National Youth Theatre is the leading platform for showcasing young British talent and was the first youth theatre in the world.
We are an ambitious and dynamic youth arts charity that discovers epic talent and invests in the creative, personal and social development of a diverse and complex range of young people.
For 55 years we have been a vibrant home for artistic creativity, innovation and expression, which empowers young people through theatre. Each year we reach out nationally to audition 5,000 young people across 3O towns and cities around the UK.
The NYT illuminates raw talent in young people and gives them the confidence to reach their potential.
Annually the charity works directly with around 20,000 young people, giving them the tools to discover their voices, describe their lives and grasp opportunities for change. Training with the company culminates in the production of epic theatre on stage, online through IdeasTap, in the community and around the world.
NYT produces ambitious and iconic performances reflective of our vibrant, dynamic and diverse youth culture. Working with exciting new writers NYT presents relevant, moving and witty new plays that inspire, inform and entertain. NYT also stage performances around the world, including: performing at the 2OO8 Beijing Olympics Handover Ceremony, in the opening and closing ceremonies for the FIFA Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi and at Shanghai Expo in 2O1O with a new version of A Midsummer Night's Dream.
NYT's international work demonstrates that culture is a perfect platform from which to transform lives and give unique opportunities to young people, who can explore new friendships and know the true meaning of global citizenship.
NYT have nurtured the finest young British theatrical talent for over 5O years – including Dame Helen Mirren DBE, Sir Derek Jacobi CBE, Rosamund Pike, Daniel Craig, Catherine Tate, Moira Buffini, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Colin Firth, Chiwetel Ejiofor OBE, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Gossip Girl’s Ed Westwick and current Doctor Who – Matt Smith.