Hannah Nuttall: My experience with British Youth Music Theatre
Our brilliant alumna Hannah Nuttall could be a perfect example of a young person with a dream who made it come true through her hard work, persistence and outstanding talent. After several BYMT Summer Skills Courses Hannah Nuttall was involved in three British Youth Music Theatre productions: Force 9 and a Half, Great Expectation and A Winter Tale. She graduated from London School of Music Theatre and continues to build her career as a musical actress.Theatre credits include: Happily Ever After from Teatro Technis, Made in Corby and many more.
We asked Hannah to share her memories about her time in BYMT with us.
What was your favourite thing about time at BYMT?
I don’t think I could pick just one thing! I have so many amazing memories from my time at BYMT, from my first Skills Course with Eddie Latter and Jimmy Jewell, to my final performance of A Winters Tale at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford. I remember when I got to perform the title song of A Winters Tale accompanied by the composer himself, Howard Goodall. I still to this day cannot believe I was given that opportunity, and I still have the photo! Something else very special about BYMT is that you really do make friends for life. That fact that I get to see my friends from my Skills and Project courses perform in such amazing shows and venues, is something absolutely priceless.
Overall I would say that BYMT allows you to work in an environment with professional directors, choreographer and musicians. They were all very keen to make sure we were professional in the rehearsal room, and respected each other, which was something I was taught at a very young age thanks to BYMT. BYMT definitely matured me, from a 13-year-old who had never been away from home, to a 16-year-old who understood what it was like to be in a professional environment. That is what makes BYMT so unique.
Can you describe your experience of BYMT including our Skills Courses?
The Skills Courses are very unique. You’re there for just under a week, and create a brand new piece of theatre. You get the opportunity to work very closely with the artistic staff. It was my first time away from home, and I didn’t know what it would be like. But as soon as you get there, you completely forget about all the worries you had, and just have fun! All the staff at BYMT are lovely, and are always on hand if you have any troubles. All the participants on the course are there for the same reasons you are, and you really bond as a group. I must’ve enjoyed it, because I went on to do five more within the space of three years! After my first Skills Course, I auditioned for the projects that go on throughout the summer. Being accepted onto a BYMT Production was a very big step. Having auditioned for 3 years and being unsuccessful, once I got into my project I finally understood why it took time for me to gain a place. I then went on to participate in three projects, Force 9 1/2 in 2007, Great Expectations in 2008, and finally A Winters Tale in 2009. I then began my drama school journey.
What benefits did it bring you?
I can honestly say my performing career wouldn’t have been possible without my experiences with BYMT. Even from a young age, they taught me about professionalism. It took me 3 years to get into a production; every year I would come back, never giving up on the dream. BYMT has definitely given me a lesson for a lifetime; if at first you don’t succeed, always pick yourself up 10 times stronger.
Would you recommend it to someone else and if so why?
Absolutely! The experiences you gain whilst on a BYMT Skills Course are invaluable. BYMT is a family, I gained friends for life, and skills that will never be forgotten. I am where I am today because of my experience with BYMT, and I wouldn’t have changed a thing!
