On Saturday 27th November about 100 NYT members came to Not Your Typical Gathering, an event organised by the National Youth Theatre’s Youth Council. The day aimed to ensure that members are aware of all the opportunities NYT has to offer and that they know how to make the most of their membership. It was also a fantastic opportunity for members to feed back to NYT and voice their opinions, concerns or questions.

The day kicked off with an exploration of NYT’s S’warm project. Those who had performed in S’warm over the summer took part in an evaluation session with Bryony Jarvis-Taylor, allowing members to feedback on how they thought the project turned out. Members who had not been involved in S’warm participated in a workshop with ex-NYT member Andy Whyment, who introduced them to a few of the concepts at the core of the S’warm project. The workshop explored how science, maths and ‘systems’ can be turned into performance by looking at patterns and behaviour monitored by simple rules.

Kirstie Sant, Development Director at NYT, gave a useful talk on how to go about fundraising for your own arts projects. She said the key is to think carefully about who you target and how. “Who is the most likely to give you money? What’s the best way to contact them? How much do you want them to give you? What can you offer in return? Be as specific as you can when contacting potential funders and make sure you let them know what you are after and how the experience will be beneficial (for them and you!).”

After lunch, Youth Council members Louise Holly Best, Bea Kempton and Katie Jones ran a session on the NYT’s Creative Pathways programme. Starting your own Creative Pathways journey begins with being an Ambassador and representing NYT at Intake and Casting Auditions. From there you can become a Creative Assistant and play your part in NYT community projects that happen all over the country.

In the past, Creative Assistants have worked on projects like Drama Across Boundaries, helping to promote the learning of modern foreign languages by using drama in the classroom. Being a Course Assistant, and a member of the Youth Council also falls under the Creative Pathways scheme. This workshop introduced members to the skills and qualities needed when doing this type of work, but there’s plenty more to learn at our Creative Pathways Training weekends. The next one is in January.

There was also the opportunity to ask a panel of ex-NYT members who have all gone on to have careers in the arts questions. On the panel were Beth Watling - Artistic Programme Manager at NYT, Alexa Cruickshank - NYT General Manager, actors - Shane Zaza and Matt Harrison, Andy Whyment - director and Esta Charkham - casting director. The panel members all explained their routes into the arts and offered advice for anyone planning to follow in their footsteps.

James Hopkirk, Editor of IdeasTap, came and gave a presentation on the IdeasTap website and how members can make the most out of it! He explained the fantastic opportunities IdeasTap offer through teaming up with other arts organisations and also answered members’ questions about using the site.

Kate Halstead and Jack Gray from the Youth Council offered members the chance to explore the upcoming season for technical members. Looking at one production in particular, members could offer possible set designs, costume suggestions, lighting ideas and even adapted the lyrics of popular songs! Recycled materials were available on hand to allow members to try out their ideas and see how they might look.

The final part of the day saw Paul Roseby, Artistic Director and James Mackenzie-Blackman, newly appointed Executive Director, take part in a Q&A hosted by NYT Youth Council Chair – Steffan Donnelly. The conversation included Paul Roseby’s past NYT acting roles (including the time he played a badger!), James Mackenzie Blackman’s ideas for the future of NYT and a glimpse into what future productions NYT are looking to stage.

All in all, it was an information packed, exciting way for NYT members to get to grips with what they could do with the company in the future. The NYT Youth Council would like to say a big thank you to all the members who braved the weather to attend the event, all NYT staff, council members and ex-members who gave up their time for the cause and to James Hopkirk from IdeasTap who came along too. If being on the Youth Council is something you are interested in, applications are open for next year! Check the NYT members’ area for details on how to apply.

Holly Parker