NYMT/BYMT 2024!

Can I ask a packing question please! Do you send your DCs in with any medications ie paracetamol? Or will pastoral team have some if they did have a headache or something!??

Thanks @Biscuitsneeded that's a good idea to get tickets to a show, Into the Woods is a firm favourite anyway so always worth a watch. I'll be honest, I'm keen for her to have a go at auditioning, she's reluctant because she's a bit worried about the staying away from home aspect. I might make the trip for the open day because it would probably help her decide if it's for her, or not yet.

Hi, does anyone have any insight into the NYMT open day next week? My 12 year old is thinking about auditioning next year so we thought we might go and have a look, but it's 2 hours from us so not really sure if it's worth the travelling.

Hi @OMITN
So delighted to hear about your DD. My DD also got a place in When we Strike. It was also her first time auditioning she is only 11 turning 12 in July. She is so looking forward to it.. me on the otherhand I'm quite nervous 🫣.We are from Ireland so I am not sure how this works either but I am getting great comfort from this thread. The overall consensus is they have a great time doing what they love. What age is your daughter?

@LibbyRuncie not sure where you are based but I agree with @allhailthebrain SOTE in Birmingham seem to be smashing it in audition season with their students this year. KT (Kristian Thomas) are run by some absolutely fab people - it’s near junction 24 of the M1.

@allhailthebrain the cats 😂🙄🤦‍♀️ we certainly don’t want that! Ha!!!
i ve already been checking out options in Birmingham! I am thinking when she is a bit older (she’s only 12 now) this might be exactly what she needs and wants!

HUGE congrats to the musicians! ITW is so lucky to have you, great achievement!!

@LibbyRuncie I would agree with what's been said. I have generally steered clear of the franchises. My experience (through friends) is they're not at the same level (granted, standards will vary!). I saw lots of videos of "this is what we've done this term and now here they all are pretending to be cats" - in a community centre with somebody's gran holding up their whole ipad in front of your phone - nobody's watching, they're all filming 😁 (I'm not saying which franchise this was!).
We found a great little stage school as part of the local theatre and they were the best start we could have had! Led to so much more. Learned dance separate as well.
If you're midlands way, I know another NYMT friend has just got into BOA for next year and is over the moon! She trains with Emil Dale associates (that's their proper associate programme which is auditioned - not their weekend lessons kind of thing!) once a month and a company regularly called, I think, Kristian Thomas....? They seem very high standard. It could be worth looking into those if they're doable.

Biscuits to those still waiting on BYMT, you are not forgotten!!

@Biscuitsneeded definitely! I think it’s going to be try both stagecoach and PQ and see which one suits best!

@Biscuitsneeded yes we did audition at Birmingham! DD is soo excited about NYMT! ll def take a look at the weekends in b’ham!

i am dubious and PQ to be fair! Just not very much around us at all!

Sorry one more thing @LibbyRuncie ! DC is very lucky to be in an independent school with a very strong performing arts offering. Appreciate that this is not something everyone can access- mine is only there because I they have a government scholarship as a musician which makes it just about affordable. They are a joint scholar (music and drama) but the drama alone wouldn't have made this affordable for us. Super grateful for the MDS funding!

@LibbyRuncie no direct experience of PQA but it's important to recognise that this is a franchise, like stagecoach, and standards do vary! The best thing to do is take advantage of trial sessions with the classes you are considering, and see where your child is happy but also being stretched. Try and catch an end of term performance or show to give you an idea of the overall standard.

I've heard good things about West End Kids and also Stagebox programmes. But we've never participated.

My own DC's have done really well with a small independent theatre school which has given them access and opportunities in professional productions/projects. Plus NYMT of course! Best training of all...

Congratulations to all the musicians. Fantastic news!

Congratulations to all the musicians and thank you to everyone for answering my questions. We had the NYMT pastoral zoom for parents earlier this week and it was so helpful. They are going to have an amazing time.

Congratulations musicians!!! All coming together!

can I be cheeky and take advantage of all of your knowledge and experience please? We’re looking for a company, class for a Saturday for DD for after NYMT. What are people’s experiences with ‘stage school’ or Pauline Quirk please? And any others to look at please

Congratulations everyone! Can’t wait to come and watch x

Congratulations musicians!

Morning all!! I have an ecstatic ds who is viola 1 for Into the Woods!!

Congratulations to your DC @doesanybodyhaveamap !

Well done to them.