Joining the West Glamorgan Youth Theatre Company

The West Glamorgan Youth Theatre is open to any young person, aged between 13 and 21, who is resident in either the City and County of Swansea or Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council. The company hopes to attract young people of interest and ability who are interested in working on theatre projects, either on-stage or in a production capacity.

Because the company works in a residential setting, spaces are limited by the number of beds available at our main base, Dan-y -Coed Education Centre. To ensure that as many young people get the opportunity to take part at a level that is appropriate to them, the company holds auditions each September. These auditions involve a range of group and solo workshops, and are conducted by a panel of the Youth Theatre staff, made up of teachers and professionals from within the creative arts. Production students undergo an interview process that also involves some simple technical tasks. Many students, even those who have been unsuccessful in gaining entry to the company, have commented on how much they enjoy this workshop-based process.

Nomination for audition is gained via drama teachers in all the schools and colleges within Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot. In July, and again in early September, the company write to the teachers in each school asking them to send us any names of students interested in taking part, and who might benefit from the experience. This is because the Youth Theatre is very much an extension of the good work going on in Schools and Colleges across the County, and the teachers are best placed to know their own students. The audition process itself then involves at least 5 staff to ensure every auditionee is given a good chance to show us what they can do.

We always ask that students take care to ensure they are available for all dates of any course they audition for - this is to ensure they do not "drop-out" of a place that someone else may have been able to take up. They also need to be happy to be part of the residential element of the company, for which a fee of around £15 per day is charged. That said, once a student has become part of the company, they do not need to audition again, and as long as they work hard and remain committed, often stay a part of the company for many years.

Over 750 students have enjoyed the Youth Theatre experience in the last 30 years. Who knows? This September it could be you!