Development Camp FAQs
Music Theatre Camps
BYMT Camps are fun-filled 6-day summer residentials providing intense, creative training 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!
Camps are all about making a show - devising it, writing it, composing it, acting it, singing it, dancing or moving it, understanding it. Of course they also help develop your acting, singing and dancing abilities. But you don't need to be able to do all three to take part - far from it, we really want to see young people who will throw themselves into an inventive, creative and energetic experience. AND there's a performance at the end, usually between 35 and 55 minutes of material.
(For 17-21 year olds looking to get an intensive week of audition technique, drama school preparation and academic understanding of music theatre, check out our Upskills Camp)
Camps take place during the school holidays each year across the UK. Our 2025 Camps will be on sale soon - BOOK HERE!
CAMP FAQs
What actually happens on a Music Theatre Summer Camp?
All of BYMT's 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. Bedrooms are allocated based on age and gender assigned at birth. Requests for single rooms are welcome. You’ll then meet the artistic team: a Director, a Musical Director and a Choreographer.
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 performers.
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 final showcase: By lunchtime on the final day, a brand new piece of original musical theatre has been created - by you! At 2pm, 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!
Do I have to audition?
No, our Camps do not require an audition or previous experience. We welcome all levels!
Camps are booking out, BOOK NOW!
Where will I be staying?
BYMT Camps are residential, 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.
We provide the highest level of 24-hour pastoral care for all young people whatever their age. This includes for a range of disabilities and personal issues. We suggest parents, carers and group organisers to look over our Information for Parents page to get more general background; this includes our Guide to taking part in our various courses and information on child protection.
What do I get from the Camp?
You will get some new skills! Our courses are full of exciting activities and inspirational training that build confidence, teamwork and self-esteem as well as providing the essential skills for the performing arts. As one of the UK's leading national youth theatres, BYMT maintains the highest standards of tutoring, training and direction with each course being delivered by professional practitioners who have a wealth of experience in the theatre industry including the West End, National Theatre, the RSC, Edinburgh Festival, National Tours and Fringe Theatre.
You will also make some new friends! Working together on the Camp is one of the best ways to make great, often life-long, friends, to share a unique experience and to come out at the other end proud of what you achieved, whilst becoming more confident as a performer and a person.
You will get a qualification! Uniquely, BYMT's courses are externally assessed by Trinity College London with all performers awarded a Grade 6 Certificate in Musical Theatre in Production (equivalent to working at GCSE A-C or AS Level). BYMT's Camp can also contribute to your Arts Award (Bronze or Silver) and Duke of Edinburgh Award.
You will get a BYMT T-Shirt to show your family and friends and create memories that will last a lifetime!
What level of English do you require to be part of a Camp?
For non-native English speaker, we recommend an understanding of conversational English. However, we are always very keen to discuss alternative support options if requested. For more information you can contact us via mail@bymt.org or via phone on 020 8563 7725.
Did you know we have a Cabaret Night?
Most 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.
Is there a Course Fee?
Yes there is a course fee, and it 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 2025 start at £700.
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“It makes me hungry for more, and eager to achieve my dream. I'm so grateful, it was SO fun and liberating and educational ”
Elisa, 17, Bristol
