NYMT/BYMT 2021 (2)

[doesanybodyhaveamap]

Continuation of the NYMT/BYMT 2021 thread because the other one got full!!!

@Biscuitsneeded

@chaperonemum interesting!! Is it a youth show?

And again . It can't be can it? All the shows being auditioned for all over the country. What would the chances be?!

@chaperonemum is it being put on in October half term but with an intensive rehearsal week late August?!

@Biscuitsneeded

@chaperonemum We probably know you in real life!! If it is the same thing, has your DD done stuff with them before? Message me if you like!

Dd's online Agent showcase went really well yesterday. She decided to take part as to not close any options even thought she's going for postgrad. She also managed to save the day when the laptop the IT technician set up for streaming it didn't have the proper zoom setting s and there was no sound. She sorted it without too much delay/disruption.

And can I just divert the thread slightly with the exciting news that Sutton Foster is going into Anything Goes at the Barbican this summer" SUTTON FOSTER.

Tickets booked at 1am this morning!

@Comefromaway Glad your DD' showcase went well. How does it work with agents? They watch the showcases from lots of the schools and then make contact via the school (or directly?) with anyone they are interested in?

Under normal circumstances there would be a meet and greet after a live event with CV's/Headshots for agents to pick up with the students contact details on (usually via Spotlight) although some agents attend Londond showcases in their lnch hour and contact anyone they might be interested in afterwards. I think a programme with details for all graduating students was sent to them. They may ask to be sent showreels etc.

God I hope this Indian variant isn't going to spoil everything for our kids once again. If they can speed up the vaccination effort further, I won't mind taking LFTs daily and having to prove vaccination status if it just doesn't mean theatre getting closed down again...

And obviously I hope people don't become very ill and lose their lives as a result of it, but that goes without saying...

Don;t worry, we know what you mean!

Totally agree- really hope things don’t get out of control again. I’d started to feel optimistic and the kids had costume fittings for the potential of a dance show soon if all goes to plan.

Just had a BYMT email- knew it was a bit fast for any results but you still have hope but it was just a marketing email about the summer workshops.

Just would like to know to plan our summer but I guess with the extra dates it could still be a while!

[quote Biscuitsneeded]@Comefromaway Glad your DD' showcase went well. How does it work with agents? They watch the showcases from lots of the schools and then make contact via the school (or directly?) with anyone they are interested in?[/quote]
I now know the proper answer to this question. The agents sometimes contact the college and give feedback or ask about the students but mostly they approach them direct. They are given the equivalent to a programme with each student's headshot, Spotlight link and email address on.

Just a couple of students were approached immediately following the showcase. Another is already signed.

But today dd texted me to say she has been approached by an agent who is interested in her. A quick google shows they are a small, quirky agency who seem to specialise on commercials and TV castings. A lot of people on their books seem to be quirky in some way or have an unusual skill. Some are disabled actors or families. Nothing may come of it, but its a confidence booster.

I'm wondering if anyone else is concerned about the new (18 May) guidelines on non-professional performing arts activity here ? (see below for text). Does anyone know if there is a revision to this expected in the stage 4 roadmap?

Taking part in non-professional performing arts activity

Non-professional activities are permitted indoors and outdoors, within the legal gathering limits.

Outdoors, people can take part in non-professional performing arts activities in a group of up to 30 people. Activities can take place with multiple permitted groups, provided the groups are kept separate throughout the activity, and the event is organised in line with the organised events guidance for local authorities.

Indoors, people can take part in non-professional performing arts activities in a group of up to 6 people, or as a group of 2 households/bubbles. Activities. Activities can take place with multiple permitted groups, provided the groups are kept separate throughout the activity, and the event is organised in line with the organised events guidance for local authorities.

However, non-professional singing indoors should only take place in a single group of up to 6 people.

Activities should be organised to allow for social distancing to be maintained.

Before undertaking non-professional performing arts activity, you should consider the case for proceeding (or not) based especially on the risk involved in the activity and location, and the number and health of participants, particularly if vulnerable individuals are involved.

@janinlondon incredibly worried about this and I see the MD for Hunchback choir has really taken this issue up. Total nightmare. Makes no sense at all.
It is guidance not law so as usual gov have left it nice and vague so as not to take any responsibility. As usual.

@minimits Have written to NYMT to ask - but didn't realise Hunchback people were already on it......do you think that (grasping at straws here) because the whole production is residential, they can be considered a household?

It might be guidance but they will have insurance difficulties if it remains in place.

I think Stage 4 is going to be delayed. I'm hoping not but I suspect it might be.

It won't affect under 18's.

The MD has been tweeting in his capacity as a choir leader for a different choir but classic fm have taken up the mantle..
twitter.com/classicfm/status/1394983388533116928?s=21

It does look like these restrictions would be lifted at step 4 ... if all goes to plan...? (From the Musicians Union
website )

Step 4: No earlier than 21 June 2021
Live events: No limit on guests.
Re-opening of all remaining businesses, including nightclubs.
Relaxation of limits on live performance events, subject to success of previous steps.

The BYMT Peter Pan residential casting workshop at the end of half term has been replaced by an online event because of this. They were hoping for the restrictions to be lifted on 17 May, but only schools have been allowed to run UK residentials, as long as students are still in their bubbles. The DfE advised against other voluntary organisations running residential activities.

Praying the rules do change from 21 June 🙏

I have no idea what is going to happen. I was already worried, even before I saw these last-minute changes. What I will say is that NYMT will be on it. On their board they have a member of Public Health England, and last year they made sensible and responsible decisions in good time faced with the evolving situation. I worry about the things that can't be controlled (variant developments, government decision-making) but I have complete faith that NYMT will be monitoring very carefully.

I've just written to my MP. They can't lose another season, they just can't. Absolutely no grounds for it now most adults are vaccinated. There is no scientific basis for this ridiculous limit on singing vs drinking in a pub all evening, travelling on a plane (with god only knows what variants!) or people yelling and singing at a sports match or singing along at an indoor concert. Utterly ridiculous. This is our version of elite sports training. It has to resume.

I am properly on my soap box now 🤣