Applications are now LIVE for Playing Up 2023-2024 and Stepping Up April 2024!
Complete your Application Form HERE
Find more information at our website here:
Playing Up: https://www.nyt.org.uk/courses/playing-up
Stepping Up: https://www.nyt.org.uk/stepping-up
What is Playing Up?
• Playing Up is a Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma in Theatre Arts accredited through OCN London. It is a practical ten-month part-time drama training programme, offering young people aged 19 – 24 who are not in Education Employment or Training (NEET) the opportunity to gain a Level 3 qualification in drama. Playing Up is delivered in partnership with The JGA Group.
• Applications will close on 31st July 2023
• Places are available to both NYT members and non-members between the ages of 19 and 24 years old (or up to 30 if learning disabled).
• Priority for places is given to those who are not in education, secure employment or training, or those who have missed out on gaining level 3 qualifications.
• We welcome applications from care leavers and those whose challenging circumstances may have prevented them from completing Secondary School or FE education. We welcome applications from those with access and support needs, those who are refugees or asylum seekers with the right to study in the UK and those who are underrepresented in our industry including those who identify as neurodivergent, disabled or from the Global Majority.
If you would like to request some additional support to complete the application form, please email Libby Devereux on libby.devereux@nyt.org.uk
A member of the learning support team will be able to meet with you via ZOOM and work with you to complete the application form.
What is Stepping Up?
Stepping Up is a Level 2, 3-month drama and leadership training programme, run by National Youth Theatre in partnership with The JGA group. It offers participants the opportunity to gain an OCN London Region Level 2 Certification in Progression. Places are available to both NYT members and non-members.
The course is split into two pathways – Acting or Leadership.
Acting Pathway (2.5 days a week on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday)
• For young people who are new to performing and/or want to increase their confidence. The personal development units include building self-confidence and study skills, alongside the practical performance units. To be eligible for the Acting Pathway you cannot hold a Level 2 or above qualification in drama or acting (such as Drama GCSE).
Leadership Pathway (2.5 days a week on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday)
• For young people who may already hold a Level 2 or 3 qualification, or who have experience undertaking theatre or applied theatre projects in the past and have an interest in becoming facilitators in the future. This course is for those who want to increase their knowledge of planning and delivering drama workshops. The personal development units include equality, leadership and study skills alongside the practical theatre units.
By Participating on Stepping Up you will work towards:
• Gaining industry-relevant skills.
• Removing barriers to sustaining employment, education and/or training (such as confidence, lack of experience, communication skills, leadership skills, and teamwork skills)
• Improving job/training/education-seeking skills
As well as:
• Being mentored throughout the programme and until a sustainable job, training, or education outcome is reached
If you have any questions regarding Stepping Up, please do not hesitate to contact the team:
Nell Bailey – Stepping Up Assistant – nell.bailey@nyt.org.uk / 07506 684829
Kyley Winfield – Head of Accredited Programmes – kyley.winfield@nyt.org.uk
Playing Up and Stepping Up – Meet the team – Zoom Q&A!
Join us for an Accredited Programmes Q&A session hosted by Kyley Winfield he/him (Head of Accredited Programmes) and Libby Devereux she/her (Playing Up and Wellbeing Project Manager).
This Q&A will include introductions from NYT staff members, an overview of the Playing Up and Stepping Up courses, the application process, audition guidance and an opportunity for you to ask any questions either verbally or via the Zoom chat function.
• Wednesday 7th June at 3pm – https://nyt-org-uk.zoom.us/j/83054190427
• Thursday 6th July 3pm – https://nyt-org-uk.zoom.us/j/86548282648
Instagram LIVE!
Join us for an Accredited Programmes Instagram Live session hosted by Kyley Winfield he/him (Head of Accredited Programmes) and Libby Devereux she/her (Playing Up and Wellbeing Project Manager).
This Instagram Live will include introductions from NYT staff members, an overview of the Playing Up and Stepping Up courses, the application process, audition guidance and an opportunity for you to ask any questions via Instagram.
Wednesday 17th June 4 pm – Instagram @NationalYouthTheatre
Taster Workshops
Join NYT for a Taster Workshop!
This workshop will include games, ensemble work and acting-based exercises. You will have the opportunity to meet NYT staff and ask them questions about what opportunities we currently have on offer, including our accredited courses programs.
Our taster workshops will take place at the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain 443-445 Holloway Road London N7 6LW (nearest tubes are Holloway Road, Upper Holloway, Archway)
• Thursday 25th May 6 pm – 8 pm SIGN UP FOR TASTER WORKSHOP HERE
• Thursday 22nd June 6 pm – 8 pm SIGN UP FOR TASTER WORKSHOP HERE
• If you would any access needs you would like to make us aware of before you attend this workshop please contact Libby Devereux at libby.devereux@nyt.org.uk
We plan to run regular drop-in sessions for you to find out more about Playing Up and our Level 2 Stepping Up Programme. If you’d like to know more about these sessions check back here regularly for new dates or email/message: Libby Devereux libby.devereux@nyt.org.uk