Record-Breaking Year for Sixth Form College: Twelve Students Earn National Youth Theatre Positions
The Sixth Form College is thrilled to announce the remarkable achievement of twelve of its Theatre and Musical Theatre students who have secured places at the prestigious National Youth Theatre (NYT). This year, over 5,000 young people aged 11-25 auditioned, with only 200 places offered. The students’ success is extraordinary, representing 6% of this year’s intake.
The successful students are Leon Dykes-Meredith, Emily Durber, Keira Parker, Scarlett Burgess, Oliver Livsey, Molly Childs, Honey Finley, Henry Hawkins, Angelina Duncan, Danial Leese, Lewis McArdle, and Ayah Edries. Given that only 8% of auditionees secure a place, their accomplishment is even more impressive. This year’s success rate has doubled compared to the seven students who were accepted last year.
NYT, the world’s first youth theatre, has nurtured some of Britain’s finest talents, including Sheridan Smith, Orlando Bloom, Catherine Tate, Ed Sheeran, Daniel Craig, Matt Lucas, and Helen Mirren. The students will join this legacy as they head to Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, and London for intensive training this summer. Upon completing their two-week course, they will be NYT members until age 25, gaining access to exclusive casting auditions, training, mentoring, workshops, and creative leadership programmes.
First-year Musical Theatre student Scarlett Burgess expressed her joy, saying,
I am so proud of myself and the others for getting into NYT. The audition process was new for me, but the 3-hour ensemble workshop eased me in before the one-on-one monologue. When I received my acceptance email, my family and I were over the moon and couldn’t wait to tell my teacher, Jade.
Jade Wood, Teacher of Theatre and Musical Theatre, shared her pride,
All the students truly deserve this! I always guide them to enjoy the audition process and workshop experience with the NYT ambassadors. Every year, we hold auditions, and it’s such a liberating event. Having 12 of our hardworking students offered a place this year is remarkable and a credit to their teamwork and dedication. I am so proud of every student that auditioned this year, and I am confident this is just the beginning for them.
Keira Parker who is also in her first year studying Musical Theatre shared her excitement,
This outstanding success highlights the incredible talent and hard work of the students and the supportive guidance of the dedicated staff. The college looks forward to seeing its students shine and grow through their NYT experience.
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L-R Standing: Leon Meredith-Dykes, Ayah Edries, Oliver Livsey, Keira Parker, Daniall Leese, Henry Hawkins, Lewis McArdle and Scarlett Burgess. L -R Kneeling: Honey Finley, Angelina Duncan, Emily Durber and Molly Childs.
