Summer Camp
Summer Camps are one week activity holidays providing intensive, creative training in musical theatre for anyone aged 11-17. They are designed for young people looking to explore their potential and develop their acting, singing, movement, writing and instrumental playing abilities. They also offer a Grade 6 Certificate in Musical Theatre accredited by Trinity College London. You'll work with top theatre professionals and create a brand new show in just a week on these exciting residential projects. Summer Camps do not require an audition - so get booking as it's first come, first served!
"Oyiye came back from Summer Camp a totally changed person - more resilient, more grown up, more self-confident. The following year he auditioned for BYMT productions and was succesful. His journey has been truly amazing for us all. And he has the Certificates to prove it!" Carmel Beirne-Francis, Head of Drama, Newman Catholic College, London.
What happens on a Musical Theatre Summer Camp? You will -
- Create and perform a brand new musical based around a theme or concept facilitated by a professional theatre director
- Develop skills in drama, acting, singing, movement, lyric writing and instrumental playing
- Work with a professional artistic team - we only employ experienced working theatre professionals to deliver these courses
- Boost your confidence, self-esteem and teamwork - social skills you'll use everyday and forever
- Gain a Grade 6 certificate in Musical Theatre in Production - Trinity College examiners attend every performance to assess the groups achievements
- Contribute to Arts Award or Duke of Edinburgh Award - build our Summer Camps into your other award schemes to build your portfolio
- Make friends with like-minded people from different backgrounds - and stay in touch for years into the future
- Stay away from home in university or boarding school - we provide plenty of food and 24-hour pastoral care!
We promise you an exciting, theatrical week full of song, dance and drama!
What participants say
“It gave me the confidence to believe in myself and my abilities” Annabel, 12, Kent
"I don't know if anything will ever be as amazing as my time with BYMT! Thank you to everyone - cast, crew and chaperones." Kane, 12, Plymouth
"BYMT produces friends from different backgrounds and cultures. It bridges gaps between people who might never cross paths." Felix, 16, Birmingham
What actually happens on a Musical Theatre Summer Camp?
All of BYMT's Summer Camps are six days in length, ending with a performance on the final day to friends, family, invited guests and theatre staff. When you arrive, you’ll be met by members of the pastoral team at the venue who'll show you around the accommodation. You’ll be staying in either a Boarding School or University where all facilities are on site. Female and male bedrooms are on separate floors, usually in shared rooms but sometimes single depending on the venue, and you’ll be with people who are roughly your own age. You’ll then meet the artistic team: a Director, a Musical Director and a Choreographer (plus assistants).
- Getting to know you: The first step is introductions! There'll be lots of fun drama-based activities to kick things off giving you the chance to meet everyone (and learn their names!). Theatre games are used in professional as well as youth theatre to help people get to know their fellow actors.
- Devising the project: The creative team will have an initial idea about a theme - usually a story or poem, historical event, myth or fairytale. This will be your starting point and the rest is up to YOU. Your input is crucial in creating a brand new piece of music theatre as you'll be asked to suggest possible lyrics, movement sequences, invent characters and develop storylines.
- The grand plan: The 'grand plan' is that by lunchtime on Saturday, a brand new piece of original musical theatre has been created - by you! At 2pm on the last day, family and friends are invited along to watch your new musical, which normally lasts around 30 minutes. Audiences are always amazed at how much can be achieved in six days, but we know it's because of your hard work, dedication and talent!
We work very long hours! We start working at 09.00/09.30 with a physical warm-up. There is always a break mid-morning to grab a drink and a snack, and you have an hour for lunch. Again there is a mid-afternoon tea break and later an hour for the evening meal. The final session of the day runs from 19.00 to 21.00; this could include lyric writing, composition, design but also technical rehearsals and final run throughs. On one night we run the infamous cabaret night! And that deserves a section for itself...
CABARET
Most Summer Camps have a cabaret night, where you get the chance to perform whatever you want. You can sing your favourite musical theatre songs, pop songs, street dance, juggle, play an instrument - anything goes! You may have an idea with your new friends. Basically, it's your night! And we usually have a bit of a party at the same time. You’ll also get the chance to get advice from your practitioners if you are serious about a career in the performing arts, but mostly it's just a fun and memorable night and a great way to celebrate the work you've been doing.
COURSE FEE
The course fee covers full-board accommodation for the duration of the project, tuition from leading industry professionals and 24-hour pastoral care. BYMT's courses are heavily subsidised by Arts Council England and many other supporters, and as a not-for-profit organisation the course fees help cover our costs. The Summer Camp fees for 2020 start at £625.
Course fees can be paid in full in advance or with a deposit followed by regular instalments. However, note that during the period 26th December 2019 to 1st January 2020 bookings can only be made at the full price. Payment by instalments CANNOT be booked at this time. Payment by instalments resumes on Thursday 2nd January.