“It's like being in a different life for two weeks that you don't want to end!” – Steven, 19, Coleraine

“I understand a lot more about the performance industry and I am more confident. I have learnt many new skills from the project, and from the people I was around”– Keshia, 15, Birmingham

“I can't thank you enough for giving me this great opportunity. I had a fantastic time” – George, 20, Leicester

“I met some great people and just made me aware of how many young people have a talent in the arts. It also made me realise that I want to be in the Musical Theatre industry even more” – Jamie, 18, Cumbria

“I gained much more confidence in myself. I learnt to cope on my own as it was only the second time I had been away from home. I made so many friends and have basically not stopped talking about the experience since I got home! It helped me learn how to communicate better with people and express myself better” – Jade, 13, Hornchurch

“Honestly... I feel like a different person! It was one of the most challenging, special and enjoyable experiences of my life. I met so many amazing people who will be lifelong friends and it was a dream come true working with such an amazing and experienced creative team. I feel like a more well-rounded person. I don't know if words are enough to convey how grateful I am. What your organisation did for me and many others is truly an amazing gift. Thank you for what you have done and I just want you to know that YMT is such a worthwhile organisation to support. It is out of this world!” – Nichola, 17, Belfast

“I met some great people whom I still keep in contact with and had the chance to play a leading role in an amazing show. I plan to audition for drama schools later this year and I know this experience has given me a different perspective of the performing industry. It has allowed me to further my skills as a performer and without your help none of this would have been possible” -  Erica, 19, Edinburgh

“I don’t know if anything will ever be as amazing as my time with YMT in 2008! Thank you to everyone, from cast to crew to chaperones” – Kane, 12, Plymouth

“I feel like I have a had a 'Once in a Lifetime’ experience” – Genesis, 18, London

“I admire all the work that you have done, as it really does give many young people like myself the opportunity to experience something that will stay with them for the rest of their lives” – Claire, 16, Hampshire

“YMT produces friends from different backgrounds and cultures. It bridges gaps between young people who might never cross paths in public” – Felix, 16, Birmingham

“I learned to work in a team setting, and my acting skills and confidence improved. I didn't feel there was an age difference between anyone, as the older kids were wonderful to me. The staff were the same. It didn't matter about age or experience when it came to getting a part. It was the best experience of my life and to be with a bunch of people who really became like brothers and sisters. The whole group was fond of each other, and we missed each other terribly when we went away. I cried for three days!” – Stacey, 12, Fife

“I have had a brilliant three weeks and made friends for life” – Ryan, 19, Strabane

“I loved my time there so much and cried for hours when I left! Everybody: the artistics, chaperones and cast were fabulous, the music was brilliant and really fun to sing, and the show’s plot was clever. I just can't stress how much I enjoyed it. I loved it so much and have made so many incredible friends that I honestly don't think I will lose touch with. Why is the cut off age 21!? Can I come back and help next year!? Pretty please!?” – Ellen, 21, Cardiff

“Through YMT I have made friends for life, meeting a large group of people all interested in the same thing, for probably the first time. The experience of working with an amazing creative team has been invaluable, and may even have influenced my career path in the future! Also, living away from home for 3 weeks is excellent preparation for moving to a university in a year. Before the project, I had a small group of friends from the local area, which has now been extended to all over the UK; an incredible feeling. Thank you so much for giving young people the opportunity to meet and work with such amazing people, and create a highly professional show while doing so. Thank you again for an absolutely incredible summer holiday!” – James, 17, Newport

“YMT for me is one of those quirky twists of fate that happens very rarely, but that are truly life changing. With no previous performing experience apart from the odd speech at school, I was very much the novice, and the thought of performing on a stage being the last thing on my mind.
Out of school and bored at work, I was filling my time by browsing the internet looking for a car. I had unfortunately misspelt “Auction” into the search engine, and it instead suggested that I may have meant to type “Audition”. Of course I hadn’t, but the curious voice inside my head said “why not?”, so I clicked on it. YMT came out as the top entry, and so I clicked on it, and when looking at their site I noticed that they had auditions on the coming Saturday. I hadn’t got anything planned, so I decided to give it ago, thinking I hadn’t anything to lose, and was game for a laugh.

I went to the audition, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Consequently I was selected for the cast of Frankenstein. This was the best two weeks of my life, and I learnt more than I could ever have imagined. The cast were incredibly talented, and the artistic staff all possessed an infectious drive, which swept through the cast, and resulted in a performance far beyond any expectation I had ever had.  The show was then transferred to London the following Easter, and this summer I was fortunate enough to be involved in Endangered.
I now cannot see my life without Musical Theatre, and owe a lot of who I am to YMT, and the people that work there. I look forward eagerly to next years auditions” – Mike, 19, Bucks

Quick Links
Introduction
What happens?
What happens next?
Book online now
The 2009 Productions
Info for Musicians
Info for Backstage crew
Frequently Asked Questions
What previous participants said
Audition Downloads