As part of our focus this month on the beleaguered arts and entertainment world, Channel's Liz Cannon recently sat down with National Youth Theatre (NYT) CEO James Doy and a group of amazing young performers, who share their experiences of being part of the NYT tribe.
Channel Magazine: Why is being part of NYT special?
Mitchell: We're really encouraged to do our best. Even if it goes wrong, you always have a second chance.
Nathan: It's a completely different world in the theatre-room. None of us get judged – everyone's together and equal.
Matilda: It's all about the bonds, friendships and connections with peers, tutors and the whole industry. It gives me motivation and enthusiasm – a reason to get up and actually do something!
Lucy: NYT is a place where I can be me. It's incredible to be able to take off my public mask and just be myself.
Joseph: NYT is actually a charity – it's all done for the joy of it by the whole team: creatives, costumes, tutors, lighting, sound, production. The support is incredible. Then when you bow and get the applause – wow! What we do together as an ensemble is truly recognised.
Charlie: I like how I can just be myself too, and not have to act all 'cool'. It's a safe space.
Harry: I just love learning how to act – these are life skills I can apply to anything I do.
Willow: I'm free to be whatever I want! I was super nervous but once I started, it all went away.
CM: Has your experience of NYT helped your confidence in other areas of your life?
Mitchell: Yes. I'm now able to stand up, do speeches, do assemblies. That's because of NYT.
Nathan: I came into NYT with masses of confidence already! But NYT has helped me to develop my confidence into something really positive.
Harry: I've experienced pressures of being in various other groups – school, sports, activities. But at NYT you can just be yourself and hang out with whoever you want to.
Joseph: I was scared of being judged, but friends actually said, 'Man, you were good!' It's incredible to be recognised for something that I absolutely love.
CM: What do you love best about being in Oliver! ?
Nathan: Show week is the most fun part of the whole experience. After months of preparation, delays and uncertainty, it all clicks.
Matilda: I love rehearsals best. After four months of rehearsing, the actual show comes along so fast!
Lucy: The best part is the first dress rehearsal. You can see what it looks like when it all comes together – it's just beautiful. We're all in it together; we all love the same thing!
Mitchell: I love the professional environment, the real experience of theatre. You can't get that anywhere else.
Harry: I could've just been in the background and been totally happy with that. But the tutors built my confidence and I went for it, did an audition and actually got a main part – unbelievable!
Joseph: I can escape from other aspects of my life and just sing and act – get back to what I love and enjoy.
Charlie: I wasn't very good at singing, but now I'm so much better. My confidence has built up much stronger than it was before.
Willow: I think it's great to be other people's entertainment, instead of getting entertained yourself.
Channel Magazine: James, what do you bring to your role and how do you inspire the kids?
James Doy: My background is in musical theatre as a keyboard player for touring shows like Wicked, Cats and Matilda. As a Musical Director, I've worked in youth theatre for most of my career – it's always been a passion of mine. We've now got the next generation of inspirational tutors coming through, many of whom are NYT alumni.
CM: Why should kids be encouraged to perform on stage and how do you ensure they have a positive experience?
JD: We take a child from shyly hiding at the back of the room to proudly standing centre stage, and these changes impact their whole lives. The confidence they gain benefits them at school, in their friendships and at home. We provide a full professional support net, and our team of tutors ensure the cast are fully prepared before they take to the stage.
CM: How have the kids managed the challenges that Covid has brought?
JD: It's been a roller-coaster for us all, but the kids haven't blinked. The lessons learned in the first lockdown were invaluable – the processes and systems we developed enabled us to move rehearsals online immediately during the last lockdown, so the programme didn't miss a beat. Our amazing tutors worked extremely hard to keep the Zoom rehearsals fun and productive, and the feedback was that it was the highlight of the week for our families.
CM: What would be the musical you'd most like to see performed by the NYT kids?
JD: It has to be Matilda! It's a few years off being available in Auckland, but we're hanging out for it. The message is perfect for us, Matilda is a great role model, and the score by Tim Minchin is one of my favourites.
CM: NYT has up to 250 kids aged 7-21 in every live performance – how do you manage them all both on and off stage?!
JD: We couldn't do it without our family of amazing volunteers, led by the NYT admin team, who have it down to a fine art. It's all about the processes and communication, from our experienced stage management team to the backstage parents – often we end up with whole families helping with the show! I'm still amazed when the curtain opens to reveal hundreds of smiling faces, all in exactly the right place!
CM: Have you had any NYT alumni 'make it' within the industry?
JD: We've had so many successful alumni performing in musical theatre in Australia or the West End, or in opera – but just as important to us are those who have used skills gained through our programmes to excel in other areas: TV, journalism, law, or even running their own youth theatres. The experience of performing on a large stage in front of a packed audience gives the confidence and drive to excel in any field.
CM: What would you say to kids who would like to give it a go, but are maybe a little shy?
JD: Everything we do is group based and focused on creating a supportive experience for our cast. There are no auditions required to be a part of the programme; auditions for leads are designed to be as low stress as possible and are completely optional. Lead cast members share the role with up to three others, returning to the chorus when not performing their lead – it's a team project. At every stage our kids are supported by their peers and it's wonderful to see how they encourage each other.
