Auditions
Every year, we run courses around the UK for young people ages 14-25 who want to become members of the National Youth Theatre.
There are three different routes you can take to audition, depending on where you’re based and how much availability you have. You can only audition via one route each year, so have a read through each one before applying to decide which option works best for you.
If successful, you'll then be invited to attend a Membership Course, after which you will become a fully-fledged NYT member. For more information on our Membership Courses, please click here.
Eligibility
In order to audition, you must be between the ages of 14-25 (or up to age 30 if you have experienced barriers to accessing the arts) on 31st July 2026.
Eligibility information for our extended 25+ membership is listed in the FAQs at the bottom of this page.
Click the link below to view our 2026 Audition Guide:
FAQs
I am over 25 and want to audition - am I eligible for an extended membership?
National Youth Theatre is committed to breaking down barriers to accessing the arts and aims to create opportunities for young people across a diverse range of backgrounds.
If you have experienced physical, systemic or attitudinal barriers to accessing the arts, you can extend your membership to take part in NYT opportunities including auditions, courses, productions and other membership opportunities, up to the age of 30.
Examples of people who may have faced barriers to accessing the arts include:
- Disabled people*
- Care leavers
- Young carers
- Asylum seekers and refugees
- People with experience of homelessness
- People with experience of the criminal justice system
If you believe you meet the criteria for an extended membership please complete this form, and then continue with the audition sign-up process as normal. You do not have to provide in-depth medical or personal information on the form.
If you have any questions about this guidance, please contact National Youth Theatre's Equality Team on equality@nyt.org.uk.
*NYT has a broad understanding of disability which includes those who are neurodiverse, chronically ill, have a learning disability, a mental health condition, or who are at higher risk from COVID. You might not have thought of yourself as disabled before, but if you experience barriers because of how your body or mind works, you can apply for a membership extension.
How do you decide who gets a place?
Each year the company is selected by a dedicated panel of industry professionals, NYT staff and alumni. We are searching for emerging talent from around the country, and are looking for a company who represent the diversity of Britain’s youth.
How should I prepare for my audition?
For your one-to-one audition, you will need to select a short monologue from a play, film, or TV show of your choice. We recommend a monologue of around 2 minutes.
If you haven’t read the full play that your monologue is from, make sure you are familiar with your chosen character and their journey throughout the play. Practice learning your lines before your audition – you could do this with another person, or in whatever way works best for you.
Your auditioner will be looking for the following things from your monologue, so have a think about them when you are rehearsing:
- Use of vocal range
- Physical approach and quality
- Emotional connection to the text
- Approach to working as an ensemble/with others
Questions to consider
- Why have you selected this character and their monologue?
- Who is your character and what are they trying to say?
- What does your character want?
- Who is your character speaking to – is it the audience or another character in the play?
- How has your character changed throughout the monologue?
Videos to watch
Can I get feedback on my audition?
Due to the number of young people we meet, we are unfortunately unable to provide individual feedback on auditions.
What should I do if I don't receive my result?
If you don’t receive your audition result by the Thursday of your results week, please get in touch by emailing nytresults@nyt.org.uk.
For missing self-tape results, please contact us by Friday 20th March so there is time to offer you a digital recall if you were successful.
For missing recall/open audition results, please contact us by Friday 8th May. If you have not contacted us by this date, we may no longer be able to consider your application.
What happens if I don’t get a place?
If you don’t get a place this time, there are still so many ways to be involved with NYT. As Hub Subscribers, you have access to all the online masterclasses and workshops for the year, as well as other opportunities listed on the Hub. Many of our members auditioned several times before gaining a place, so it’s important not to give up, and to utilise all the opportunities provided as part of the Hub.
You may also want to consider our backstage courses to gain further knowledge in:
- Costume Design and Making
- Lighting, Video and Projection
- Stage Sound Design and Composition
- Scenic Construction and Set Design
- Stage Management
