NYMT

You're still here! (Though I've had a name change since last year) DD is trying to decide whether to audition or not this year. She's in a couple of local productions at the moment, one of which has an all day rehearsal on the day of the local NYMT auditions so she's undecided.

Great to hear that those who took part last year all had such a good time :)

Thanks! Good luck to your DS in Feb.

There's no rush, is there? Maybe your DDs will feel like it in a year or two. Hope it all goes very well for your student. I think Sunday will be amazing.

My twins have decided not to go for it this year, which I think is probably a good move - they're only 10 and I think DTD1 in particular might find it a bit scary.

My lovely student is auditioning this weekend in Bristol. Not sure if it's Saturday or Sunday but we've spent time on his song in the last couple of days. He would love to get into Sunday.

I heard the Christmas concert was lovely. DS has been in panto (and still hasn't finished) so he couldn't do it. But he would so adore another chance at NYMT this year... Am trying to manage expectations whilst not appearing to not have faith in him - it's a tricky balance, I'm finding! Agreed, difficult process for parents too. But at least they tend to hear quite quickly whether they are through to recalls so there isn't too much of an agonising wait. Really hope all goes well for your DD and your student on Sunday. Keep us posted (not about the content of the audition, of course - just about how your DD gets on).

Just thought I'd resurrect this thread. Aplo, when is your DD auditioning? Good luck to her! EvilTwins, what about your student and your twins? Anyone else's DC auditioning? DS is due to go in Feb.

Thanks for that Biscuit. Yes, they are identical (though as their mum it's tricky to know if they are "absolutely" identical - obviously I think they look totally different) I'll look into it.

Sorry to go off on a tangent, but EvilTwins are your girls identical? If so have you seen Jo Hawes' current casting page? (Scroll down) She has a pretty specific requirement!
johawes.com/?page_id=168

It was fabulous! I sat with my student's parents, brother and girlfriend (I teach the brother and the girlfriend too) and we all really enjoyed it. Monday morning was bloody difficult though - didn't get home til 1am. My student was one of the tallest. Dark hair. He had a few bits here and there and was Nathan Detroit (so speaking not singing solo) in Sit Down You're a Rocking The Boat.

He's been asked about the Christmas concert too but can't do it - he's busy now with A Levels, drama school auditions and playing the lead in the school show... he's definitely auditioning for next year's season though.

My DDs are now talking about auditioning. They're only 10 (twins) but have lovely voices and LOVE drama.

Yes it was definitely your DD I spotted. She's in one of the pics in this article too I think. (Hope that doesn't identify her, it shouldn't do as there are lots of kids!) www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/Photo-Flash-Stars-Celebrate-40-Years-of-National-Youth-Music-Theatre-at-the-Adelphi-20161031
It's not half term here. DS got up at 8.20 this morning having got to bed at 1 am, and is still awake now because of Halloween over excitement. Tomorrow could be painful! DS is booked in for a Feb audition next year but maybe (with luck) their paths might cross at a recall (here's hoping).

It was utterly lovely. Such a buzz about the whole company and the way they go about things. I do think the two Jeremys deserve a knighthood! Such a wealth of talent onstage, and so great for the younger ones to see and hear where it can all lead.
Aplo I think I spotted your DD - she had a solo bit at one point, didn't she? And I think I saw you with her at pick-up but it was so manic at stage door and we were in a rush to get a train so I didn't say hi. Hope you've made it back safely?
Mine was the smallest boy in Boat. He was quite difficult to spot, although he did sing one line while they were still sitting with another smallish boy, but he was so happy to see all his Boaties again! Unfortunately he can't do the Christmas concert as he's in panto, but he'll be back to audition again in 2017. Fingers very firmly crossed, as there are no guarantees... The good news for him is that they're doing a Boat original cast recording, which means he gets to see them all again in February and will have a permanent keepsake of the show. He says NYMT has been the best thing he's ever done. So glad your DD enjoyed it too! Will hope to see you/your DD somewhere in the process next year!

Aplo, glad your DD enjoyed the Sevenoaks experience and is looking forward to October. I think the gala group kids will be doing most of the performing, as each of the 4 productions is only doing one number plus the finale from what I can see. Well done to your DD for getting solos. I agree it is an expensive business! DS and I just went to watch Brass today, which was also amazing. Some seriously talented young people. DS has had a lovely summer and apart from the (inevitable) expense I can't fault NYMT as they have been super-friendly, helpful and very well organised throughout, and created four great productions. I know DS will want to try again next year and although I do think he got very lucky this year because he was a perfect match for a particular part, and that might not happen twice, I will have to let him try. We begged sponsorship off all and sundry this year but I'd feel bad doing that again, so am going to start putting away some money each month just in case he's lucky enough to be involved again.

That's interesting Biscuits. I think it's half the show - getting the casting right. As a school drama teacher I tend to chose shows that I know I can cast well, based on who I know I will have available, but casting a show when you don't know who will walk through the door and getting it so right is a real talent.

Just got back yesterday from watching DS in Battle of Boat, which was incredible. It had all the spirit and energy of Matilda with the epic and dramatic feel and rousing ensemble numbers of Les Mis. The whole experience has been fabulous for DS. One thing that was very apparent to me was how well the show had been cast. Each individual was exactly right for the character they were playing. They were all supremely talented but also a genius had clearly cast them. And for those who came close to getting in this year but weren't cast, I think that really shows that it's not just about talent - they are looking to fill very particular parts. So for the kids on this thread who came close, you should absolutely definitely try again next year as it may simply have been the case that you didn't fit a part this year. It's great that so many have been invited to be part of the Encore Gala group and from what I've heard, what they've been rehearsing looks and sounds amazing too. We're looking forward to October now (DS is bereft and very keen to see all his NYMT friends again!).

Oh, and returning to a discussion point from the thread, my student said that there was a bit of amusement from staff about how much he (student) looks like the boy the cast as the lead in Spring Awakening - the one featured in the controversial tweet. He said he got the feeling that it wouldn't have mattered how good he was in his SA audition - he had no chance because they weren't going to cast two who look similar, and this other guy is "a favourite". He is pleased to be involved in Encore as it feels like a bit of a foot in the door.

My student is involved in October too. I've got a ticket and am really looking forward to seeing it. Another student in the same class is in the NYT gala in September, which I'm also going to - very exciting to have two in the West End within a month of each other!

Have a great holiday then! I hope your DD continues to have a lovely week, and will look out for her in October.

Haven't bought our tickets yet but must! I can't think beyond Boat at the end of next week but will get onto it. Lucky kids.