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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 2025

974 replies

doesanybodyhaveamap · 22/10/2024 19:22

Starting off a new thread for 2025 now that both organisations have opened applications for next season!

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Original poster
doesanybodyhaveamap · 04/01/2025 08:56

Slight panic here this morning when we realised we didn't have venue details as DC changed audition date so didn't get a Bristol confirmation email... thank goodness for Google! Break a leg everyone x

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ZooKeeper123 · 04/01/2025 09:27

doesanybodyhaveamap · 04/01/2025 08:56

Slight panic here this morning when we realised we didn't have venue details as DC changed audition date so didn't get a Bristol confirmation email... thank goodness for Google! Break a leg everyone x

Eek! Sounds like the sort of thing that happens to me 😂 Good luck to your dc!! X

TheOliveSwan · 04/01/2025 09:38

Hi all, I’ve sent my dd off with her dad to the Bristol audition this morning. It’s her first time and she’s only 12 so not sure what to expect but I’ve told her not to worry about the results from it, just treat it like a workshop that you’ve paid for, enjoy the experience and get the most out of the day that you can. Hopefully that was ok advice!
Does anyone know, do they get to sing the whole song that they’ve brought with them? The email didn’t mention a cut or anything but she’s not used to being allowed to sing an entire song in an audition so we assumed she might be asked to shorten it?
Also any idea at all how many children will be there roughly?

sleepisoverrated1 · 04/01/2025 10:16

Good luck to your DD @TheOliveSwan! Absolutely the right advice. DS didn't audition last year but previously he was able to sing the whole song, although I think as the session progressed some longer ones were cut slightly due to time constraints. That said, I'm sure the audition day is longer this year than the last one he was at. I can't remember how many children were at his audition but they were split into groups and rotated around acting / dance & movement / singing workshops throughout the day. The thing DS loves about NYMT is the supportive and inclusive atmosphere. He was 10 the first time he auditioned and was very well looked after. He feels that everyone genuinely wants the best for each other and whilst clearly there is some competition they do all seem to be rooting for their peers. I hope she loves it - let us know how she gets on!

TheOliveSwan · 04/01/2025 10:21

@sleepisoverrated1 thanks so much! Supportive and inclusive is perfect and exactly what we were hoping for. I really hope she loves it too and I’m sure she will! Good luck to everyone auditioning!

Biscuitsneeded · 04/01/2025 10:48

sleepisoverrated1 · 04/01/2025 10:16

Good luck to your DD @TheOliveSwan! Absolutely the right advice. DS didn't audition last year but previously he was able to sing the whole song, although I think as the session progressed some longer ones were cut slightly due to time constraints. That said, I'm sure the audition day is longer this year than the last one he was at. I can't remember how many children were at his audition but they were split into groups and rotated around acting / dance & movement / singing workshops throughout the day. The thing DS loves about NYMT is the supportive and inclusive atmosphere. He was 10 the first time he auditioned and was very well looked after. He feels that everyone genuinely wants the best for each other and whilst clearly there is some competition they do all seem to be rooting for their peers. I hope she loves it - let us know how she gets on!

I completely second this. Unlike an audition for something like Matilda where you have loads of kids competing for a very few roles, at NYMT they are auditioning to be part of a company. I think this makes the auditions feel much more friendly and inclusive because the DC are not pitted against each other and they genuinely just want to see everyone show what they can do. They're also looking at who works well in a group, who will be a nice company member etc - especially at recalls - so applauding others and being generally friendly actually beneficial as well as just a nice thing to do!

Welcome @TheOliveSwan . I hope your DD has a great day. Let us know how it goes!

Alakazam8 · 04/01/2025 11:59

Can confirm that the kids swap round in groups between dance, script and singing. Re songs it depends on the song and others songs but my dd has always sung a whole song when she has auditioned.
They try to make it a fun day for everyone and the best way to approach is to enjoy it as much as possible. I can also confirm that they are inclusive (in my experience) as dd has needed slight adaptations! I’m on serious weather watch for tomorrow though, no snow yet!

Mcmumager · 04/01/2025 12:11

I’ve just booked a hotel in Manchester as think roads are ok to travel this afternoon and to get back tomorrow night but think to get there in the morning from where we live would be a nightmare.

Good luck to those auditioning today. They will have a great time I’m sure. Interested to hear if there is any news on the creatives for the shows.

Original poster
doesanybodyhaveamap · 04/01/2025 12:21

Mcmumager · 04/01/2025 12:11

I’ve just booked a hotel in Manchester as think roads are ok to travel this afternoon and to get back tomorrow night but think to get there in the morning from where we live would be a nightmare.

Good luck to those auditioning today. They will have a great time I’m sure. Interested to hear if there is any news on the creatives for the shows.

Will debrief later @Mcmumager !!

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Original poster
doesanybodyhaveamap · 04/01/2025 18:51

DC has come away happy - no intel on creatives but lots of familiar faces there today which was nice. Dance was 'fast and footy' and very technical- always a challenge for my DC! But sounds like it was a very mixed ability group.

Good luck to those up tomorrow! I'm sure they'll have a great day.

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TheOliveSwan · 04/01/2025 19:00

Yes, dd said the dance was hard! Not her strongest discipline… She’s buzzing from the day though, had loads of fun and made ‘at least 2 friends’ bless her. Just nice for them to have a day doing what they love surrounded by people that love theatre as much as them isn’t it? I don’t think there’s much chance of her getting into a show, but now that we’ve had a little taste of the magic of it, it’s hard not to hold out a little bit of hope!

sleepisoverrated1 · 04/01/2025 19:21

Great to hear they both enjoyed their days @TheOliveSwan and @doesanybodyhaveamap, and everything crossed for positive outcomes!
Hoping we make it through the snow tomorrow...

Mcmumager · 04/01/2025 19:55

Aww so glad they enjoyed their day and fingers crossed. Do you know who was leading the sessions? Maybe with fame they need to add in some trickier moves to highlight those for the more dancey roles? There are plenty of roles not needing technical dance.

Is the routine they do the same at all locations?

We are in Manchester- so far so good!

Original poster
doesanybodyhaveamap · 04/01/2025 20:45

Nick C was auditioning the musicians, but DC didn't know any of the other creatives leading the sessions.

@TheOliveSwan there are lots of opportunities this year, they've added lots to the programme! I believe everyone who auditions will be offered something, ranging from skills courses to the main shows and they all will have the NYMT magic 🥰

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Truetoself · 04/01/2025 21:14

Just checked details and if they get through the auditions, the casting workshops are 15-18th Feb - when we are away ........

Is there any point in DC auditioning?

Original poster
doesanybodyhaveamap · 04/01/2025 21:21

@Truetoself if they can't go to the casting workshop then i don't think they can be in show. But they may still be offered a skills course.

The audition day is a good experience in itself, if you've already booked it then nothing to lose by going anyway. Then if DC is offered a recall, contact them and see where it goes.

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Truetoself · 04/01/2025 21:29

@doesanybodyhaveamap thanks for the advise. So annoying! i knew there was something in April and August but didn't know about February! So annoying!

Original poster
doesanybodyhaveamap · 04/01/2025 21:59

Recalls always in Feb half term, for future reference x

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Truetoself · 04/01/2025 22:15

Noted

Truetoself · 04/01/2025 22:22

Does anyone know what the procedure is for BYMT? I couldn't find the info online

Biscuitsneeded · 04/01/2025 22:24

@Truetoself I'd go anyway. Maybe just send them an email saying you've only just realised the recalls are in half term and you're away then, but your DC would really love to be considered if there's any way that is still possible. I have no idea what the policy would be, but they might be able to request a self-tape if they would otherwise have recalled your DC for the casting workshops.

Biscuitsneeded · 04/01/2025 22:27

Truetoself · 04/01/2025 22:22

Does anyone know what the procedure is for BYMT? I couldn't find the info online

As far as I know, for BYMT it's usually a much shorter audition - more like 2.5 to 3 hours - and some can be done online, I think. No recalls, but if given a place they do a casting weekend around May half term for some but not all shows to determine who plays which roles.

Biscuitsneeded · 04/01/2025 22:29

Mcmumager · 04/01/2025 19:55

Aww so glad they enjoyed their day and fingers crossed. Do you know who was leading the sessions? Maybe with fame they need to add in some trickier moves to highlight those for the more dancey roles? There are plenty of roles not needing technical dance.

Is the routine they do the same at all locations?

We are in Manchester- so far so good!

What news from Snow Watch??

Biscuitsneeded · 04/01/2025 22:31

TheOliveSwan · 04/01/2025 19:00

Yes, dd said the dance was hard! Not her strongest discipline… She’s buzzing from the day though, had loads of fun and made ‘at least 2 friends’ bless her. Just nice for them to have a day doing what they love surrounded by people that love theatre as much as them isn’t it? I don’t think there’s much chance of her getting into a show, but now that we’ve had a little taste of the magic of it, it’s hard not to hold out a little bit of hope!

@TheOliveSwan So glad to hear your DD enjoyed her day.

Biscuitsneeded · 04/01/2025 22:32

sleepisoverrated1 · 04/01/2025 19:21

Great to hear they both enjoyed their days @TheOliveSwan and @doesanybodyhaveamap, and everything crossed for positive outcomes!
Hoping we make it through the snow tomorrow...

Break a leg to your DS @sleepisoverrated1 and I hope there's not enough snow to cause any trouble in the morning. Is it snowing where you are now?