National Youth Theatre Ensemble 2020

Applications are now closed.

Ensemble Members will have the opportunity to develop, produce a professional production of a new play commissioned specifically for the National Youth Theatre. They will also participate as a member of the performing ensemble or as one of four design and technical theatre ensemble members, working, learning, living and playing with 19 other young theatre-makers. All completely free of charge.

For the first time ever we are offering four places in the ensemble for young people to get involved in the Design and Technical Theatre. This is in addition to the usual sixteen places in the performing ensemble. This is a wonderful opportunity for young people interested in theatre design and technical theatre.

The programme culminates in a professionally produced performance over a week-long run. NYT is an opportunity to showcase the artistic abilities and ambition of young people and secures the place of youth theatre on the national stage. National Youth Theatre 2020-21 is delivered in collaboration with the Abbey Theatre and with funding from the Arts Council of Ireland and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

Young people must be 16 years or over to participate. The first round of auditions are fun and relaxed and take the form of a workshop rather than a traditional audition format. They will take place in the week beginning 17th August 2020, with second-round auditions for approximately 40 shortlisted applicants taking place across September. 

About the National Youth Theatre Ensemble

National Youth Theatre (NYT) is a programme run by Youth Theatre Ireland. It is an ensemble of young people from youth theatres across Ireland, led by Artistic Director Veronica Coburn. The twenty young ensemble members work with professional artistic and technical teams over 12 months, developing their individual and group performance and theatre-making skills. In an exciting development, NYT 2020 - 21 will see the introduction of four additional Design and Technical Theatre places in the NYT ensemble. These new roles will ensure that young people will be involved in all aspects of the National Youth Theatre production, making theatre that is truly BY, WITH and FOR young people.

* Please note that due to the current restrictions around COVID-19, programme dates, location and format are subject to change in line with government and public health advice. Young people who apply for one of the four new Design and Technical Theatre ensemble places will also take part in a workshop, followed by an interview with members of the Creative Team.

Application Process – Deadline Friday 31st July 2020 (Applications are now closed)

Performing Ensemble
For those wishing to be considered as a member of the performing ensemble, the first round of auditions take the form of a workshop. The workshop is fun and relaxed and participants will take part in a range of drama games and exercises as part of a larger group. There is no need to prepare a piece or bring anything except yourself and comfortable clothes (trousers/tracksuit bottoms & soft shoes).

Audition workshops will take place in the week beginning 17th August 2020, with second-round auditions for approximately 40 shortlisted applicants taking place across September. We will contact you with details of the exact time and place after the application deadline.

Design and Technical Theatre
There are four places available for young people who have already demonstrated an interest and aptitude for design or technical theatre at a local level.

Applicants will also be called to participate in a workshop followed by an interview with members of the artistic and creative teams before places are allocated.

Please note that you can only apply for either a Design and Technical Theatre Role OR as a member of the Performing Ensemble. You cannot apply for both. Prospective candidates must be nominated by a youth theatre leader.

Applications are now closed.