
Performer Auditions FAQs
Bookings for our 2022 Auditions are open! Join our next season of new music theatre!
Do I need to prepare anything?
No, you don't have to prepare anything. In the beginning of the audition you will meet the team, and they will talk you through what to expect. You will be asked to participate in a warm up, then your group will learn a song together, and you will sing the song you have just learned. You will also take part in a group dance and have the chance to show the team some improvised movement. We will also look at your acting skills through short improvised scenes in groups.
Please wear loose, comfortable clothing (NOT JEANS), trainers or jazz shoes and bring a bottle of water.
What will happen in the audition?
Each audition is a 3-hours group creative workshop led by professional theatre practitioners. They will be looking to gauge how well you dance, sing, act and work as a team. We are searching for people with guts, determination, integrity, ambition, energy, authenticity, generosity and a willingness to give it everything! You don't need to have any prior experience whatsoever; we are looking for potential!
Please arrive 10-15 minutes in advance. In the beginning of the audition you will meet the team, and they will talk you through what to expect. You will be asked to participate in a warm up, then your group will learn a song together, and you will sing the song you have just learned. You will also take part in a group dance and have the chance to show the team some improvised movement. We will also look at your acting skills through short improvised scenes in groups.
Everyone has different levels of experience, and BYMT's auditions are designed to support that. The creative team will help you understand what is needed of you, but please make sure you commit fully to everything. Often, we’re looking as much at your attitude and approach as your skill and experience. So be willing to try new things and be brave.
BYMT's Audition is very friendly and supportive environment for young people to explore their creative abilities. Don’t get too caught up in ‘getting it right’ – the panel are looking to see the effort you put in, the quality of your movement, how you respond to the music – lots of things aside from whether you get the steps right. Really listen and watch the creative leading the audition to understand the detail of what they’re teaching you and where they want you to focus – details of dynamics, or performance notes are important.
All three disciplines, singing, dancing and acting, are taken equally into consideration when casting our shows, so give everything a really good go. If you’re feeling anxious, don’t hide at the back – the creative leading the session can’t see you and you can’t see them. Come forward, make sure you have space, and throw yourself into the session.
And finally, please wear loose, comfortable clothing (NOT JEANS), trainers or jazz shoes and bring a bottle of water.
What are you auditioning for?
You are auditioning to join the BYMT Company and take part in BYMT's 2022 Season of New Music Theatre. These are two/three-week residential courses over Easter or during the summer, where you'll work with a professional artistic team to create a brand new piece of music theatre that will be performed in a professional theatre at the end of the project.
Unlike most other Youth Theatres, BYMT is unique in creating ONLY brand new shows. Be part of something incredible and star in one of our new shows taking place across the UK.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for ANYONE aged 11-21 who loves theatre! We are looking for people with guts, determination, integrity, ambition, energy, authenticity, generosity and a willingness to give it everything! You don't need to have any prior experience whatsoever; we are looking for potential!
I am not 11 yet, can I still audition for BYMT?
Yes you can audition for BYMT as long as you turn 11 by the start of your project.
What happen after the audition?
Everyone will be given a mark for acting, singing and movement based on the practitioners notes, which are made during your audition. After your audition the creative team meet for a casting session to match the most suitable performers to the skills required for a range of different shows. Their feedback will then go back to the BYMT office team who will prepare offer packs and emails to go out to everyone. Please bear with us during this time and we will be in touch as soon as we can.
You may be successful and receive an offer to join the BYMT Company or you may not make it onto a show this time. Please don't be disheartened if you don't receive an offer, there are plenty of other opportunities to get involved with BYMT, especially through BYMT's Musical Theatre Camps! We also aim to provide specific feedback and advice from your audition so you know where you can improve.
How are the productions cast?
Selection is not based on where you live, so you could be put onto a project anywhere in the UK - Plymouth, Aberdeen, Belfast, London! BYMT projects are residential courses - so you'll be staying in university/boarding school-style accommodation away from your family. This gives you the unique opportunity to meet like-minded people, develop your skills and build confidence all whilst eating, sleeping and breathing theatre!
How much is the audition?
There is a non-refundable booking fee of £45 for BYMT In-person Auditions. Paying for auditions is standard industry practice; unlike many auditions for Performing Arts colleges, which can be £50 for a 10-minute audition, BYMT's Auditions are three hours long giving all auditionees the chance to really show their talent!
Discounts are also available for Group bookings - please get in touch with eugeniebacher@bymt.org for details about these. This year, due to charitable funding, BYMT is able to offer the special audition rate of £15 to those in receipt of free school meals/pupil premium. This offer can be claimed by using promotion code 'FSM22' when booking online or booking over the phone 020 8563 7725.
Is there a course fee?
If successful, there is a course fee. BYMT is a not-for-profit educational charity and so our primary source of income comes from course fees. The course fee varies depending on the length of the course and whether you're a performer or a musician. For 2022 our courses for performers start at £1,550 an go up to £2,000 and our courses for musicians start at £500 and go up to £750.
This may sound expensive but it covers all-inclusive accommodation for the whole duration, tuition from leading industry professionals, 24-hour full pastoral care, theatre hire, sets, props, costumes, sound design and technical staff (and your fee doesn't cover all of it - the actual cost is way over £3,000). We never insist that the course fee is paid in one lump sum, instead we create a flexible payment plan. Furthermore, we run a comprehensive bursary scheme if required and we're always happy to offer help on ways to raise money.
If you have any questions about BYMT Auditions, please contact the BYMT team by email: mail@bymt.org or call: 020 8563 7725
Lots of luck at your audition from all the team at BYMT!
Covid-19 Update
We are taking the welfare of our staff, young people and families seriously. We will take all necessary precautions to ensure that the auditions are run as safely as possible and this may mean additional health precautions. Please note that the format of the auditions as well as dates and venues may be subject to change in line with Covid-19 guidance and venue policy updates.
“Thank you for making the BYMT auditions such a great experience, my daughter had a fantastic day, everyone was so friendly”