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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 (Act Two)

484 replies

doesanybodyhaveamap · 23/02/2025 19:11

Starting a new thread as we filled up the old one!

DC 17 is in 6th season with NYMT. Also former BYMTer.

These annual threads have been a source of advice, emotional support and camaraderie for those of us with young performers enjoying everything that these awesome organisations bring.

😁

OP posts:
Biscuitsneeded · 28/04/2025 08:36

TheOliveSwan · 27/04/2025 22:15

@Gordons2003 yeah I think a lot of the sessions they did were preparing for the showcase. There was 1 dance piece, 1 singing piece, one MT/acting focused piece, and then one where they put it all together. They also did vocal warm ups/technique every day. The daily dance warm up was apparently a killer, and they did some technique/across the floors in dance. They also had acting through song sessions where everyone got to sing a solo song for the creative team and got individual notes. DD wrote down everyone’s notes and there’s lots of gold in there. They had an audition technique workshop as well I think… it’s very long days and they covered a lot but DD just wished it was longer.

I'm really glad to hear your DD enjoyed it so much. I hope she will want to audition again next year! If you're anywhere near Birmingham, do consider going to watch an NYMT show this summer.

Wigeon · 29/04/2025 22:54

Hi everyone - I was on the first thread as DD auditioned for the first time for NYMT and it was useful to hear from more experienced parents. DD didn't get a musical or new musical workshop but she just did the residential skills course (Sevenoaks School) which she absolutely loved and got a lot out of.

Now posting again as it would be great to get more advice from you experienced lot!

We've just had an unexpected email from NYMT saying they have a few places remaining on one of the new musicals workshops (Windsong) during May half term, that DD "made a strong impression" on the skills course with her "creativity, focus and enthusiasm" (but I think that was a genetic para as they refer to her as "they" not "she") and would she like to do the workshop. They've obviously sent this to a few kids.

DD is already booked to do something else during May half term. In principle she can't therefore do the workshop. However, would we be mad to turn it down? We could probably swallow losing the money for the other activity she is booked on, although she's looking forward to doing that thing (non musical theatre related!). From this thread it seems that places on the workshops are very competitive like the shows. Or have they just had some people drop out of the workshop and they are just trying to fill the spaces, and there will be other opportunities? How common is being invited to a new musical workshop after the main auditions are completed? Help!

WWYD?! Advice welcome!

Wigeon · 29/04/2025 22:55

Great to read how everyone else's DC have been getting on too!

Biscuitsneeded · 30/04/2025 05:44

Wigeon · 29/04/2025 22:54

Hi everyone - I was on the first thread as DD auditioned for the first time for NYMT and it was useful to hear from more experienced parents. DD didn't get a musical or new musical workshop but she just did the residential skills course (Sevenoaks School) which she absolutely loved and got a lot out of.

Now posting again as it would be great to get more advice from you experienced lot!

We've just had an unexpected email from NYMT saying they have a few places remaining on one of the new musicals workshops (Windsong) during May half term, that DD "made a strong impression" on the skills course with her "creativity, focus and enthusiasm" (but I think that was a genetic para as they refer to her as "they" not "she") and would she like to do the workshop. They've obviously sent this to a few kids.

DD is already booked to do something else during May half term. In principle she can't therefore do the workshop. However, would we be mad to turn it down? We could probably swallow losing the money for the other activity she is booked on, although she's looking forward to doing that thing (non musical theatre related!). From this thread it seems that places on the workshops are very competitive like the shows. Or have they just had some people drop out of the workshop and they are just trying to fill the spaces, and there will be other opportunities? How common is being invited to a new musical workshop after the main auditions are completed? Help!

WWYD?! Advice welcome!

Great to hear that your DD enjoyed her course. I don't think that NYMT would be sending out invitations to take part in a workshop indiscrimately, so I'm sure your DD genuinely did impress them, and also is the right age or voice type they are looking for. How does your DD feel about it? NYMT would completely understand that you have committed financially to something else in half term. I'd say if your DD is really keen to do it and you can make it work, that's great all round, but otherwise it will not be taken badly if on this occasion she has to say thank you and I loved the course but I'm not free in half term. You could always give her summer availability and emphasise that she would love to do a workshop then if any spaces come up!

MxPickles · 30/04/2025 17:34

Hi all... exciting updates from the Easter sessions, and some movement in workshop places it seems - fab news all around.

My DD had a blast with FLIP, and was just sad it was only for a week!

So, reason for hopping back here to post is to ask, has anyone been successful in getting audition feedback from BYMT?

I have requested a few times and initially was told "wait until the casting process is over". Now the casting process is over I have requested politely again and follwed up but not even recieved an email back! Is it just me ?!?!

Wigeon · 30/04/2025 17:43

Biscuitsneeded · 30/04/2025 05:44

Great to hear that your DD enjoyed her course. I don't think that NYMT would be sending out invitations to take part in a workshop indiscrimately, so I'm sure your DD genuinely did impress them, and also is the right age or voice type they are looking for. How does your DD feel about it? NYMT would completely understand that you have committed financially to something else in half term. I'd say if your DD is really keen to do it and you can make it work, that's great all round, but otherwise it will not be taken badly if on this occasion she has to say thank you and I loved the course but I'm not free in half term. You could always give her summer availability and emphasise that she would love to do a workshop then if any spaces come up!

Show quote history

@Biscuitsneeded - thanks for your reply, that's good advice. Really frustrating that she has this other thing booked otherwise the workshop would be a no brainer!

Truetoself · 30/04/2025 19:07

@MxPickles I know NYMT said they don’t give feedback. I am surprised BYMT implied they would?

MxPickles · 30/04/2025 21:04

Truetoself · 30/04/2025 19:07

@MxPickles I know NYMT said they don’t give feedback. I am surprised BYMT implied they would?

BYMT actively say that audition feedback is available and that is what makes them different.

When the results came out they said that if you wanted feedback you could now email and ask. I wouldn't ask if they hadn't explicity said it was available.

MxPickles · 30/04/2025 21:06

"We are also very happy to provide specific feedback and advice from your audition so you know where you can improve."

NYMT/BYMT 2025 (Act Two)
Truetoself · 30/04/2025 21:33

@MxPicklesthat’s good to know about BYMT. Thanks for the info

yodaforpresident · 01/05/2025 11:18

Glad to hear that your DD enjoyed Flip @MxPickles - they really do have an absolute ball on these residentials. DD is sorry to miss out on her workshop in August.

Kittykat57 · 01/05/2025 11:40

Lovely to hear positive feedback about the musical workshops. My DS has just had the info pack about Everyday in half term. It’s going to be strange not doing a residential after last year but he is very much looking forward to
it. We are trying to decide which show to watch? Lightening Boy sounds amazing and nice to see something original. If it was London we would love to see them all.

Biscuitsneeded · 01/05/2025 17:27

Hope your DC has a great time on Everyday. That's so lovely you want to go and watch a show. I genuinely think they should all be great shows, but I also think Lightning Boy looks and sounds like HUGE fun! I want to try to see them all. I don't even have a DC in any of them but they are always great shows.

Mumster40 · 03/05/2025 07:33

@MxPickles I asked for, and received, feedback from BYMT last year. It was 3 sentences and very generic. I was very dubious of the casting process to be honest. I was always amazed how the shows got cast without the casting person ever actually having watched the young people…..I know she makes it to some auditions but she definitely wasn’t at my DC’s……I hope you receive something more productive than I did!

seventwelve25 · 03/05/2025 07:57

Hi All, DD is increasingly excited about Letty Pegg in the summer and has started reading the book in prep (as have I and really enjoying it!)
I remember reading here a few months ago about a Christmas performance and last year New Musical Workshop attendees were involved. Does anyone know if this is a regular thing / likely to happen again this year? DD has the opportunity to dance in panto but obviously anything with NYMT would win out but she needs to confirm or otherwise, quite quickly!

Mumster40 · 03/05/2025 08:06

Last year my niece, who was in a workshop, took part in the Christmas concert. It is a lovely, joyful event and the young people do look forward to it. However, there is no expectation to take part. It’s a long way to travel for some for one day…personally, if your DC has been offered a festive run I wouldn’t turn that down for a Christmas concert.

Biscuitsneeded · 03/05/2025 10:00

Mumster40 · 03/05/2025 08:06

Last year my niece, who was in a workshop, took part in the Christmas concert. It is a lovely, joyful event and the young people do look forward to it. However, there is no expectation to take part. It’s a long way to travel for some for one day…personally, if your DC has been offered a festive run I wouldn’t turn that down for a Christmas concert.

I agree with this. The Christmas concert is a lovely, festive event and the young people really enjoy catching up with their friends, but I wouldn't turn down a panto run for it. Your DD will learn a lot from doing panto, and if she enjoys Letty Pegg and wants to come back to auditions next year to NYMT there will no doubt be other opportunities.

Original poster
doesanybodyhaveamap · 03/05/2025 10:14

seventwelve25 · 03/05/2025 07:57

Hi All, DD is increasingly excited about Letty Pegg in the summer and has started reading the book in prep (as have I and really enjoying it!)
I remember reading here a few months ago about a Christmas performance and last year New Musical Workshop attendees were involved. Does anyone know if this is a regular thing / likely to happen again this year? DD has the opportunity to dance in panto but obviously anything with NYMT would win out but she needs to confirm or otherwise, quite quickly!

echoing what @Mumster40and @Biscuitsneededhave said. Also, last year was the first time they opened up the Christmas concert to all company members which is wonderful but there are only so many kids that can fit on stage at SJSS. So the email invite made clear that they might not be able to accommodate everyone that wanted to participate in which case I think it was ‘first come, first served’. I expect this will be the case again as the number of company members has further increased this year.

As another veteran panto parent, they learn SO MUCH from it so if you get the chance, take it! This was where it all started for my DC and they are now off to drama school in September.

NYMT are very used to people not being available at Christmas because they are performing elsewhere xx

OP posts:
Biscuitsneeded · 03/05/2025 10:43

doesanybodyhaveamap · 03/05/2025 10:14

echoing what @Mumster40and @Biscuitsneededhave said. Also, last year was the first time they opened up the Christmas concert to all company members which is wonderful but there are only so many kids that can fit on stage at SJSS. So the email invite made clear that they might not be able to accommodate everyone that wanted to participate in which case I think it was ‘first come, first served’. I expect this will be the case again as the number of company members has further increased this year.

As another veteran panto parent, they learn SO MUCH from it so if you get the chance, take it! This was where it all started for my DC and they are now off to drama school in September.

NYMT are very used to people not being available at Christmas because they are performing elsewhere xx

Edited
Show quote history

Yes, that's also a good point. NYMT certainly don't expect people to take part and there's no sense that you are blotting your copy book by not being available. Lots of people will have other commitments and/or live too far away by Christmas.

seventwelve25 · 03/05/2025 14:20

Thanks so much, everyone, for your answers. This is all very reassuring! We'll happily make arrangements for December and if the concert happened to fall on a free date and dd got a spot, that would be an added bonus!

Wigeon · 03/05/2025 17:26

So after much discussion, DD has decided to take up the NYMT new musical workshop in May half term and not do the (non-musicals/performing) other thing she was booked to do. She is very excited! And I thought I had paid in full for the other thing but turns out I had only paid the deposit, so it's actually less of a financial hit. She'll be commuting by train /tube, so that's very grown up too.

The Christmas concert sounds fun! Is SJSS St John's Smith Square? We live just outside London so that's straightforward to get to for us. If they do it this year - is it always annual? - and if they invite workshop participants again!

soolin · 03/05/2025 17:37

DD has just been offered Theo in Between out of the blue!! Don’t know what to do if we’re honest!

Original poster
doesanybodyhaveamap · 03/05/2025 17:57

Wigeon · 03/05/2025 17:26

So after much discussion, DD has decided to take up the NYMT new musical workshop in May half term and not do the (non-musicals/performing) other thing she was booked to do. She is very excited! And I thought I had paid in full for the other thing but turns out I had only paid the deposit, so it's actually less of a financial hit. She'll be commuting by train /tube, so that's very grown up too.

The Christmas concert sounds fun! Is SJSS St John's Smith Square? We live just outside London so that's straightforward to get to for us. If they do it this year - is it always annual? - and if they invite workshop participants again!

Yay! Congrats to her, she will have a fabulous time!!

The Christmas concert is an annual event - one of our favourite Christmas traditions now! It is indeed at St John Smiths Square - such a gorgeous venue. I believe BYMT do something similar.

OP posts:
Biscuitsneeded · 03/05/2025 18:10

Just to sound a note of caution re. SJSS. I believe it may be under new management and therefore may not be an option for NYMT at Christmas. I'm sure they will still do a Christmas event, but I wouldn't bank on the venue.

Original poster
doesanybodyhaveamap · 03/05/2025 19:40

@BiscuitsneededAhhhh that’s a shame!

OP posts: