National Youth Theatre (NYT) is special. Really special. It’s the only acting organisation for young people we can think of that not only trains you to a professional standard but also produces regular seasons in the West End and has alumni that boasts everyone from Doctor Who star Matt Smith and comedy favourite Catherine Tate to Olivier Award winner Helen Mirren and Bond himself, in the form of Daniel Craig.
Fellow alumna Sarah Solemani agrees with us. The Him & Her star, whose numerous credits on the stage have seen her work in the West End and esteemed theatres including the Almeida Theatre, began her career by training at NYT and is now calling for others aged 14 to 25-years-old to follow in her footsteps and audition with the release of an inspiring video you can watch above.
From getting into the nitty gritty of what you can expect at the audition – and, as Solemani says, she still gets nervous at auditions now, so cast aside your worries about being the only one terrified, it’s totally normal – to what it felt like to first see her name in lights after her NYT training helped land her a role in a West End production of The Graduate, the video is must-see watching for anyone even a little bit intrigued by the idea of auditioning.
Still unsure if you’re right for it? We’ll leave you with wise words from the ambassador: “I would urge anyone who has a little voice in their head saying “I think I can act, I think I can act” – and there may be voices saying “it’s not for me, it’s not for people like me” – [to apply]. That’s why the National Youth Theatre is unique because it really wants you to have a go.”
You’ve now got longer to have a go and audition, with NYT adding four extra London dates to its audition schedule. Find out full details and book your place on the NYT website.