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Extra-curricular activities

Find advice on the best extra curricular activities in secondary schools and primary schools here.

Original poster

NYMT/BYMT 2024!

833 replies

Biscuitsneeded · 27/10/2023 14:20

Seeing as NYMT have announced their shows, it feels like a good time to start a thread for anyone with DC planning on auditioning for 2024 for either NYMT or BYMT - as performers or musicians, or as assistant creatives. Please come and say hi and tell us a bit about your DC. There are lots of experienced parents of DC who have been part of both organisations, and these threads are always genuinely supportive and helpful.
I'll invite some previous thread participants below - please come and say hi!

OP posts:
Grumblema · 31/08/2024 15:19

Can't wait to see them voicing their opinions on Sunday.

LibbyRuncie · 28/09/2024 19:17

Christmas NYMT celebrations tickets now on sale! Sunday 8th dec 4.00

Christmas Celebration - Sinfonia Smith Square

https://www.sinfoniasmithsq.org.uk/event/christmas-celebration/

doesanybodyhaveamap · 28/09/2024 22:21

We've got ours! Always such a lovely event 😍

Operasingerkath · 28/09/2024 23:06

Don’t think we’re going to make it this year. It was so lovely last year that we really wanted to go again, but DS has a college show that runs for two full weeks, including Saturdays, in December, so it’s going to be very difficult for him to get there as the show starts the Wednesday before. He was really hoping it would be the same as last year when they didn’t have to attend the rehearsal because he could have travelled down on the Sunday morning, but unfortunately for him not the case this time. Also he would have to find a sofa for the Saturday night as we’re well outside London. It potentially would be easier if he gets a lead role in the college show because they usually double cast and he could ask to swap that day, but we won’t know that until around half term.

For anyone able to go, we thought it was a lovely concert so I’m sure you will enjoy it!

Kittykat57 · 29/09/2024 07:04

Thank you for the reminder @LibbyRuncie . We are really looking forward to it.

allhailthebrain · 30/09/2024 23:23

Mine has signed up for it! @Operasingerkath I am sure he can offer yours a sofa for the night if it becomes workable for you, just message me if it's needed. I don't think we will be there to spectate sadly, just can't really justify the expense as I'm down there the weekend before. And he's just told me college have a carol concert in the middle of the next week so decisions to be made there too.

Operasingerkath · 01/10/2024 16:32

Thank you so much @allhailthebrain! I’ll let you know 😊

Comefromaway · 02/10/2024 13:38

My ds never managed the christmas concert as both years it clashed with conservatoire events.

I've just had an email about tickets for it and Platform. A couple of years ago I made a bursary donation. That seems to have given me friend membership which is still in operation!

Original poster
Biscuitsneeded · 20/10/2024 12:16

Just popping on to wish all involved in NYMT Platform a big Break a Leg for tonight and tomorrow. Looking forward to the reveal of the 2025 season too!

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doesanybodyhaveamap · 20/10/2024 14:55

Super excited to watch! And for the season reveal... DC is also very much looking forward to playing in the launch event beforehand too!

allhailthebrain · 20/10/2024 21:32

Mine is going to see Platform - do you go early for the launch event, or is that separately ticketed somehow...?
Break a leg Platform crew!

Mcmumager · 20/10/2024 21:44

Good luck to everyone in platform. Sorry to miss it!!

Alakazam8 · 21/10/2024 15:14

Ooh is the launch event tonight?

Operasingerkath · 21/10/2024 15:23

Sorry we can’t make it to Platform - the disadvantages of living in the north ☹️. Break a leg everyone! Looking forward to hearing about the new season!

LibbyRuncie · 21/10/2024 20:43

Ooooh is it four shows then next year!!!! ?

Operasingerkath · 21/10/2024 21:44

LibbyRuncie · 21/10/2024 20:43

Ooooh is it four shows then next year!!!! ?

Looks like it! I’ve just watched it on instagram. Sounds very exciting, with lots of new musical workshops too. Really good opportunities for lots more youngsters to be involved! My DS is super excited to audition again. I have a very special place in my heart for Carousel, and also Lightning Boy from this year’s workshop 😊

doesanybodyhaveamap · 21/10/2024 23:43

Just back from Platform and the launch event! What a night! The Platform performance was very special- such a talented group.

And 2025 is going to be awesome with so many more opportunities including a 50-piece show tunes orchestra project! About time!!!

DC can't wait to get their applications in and is feeling very blessed to be part of the NYMT fam tonight 🥰

sunflowerdaisyrose · 22/10/2024 00:07

Anyone have any idea of the ability of the younger ones who get in? I don't want to suggest to my 10 year old to audition and feel totally out of her depth! She won't expect to be successful first time at 10 but would want it to be a positive experience!

She's working towards grade 4 modern and grade 3 tap and can act and sing reasonably well (she's got the lead in a couple of youth productions and does local panto which is hard to get into!).

doesanybodyhaveamap · 22/10/2024 08:10

sunflowerdaisyrose · 22/10/2024 00:07

Anyone have any idea of the ability of the younger ones who get in? I don't want to suggest to my 10 year old to audition and feel totally out of her depth! She won't expect to be successful first time at 10 but would want it to be a positive experience!

She's working towards grade 4 modern and grade 3 tap and can act and sing reasonably well (she's got the lead in a couple of youth productions and does local panto which is hard to get into!).

I'd encourage her to try. The audition process itself is super friendly and a really fun day regardless of outcome. Kids are super talented for sure, but it's hard to say what exactly they look for as there are always surprises! My DC was 12 when first auditioned and was cast - not what I'd call a dancer but decent at movement. Doesn't have a powerhouse voice but sings well. Good actor. The mix of strengths totally depends on the shows and what they need. Over the years they've been cast, had recalls but not been cast and sometimes not even been recalled. You get to realise that lots of incredibly talented people can't be placed each year because NYMT cast shows specifically rather than setting a standard and accepting everyone above it. This year will provide a lot more opportunities, which is brilliant.

One last thing, a new introduction last year was that they offered lots of kids that weren't able to be cast but were good enough places on skills training courses that were different to their non-auditioned courses. I've heard great feedback from these too.

Original poster
Biscuitsneeded · 22/10/2024 09:51

sunflowerdaisyrose · 22/10/2024 00:07

Anyone have any idea of the ability of the younger ones who get in? I don't want to suggest to my 10 year old to audition and feel totally out of her depth! She won't expect to be successful first time at 10 but would want it to be a positive experience!

She's working towards grade 4 modern and grade 3 tap and can act and sing reasonably well (she's got the lead in a couple of youth productions and does local panto which is hard to get into!).

I'd really recommend booking an audition for your DD. As @doesanybodyhaveamap has said, the creative teams are always lovely. It's absolutely not one of those West End type auditions with fierce stagey parents, and kids doing the splits in the waiting area to intimidate the other auditionees! There's a great atmosphere, and often the kids make new friends in their region who share their interests. The worst that can happen is your DD spends a really fun day working with industry professionals on her skills, doing what she loves with like-minded young people.
Regarding the dance, some auditionees may be great dancers and they might be considered for the shows requiring more dance. Others may never have had a dance lesson in their life, and for them the audition will be about showing that they can deliver an engaging performance through movement. So your DD would definitely not feel out of her depth. There is usually an acting workshop, a dance session and the singing workshop. As long as your DD is prepared to sing a musical theatre song on her own with a pianist, and wouldn't be traumatised by that, she will love the day.
Incidentally, the best thing that could happen to a 10 year old who has done panto is that they get cast in a show, go on to do NYMT several times, grow in confidence and hone their skills, learn about the industry, make friends for life and feel part of the most special and joyous family, successfully audition for drama school because of the NYMT training and end up in something like Platform. This is my DS' experience, and it is absolutely the truth that NYMT has been life-changing for him.

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Original poster
Biscuitsneeded · 22/10/2024 10:00

Platform last night was sensational. I may be a little biased, but there was some phenomenal talent on that stage, and it was the perfect vehicle for them. Direction and music just sublime. It was lovely to see so many alumni who are now working professionals back to support NYMT, and so many young people from the summer shows also there to cheer on their NYMT family and find out about next year's shows.

2025 looks like a great season. Can't wait.

OP posts:
Comefromaway · 22/10/2024 10:02

My son won't be auditioning because unfortunately, like last year he has to earn money next summer to pay for his studies. But the skills and contacts he gained from NYMT has been brilliant. He is now getting professional work and some of it has come from ex NYMT contacts.

sunflowerdaisyrose · 22/10/2024 10:12

@Biscuitsneeded @doesanybodyhaveamap

Thank you both. I'll ask her if she would like to try. She has no problem singing alone, she loves it! I just wouldn't want to send her to a day that she'd feel intimidated - she quite likes auditions generally but know this is a different kettle of fish and don't want to put her off if it would be too difficult for her!

She has such a love of musical theatre and has much better friendships with her theatre peers than school mates!

Original poster
Biscuitsneeded · 22/10/2024 10:17

sunflowerdaisyrose · 22/10/2024 10:12

@Biscuitsneeded @doesanybodyhaveamap

Thank you both. I'll ask her if she would like to try. She has no problem singing alone, she loves it! I just wouldn't want to send her to a day that she'd feel intimidated - she quite likes auditions generally but know this is a different kettle of fish and don't want to put her off if it would be too difficult for her!

She has such a love of musical theatre and has much better friendships with her theatre peers than school mates!

She sounds just right for NYMT !

OP posts:
sleepisoverrated1 · 22/10/2024 10:18

sunflowerdaisyrose · 22/10/2024 00:07

Anyone have any idea of the ability of the younger ones who get in? I don't want to suggest to my 10 year old to audition and feel totally out of her depth! She won't expect to be successful first time at 10 but would want it to be a positive experience!

She's working towards grade 4 modern and grade 3 tap and can act and sing reasonably well (she's got the lead in a couple of youth productions and does local panto which is hard to get into!).

I agree wholeheartedly with the other answers to this - DS auditioned at 10 and was in a workshop, and then cast in the same show the following year. He knew noone when he arrived but is still in touch with friends he made that first year. The pastoral care is second to none, and the whole ethos is friendly and supportive. He wasn't able to take part this year but is so excited about auditioning for next season! I would encourage anybody to go for it. The audition process is like the whole NYMT experience, really encouraging and non-threatening.