Leading youth arts organisation The National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT) The National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT) is delighted to announce its 2025 programme, which promises an exciting array of iconic musicals, innovative new works, and a range of exceptional opportunities for young people passionate about music theatre. The programme also marks the opening of NYMT’s 2025 audition schedule. Alongside the year ahead, the organisation is thrilled to welcome celebrated West End star Kerry Ellis as its newest patron.
Known for her roles in Wicked, Les Misérables, and We Will Rock You, Kerry has long been a champion of emerging talent, and her support aligns perfectly with NYMT’s mission to inspire and nurture the next generation of music theatre talent and theatre makers.
Kerry Ellis, new patron and alumna of NYMT told us…..
“I am beyond proud and honoured to be a new patron of the NYMT. I had such an amazing time when I was younger and it really made a difference to my future . I’m proud to have been part of one of their shows and hope lots of other young people have the opportunity to experience what I did.”
NYMT will be holding auditions for the 2025 programme in cities across the UK and Ireland, including Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, CARDIFF, Cork, Glasgow, Ipswich, Leeds, Newcastle upon Tyne, Manchester, and London. These audition workshops give young music theatre creatives aged 10–23 the chance to showcase their skills in acting, singing, and dancing, guided by industry professionals.
The workshops provide a supportive and engaging environment, suitable for both experienced performers and those just beginning their music theatre journey.
Alongside these opportunities, this year the NYMT will offer Musician Audition Workshops in person in addition to their digital submission. These workshops are split into two sessions: participants will play two pieces on their chosen instrument, followed by a group Q&A session with the Musical Director. The workshop costs £25 and offers a half-day working with industry professionals.
Following the audition workshops, every young person will be offered a tailored next step where NYMT feels they’ll be best supported—either joining a course to build their skills or attending a casting session. The team leading the work within the organisation wants everyone to leave with a positive, impactful experience and a place in the NYMT community.
Just under a thousand young people auditioned in 2024, with all of them offered places in the NYMT company. They will follow in the footsteps of the patrons and alumni, including multi-award-winning household names such as Idris Elba, Phantom of the Opera’s Joe Griffiths-Brown, Hamilton’s Mike Jibson, and Les Misérables’ Rosy Church.
This year’s new patrons include critically acclaimed Matt Lucas, the award-winning Amara Okereke, and It’s a Sin’s Callum Scott Howells. NYMT also saw a significant increase in applications to join as musiciansand Young Company Members through the Creative & Production Pathway.
Chris Cuming, Artistic Director of NYMT said…..
“We are thrilled to welcome Kerry Ellis as our new patron. Her passion for music theatre and her commitment to mentoring young performers makes her the perfect fit for NYMT. With a fantastic range of productions and new projects lined up, 2025 is set to be a year of growth, creativity, and opportunity for our talented young performers.”
The 2025 programme will showcase a diverse line-up of major productions, including Fame The Musical, Carousel, Tuck Everlasting, Lightning Boy, PLATFORM, and CRESCENDO. Alongside these performances, the year-round community-based project Echo Eternal will continue its vital work, exploring Holocaust memorial and genocide awareness through collaborative creative work.
In addition to major productions, NYMT will offer musical workshops for young writers, composers, and lyricists to develop original works in a creative, collaborative environment. New projects include Flip, Every Day, Windsong, The Great Moon Hoax, Carmilla, Stagshaw Fayre, Mini – The Boy Who Played with Fire, and The Unstoppable Letty Pegg. Through these workshops, participants will work closely with other creatives and industry professionals to refine their craft and bring their ideas to life.
Many original NYMT commissions, including these, are regularly performed in youth theatre and school productions around the world, from the UK to as far as Shanghai!
The workshops are bookable online. However, the team want to encourage anyone who is interested to apply, and do not want the fee to be a barrier. If it is, special arrangements can be made based on individual circumstances. Anyone wishing to discuss that should contact [email protected]
Audition workshops will commence on Saturday 4th January and run every weekend until the 15th February. More information is available HERE.
Auditions
- Acting and Music Theatre Workshop Days
- Bristol Saturday 4th January 2025
- Manchester Sunday 5th January 2025
- Cambridge Sunday 12th January 2025
- London Sunday 12th January 2025
- London Sunday 19th January 2025
- Newcastle upon Tyne Saturday 25th January 2025
- Cardiff Saturday 25th January 2025
- London Sunday 26th January 2025
- Cork Sunday 26th January 2025
- Glasgow Sunday 26th January 2025
- Leeds Saturday 1st February 2025
- Birmingham Sunday 2nd February 2025
- London Sunday 2nd February 2025
- Belfast Saturday 8th February 2025
- Ipswich Sunday 9th February 2025
- London Sunday 9th February 2025
Musician Workshop Days
- London Saturday 25th January
- Bristol Saturday 1st February
- Cardiff Saturday 8th February
- Leeds Saturday 15 February
