recently as guest artist with Omar on his track ‘Be Thankful’ at his sold out London show.

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The Production team for Music Futures 2021 consists of Elen Roberts (Producer) and Eadyth (Assistant Producer).

Eadyth

For Music Futures 2021, National Youth Arts Wales have teamed up with bilingual electronic musician and sound designer Eädyth, who is fast becoming a household name to listeners of BBC Wales and BBC Radio Cymru. Producing her own unique brand of soothing electro soul sound, bilingual lyricism and captivating live shows, she has been part of both the BBC Horizons and Forté Project talent schemes, proving how invested the Welsh music industry is in her musical journey. As Assistant Producer for Music Futures, Eadyth will provide a critical eye over the project and offer insightful structural ideas based on her own experiences as a young emerging Welsh artist living in the Welsh valleys.

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Elen Roberts

Elen is a curator and multidisciplinary producer based in Cardiff with 10 years’ experience in the international arts industry. She’s worked with musicians at varying stages of their career, particularly in helping them optimise international showcasing opportunities and developing new markets for their work. She’s worked with artists showcasing at SXSW, Indie Week Toronto, POP Montréal, WOMEX and Folk Alliance International to name a few. Music Futures is an exciting opportunity to work with young people at the start of their creative journey to becoming professional musicians.

National Youth Dance Companies of Wales and Scotland meet virtually through The Celtic Collective online masterclasses

Over 20 young dancers from across Wales and Scotland will benefit from a series of online masterclasses throughout 2021 – meeting together through technology despite living hundreds of miles apart.

With face-to-face dance training significantly reduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic, National Youth Dance Wales and National Youth Dance Company of Scotland will join together to form The Celtic Collective, an exciting new digital masterclass platform featuring some of the UK’s most talented dance artists, choreographers and artistic directors. It’s the first time that both dance companies have collaborated in this way. This brand new initiative will bring together young dancers training towards a professional career.

Masterclasses will be led by eminent dance artists and award-winning choreographers and dance artists Liam Riddick and Ezra Owen, and NYDCS’s Artistic Director Anna Kenrick. The young dancers, aged 16-22, will also have the opportunity to learn from dance companies including Ballet Cymru, National Dance Company Wales, and Scottish Dance Theatre.

Both National Youth Dance Wales and National Youth Dance Company of Scotland are the flagship contemporary dance companies for young people in their countries. Each year, talented young dancers audition for a place, and a chance to work with prestigious choreographers.

Farrah Fawcett, member of the National Youth Dance Company of Scotland, said:

“I’m thrilled that we have this online programme with National Youth Dance Wales, as connecting with like-minded dancers is exactly what we need to inspire us and create energy. It’s also fantastic to get the opportunity to work with new choreographers – you just learn so much about their process and this kind of experience is invaluable to our development as dancers.”

Jamie Jenkins, Producer of National Youth Dance Wales, said:

“We’re delighted to provide a space for these young dancers to connect, collaborate and share skills as part of this collective, and to provide a platform to hear from some of the UK’s most exciting choreographers and dance companies.”

Anna Kenrick, Artistic Director of YDance (Scottish Youth Dance), said:

“YDance is thrilled to be collaborating with National Youth Dance Wales on this innovative and engaging programme for our dancers. This is a very challenging time for young people so it’s very important we create opportunities where they can come together, share and feel connected through a high quality dance experience. ”

The masterclasses start on Sunday 31 January, and will continue monthly. They will be exclusively available to NYDW and NYDCS members, who will be contacted about sign-up details individually.

National Youth Dance Wales is produced by National Youth Arts Wales, the national charity for talented young musicians, dancers and actors across Wales. It is funded by Arts Council Wales.

National Youth Dance Company of Scotland is produced by YDance (Scottish Youth Dance), the national dance organisation for children and young people in Scotland. It is funded by Creative Scotland.

Wellness, meditation and yoga - new wellbeing resources from National Youth Arts Wales

Decompress, destress and take a moment to look after your physical and mental wellbeing with a series of instructional yoga and meditation sessions from us here at National Youth Arts Wales.

We all know that 2021 hasn’t got off to easiest start, and it’s important to take some time to look after ourselves. We’re fortunate to have yoga instructor Jess Jones taking us along with her on a meditation and yoga journey, with something for everyone - whether you’re a total beginner or no stranger to a yoga mat, Jess’ sessions are designed for a range of experience levels.

View the full playlist on Youtube here.

In conversation with Anthony Matsena

As Anthony Matsena joins our Board of Trustees, we spoke to the choreographer and dancer about his new role, about his career, and about dancing through the current pandemic.

NYAW: Congratulations on being appointed to the NYAW Board of Trustees - we are thrilled to have you on board. What does it mean to you to be joining this organisation and what do you hope to be able to bring/influence in reference to your respected career as a professional dancer?

AM: It means everything to be a part of the organisation that I would confidently say had a massively positive impact on my career in the field of dance. It's a massive privilege, I mean it was only 4 years ago I was sharing the stage with my fellow NYDW members. I'm hoping to affect positive change on the dance programme in ensuring that as an organisation the work we are delivering is in tune with the work that is out there today. Contemporary dance is an ever-morphing beast so it's hard to make sure that younger people are getting the right training to ensure long successful careers in Dance. I want to make it easier for dancers with different training to the standard ballet and contemporary find their way into the programme. I know there's an incredible amount of talent out there in Wales that needs to be reached to its full potential. Lastly, I'm excited to give back to Wales and an organisation that has a special place for me in my heart.

NYAW: How did NYAW inspire you as you pursued your career?

AM: It inspired me to go beyond my limits and maintain a level of excellence and pride in the work we make and produce here in Wales. Having those residencies were I felt like a sponge, learning from all the talent around Wales was second to none. NYAW made me realise the bigger goals and ambitions of what I thought was possible.  

NYAW: Why do you think aspiring Welsh dancers age 16-22 should strive to represent Wales as a member of NYAW? 

AM: I think two things for young dancers striving to represent Wales; one is the pride of the country of Wales that has so much beauty and culture that you need to shout about for the world to learn of how special a country it is and second, to strive for excellence in their careers, experience and connections shape our careers. Here at NYAW, you get to make connections with industry leaders and get to have the highest level of experience with peers you will be working with for years to come.

NYAW: What top tips would you offer to aspiring young dancers (or performers in general)?

AM: I have one tip which is open yourself up to all experiences. You can never predict what you will like and what will be useful at that stage in your career and really in life, so if you see an opportunity to grow and learn then TAKE IT no matter what anyone says.

NYAW: Increasing diversity in the arts is a crucial development we all need to address. NYAW is working hard to reach new audiences and raise awareness of its Bursary scheme which prevents cost from being a barrier for any talented young welsh performer offered a place. How do you feel organisations like NYAW can most effectively reach and promote diversity?

AM: I have thought of this deeply and I think for me it's quite simple. Employing people of colour who understand the communities and cultures they need to reach would have a massive impact. Representation is important, having people who look like the people who we are trying to connect to makes it easier for them to feel more welcomed and not fearful of applying if they feel they belong there.

NYAW: What are your career highlights? 

AM: My career highlights are performing on Britain’s Got Talent in 2010 as A3 with my brothers.
Performing Kerry Nicholls work 'aM' for NYDW 2015 on Sadler's Wells Mainstage.
Me and my brothers first triple bill 'Out Of Options' at The Bunker Theatre in 2017.
Sharing my work 'Vessels of Affliction' on Sadler's Wells Mainstage last year.
Performing in 'Tree' by Idris Elba and Kwame Kwei-Armah last year at MIF and Young Vic Theatre.
Been appointed Associate Artist for NDCWales and Messums Wiltshire this year.
Joining the Board of NYAW. 

NYAW: What are you working on right now? 

AM: I am quite lucky to be working on a performance and film with my company that I co own with my brother, Matsena Performance Theatre, commissioned by Messums Wiltshire. I say lucky because we all know how devastating COVID-19 has been on our careers as performers and makers. There's light at the end of this dark tunnel. Let's all keep making and moving, so we are ready for when the time arrives to share art again.

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Read More: National Youth Arts Wales dance alumni Anthony Matsena appointed to Board of Trustees

National Youth Arts Wales to create new paid training roles through Youth Music Incubator Fund

National Youth Arts Wales will create three new trainee producer roles and six freelance Future Mentor roles over the next two years, thanks to funding awarded through the Youth Music Incubator Fund today (4 November 2020).

The roles are paid at least the Real Living Wage, and are specifically for young people aged 18-25 from under-represented communities within the arts workforce.

These paid roles are designed to help young musicians and music producers from underrepresented communities gain valuable work experience – greatly expanding NYAW’s existing work to help develop a more diverse workforce in the arts. Recruitment is limited to those young people who may face barriers to a career in music, such as D/deaf and disabled young people, young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and Black and non-Black young people of colour.

The trainee producers will work with our team to deliver our work supporting young people across Wales. Our freelance Future Mentors will help to design and deliver our Music Futures project, which will continue in 2021 to develop young pop and rock talent across Wales.

All roles will receive external mentoring, tailored work experiences based on their individual interests, and individual career development support. All roles will be filled through open recruitment, with job adverts starting within the coming months.

This project is supported by Youth Music’s Incubator Fund, thanks to funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery. This new £2 million Incubator Fund – expected to run over at least the next two years - is designed to help music industry organisations, particularly micro-businesses and SMEs, to harness the skills and creativity of diverse young talent. It offers grants of up to £30,000 to forward-thinking music industry employers to support the careers of people aged 18-25. The funding, which can be spent on wages and support, provides a tangible way for small, independent organisations in the music industry to thrive and collaborate with the next generation and the wider sector.

National Youth Arts Wales dance alumni Anthony Matsena appointed to Board of Trustees

National Youth Arts Wales has appointed choreographer and dancer Anthony Matsena to its Board of Trustees, bringing a fresh and inspiring perspective to the governance of Wales’ leading youth arts charity at this defining time.

An exciting and rising talent in contemporary dance, Anthony is a former member of the National Youth Dance Wales (NYDW) and now professionally recognised for his work with Sadlers Wells, National Dance Company of Wales (NDCWales) and performing most recently in Tree at the Young Vic, created by Idris Elba and Kwame Kewi-Armah.

Born in Zimbabwe and raised in Swansea from the age of 13, Anthony developed his passion and skill for dance attending hip-hop, African and Contemporary lessons. His first professional performance came in 2014 when he was spotted by Matthew Bourne’s artistic team and selected to perform in Lord of the Flies, New Adventures at Wales Millennium Centre. He soon joined National Youth Dance Wales where he gained a pivotal early career highlight; performing Kerry Nicholls work aM for NYDW 2015 on Sadler's Wells Mainstage. A year later he was accepted into London Contemporary Dance School, where he quickly became an exciting choreographer and ‘one to watch’. In the same year he graduated from his BA (Honours) in Contemporary Dance, Anthony returned to Sadlers Wells where he was prestigiously awarded the role of Young Associate 2018-2020.

David M Jackson, Chair of the Board of Trustees, National Youth Arts Wales said:

“I’m delighted to welcome the brilliant young dancer and choreographer Anthony Matsena to the Board of NYAW. Now working on the global stage, Anthony brings new energy, and a new, diverse perspective to our work for the gifted and talented young people of Wales. I’m already enjoying working with him, and look forward to his enjoying a long, fruitful and inspiring partnership with NYAW.”

Anthony Matsena said:

“It means everything to be a part of the organisation that I would confidently say had a massively positive impact on my career in the field of dance. It's a huge privilege, especially given it was only 4 years ago I was sharing the stage with my fellow NYDW members.

I'm looking forward to effecting positive change on the dance programme to ensure the work we are delivering continues to be in tune with the work that is out there today. Contemporary dance is an ever-morphing beast so it's hard to make sure that younger people are getting the right training to ensure long successful careers in dance. I also want to help with the organisation’s work in widening access; to make it easier for dancers with different training backgrounds to find their way into the programme. I know there's an incredible amount of talent out there in Wales that needs to be reached to its full potential.  I'm excited to give back to Wales and an organisation that has a special place in my heart.“

Gillian Mitchell, Chief Executive of NYAW said:

“The NYAW Board plays an important role in helping shape the strategic direction of the organisation.  Since it was set up in 2017, the new NYAW Board has shown great leadership, helping to steer the organisation forward in a way that ultimately will make a meaningful impact on the lives of talented young Welsh performers, regardless of their background.

As the organisation continues to grow and further develop at every level, I am delighted that Anthony has agreed to join our Board of Trustees.  Encouraging aspiration amongst young people in Wales and reflecting the nation’s diversity is a huge part of our artistic approach and it is critical that is reflected in all elements of what we do in NYAW.  As well as bringing his own experience to the Board, we know that Anthony will be an inspiration for young Welsh dancers embarking on their own professional journey.”

Anthony joins the NYAW Board of Trustees alongside David Jackson (Chair), Bryan Hughes, Rhian Hutchings, Christine Lewis OBE, Mathew Milsom, Karen Pimbley and Mathew Talfan.

National Youth Arts Wales expands its digital programme in 2021

Following a successful summer of Digital Mini Residencies, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from members, National Youth Arts Wales will be expanding its digital activity further as social distancing continues to prevent face-to-face training.

Instead of our usual face-to-face residencies and concerts this summer, we offered workshops over Zoom to the nearly 400 talented young Welsh members that make up our national ensembles. These were members that successfully auditioned for a place in our ensembles, but lost out on joining our residencies due to Covid-19.

Between July and September, NYAW produced 121 digital sessions for its music, theatre and dance members – with 1732 attendances overall. 100% of members surveyed enjoyed the digital workshops, with 99% wanting us to produce more.

“The digital residency was a perfect substitute for a real NYCW residency. Obviously we couldn't be with each other in person but the workshops and welfare chats were amazing to connect with people you can't see year round.” (NYCW member)

Very interesting getting to speak with some awesome people in the industry. [I] learnt many new skills that will be invaluable when I hopefully go into working within the arts (NYTW member)

Highlights of the summer included:

• National Youth Theatre Wales members met illustrious alumni Rakie Ayola (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, On Bear Ridge), who took part in a Q & A and professional insight session with members as did Richard Elis (Eastenders, Tourist Trap, Hinterland/Y Gwyll) who also compered the cabaret evening. Theatr Clwyd's Artistic Director Tamara Harvey joined the members online for a training and technique advice session and they also benefitted from performance and theatre making workshops with director Hannah Noone, award winning NYTW alumnus Heledd Gwynn and Theatr Clwyd's Creative Engagement Director Gwennan Mair.

• All three music ensembles were able to ask questions and learn from their three musical directors – Carlo Rizzi (NYOW conductor, and Conductor Laureate of Welsh National Opera), Tim Rhys-Evans (NYCW conductor, Founder of Only Men Aloud and the Aloud Charity, and Director of Music at RWCMD) and Philip Harper (NYBBW conductor, and Musical Director of The Cory Band)

• National Youth Dance Wales members had regular Digital Yoga sessions throughout the summer, and were joined for an online masterclass by choreographer and dance artist James Cousins.

• For the first time, we were able to offer sessions in Alexander Technique, Sophrology and Coaching for Performers to members of National Youth Choir of Wales, National Youth Orchestra of Wales and National Youth Brass Band of Wales. Choir and band members had a daily warm-up together, and all had sectionals with leading instrumental and choral tutors – a chance to play and sing together whilst in lockdown.

Crucially at this time, these sessions also provided work for 55 freelance performers, at a time when many Welsh self-employed artists had little or no work due to the pandemic.

Whilst these digital sessions couldn’t fully replace our summer residencies, the workshops brought our members together during a traumatic time for young people, and helped to keep them performing and enjoying the arts during a time when almost all other youth arts activity has stopped.

Our Future Plans

Feedback from members has been overwhelmingly positive, and so we’ll be expanding this work throughout the rest of the year and into 2021:

• Between now and summer 2021, we’ll be offering regular monthly digital masterclasses across a range of artforms and ensemble interest areas for both new and existing members.

• We’ll be launching free online workshops specifically for young people aged 16-18 from underrepresented communities, particularly those who are most affected by the economic impacts of Covid-19.

• In November we launched National Youth Theatre of Wales’ online play reading club, which will run into 2021. Its first session was part of Signal Fires: a UK-wide programme featuring the UK’s leading touring theatre companies.   

• All of our 2021 plans will include blended learning, integrating digital workshops with face-to-face sessions with social distancing. In the event that social distancing prevents physical residencies, our contingency planning will allow for a full digital residency, minimising the disruption to young people’s advanced performance training.

New Bilingual Play Reading Club launches as part of Signal Fires

National Youth Arts Wales are launching the new MANIFFEST play reading club, led by Welsh freelance Directors in November, as part of the UK-wide Signal Fires project.

The new Play Reading Club will bring National Youth Theatre of Wales members together digitally for directed readings of new and acclaimed playwrights from Wales and beyond.

The ensemble of young performers aged 16 - 22 will gather around our virtual Aelwyd (The Welsh word for Hearth that also means a community coming together) to play and discuss stories for our stage that celebrate, explore, and give voice to the power of youth experience. 

The launch of MANIFFEST Play Reading Club will see NYTW's cast from all corners of Wales take part in an online Signal Fires evening of extract readings from this exciting canon for an invited audience of young people. 

Signal Fire (n): a fire or light set up in a prominent position as a warning, signal, or celebration. 

In October and November, fires will light up across the UK with storytellers and audiences sharing in one of the original forms of theatre. The fires will signal the vibrancy of touring theatre, and the threat our industry continues to face. 

Companies involved are: 45North, Arcade, Beyond Face, Big Telly, Boundless, Eastern Angles, English Touring Theatre, Fen in association with Out of Joint, Fuel, Graeae, Headlong, Kestrel Theatre Company, Kneehigh, Macha Productions, National Youth Theatre of Great Britain, National Youth Theatre of Wales, New Perspectives, Pentabus, Pilot, Paines Plough, SBC Theatre, Scottish International Storytelling Festival, Slung Low, Spare Tyre, The Lord Chamberlain’s Men and Yellow Earth Theatre (with more to be announced).

From spectacular bonfires to digital blazes; the nation’s leading touring theatre companies will present a series of theatrical events at locations across the UK in celebration of our fundamental need to tell stories. 

The companies will be working with hundreds of UK freelancers. Each fire will span different disciplines reflecting the breadth and diversity of the touring circuit.

National Youth Arts Wales launches Digital Mini Residencies for 2020

National Youth Arts Wales will produce a series of free digital workshops and masterclasses throughout summer 2020, bringing together musicians, dancers and actors from across Wales through Zoom.

The free digital workshops will be offered to nearly 400 young people, who had already auditioned and gained a place in one of NYAW’s national ensembles, but had seen their summer residencies cancelled due to coronavirus.

The workshops currently planned include:

• For National Youth Brass Band of Wales, National Youth Orchestra of Wales and National Youth Choir of Wales, each ensemble will have its own 5-day Digital Mini Residency – a week of activities all delivered via Zoom during the period when they were meant to meet and perform together at their summer residencies. Each week of activity will include masterclasses, tuition from expert tutors, wellbeing sessions and social activities.

• For National Youth Theatre of Wales, a series of Digital Days throughout August are planned, with acting and writing masterclasses and Q&As from many of NYTW’s successful alumni – alongside social activities such as a digital cabaret from lockdown.

• For National Youth Dance Wales, members have already been benefitting from weekly Digital Yoga sessions, and will also benefit from masterclasses later in the summer.

Whilst nothing can replicate a live performance or rehearsal, these free workshops are designed to help young people to continue learning and practicing during such a vital part of their training. NYAW’s training is designed to help bridge the gap between local school and community arts provision and the professional creative sector – and so access to world-class tuition and masterclasses from professionals working in the industry are important parts of these digital workshops.

NYAW members will receive information about signing up to these sessions via email. Details of NYAW’s 2021 plans will be announced in the coming months.