2010 Auditions are now well under way and we are able to reveal details of the first five productions for this summer, with more news to come as we get nearer to the casting stage in early March. We believe this year will offer young people some really exciting work and we are expecting more of our productions to move to London (including Peter Pan at Christmas 2010) than in previous years.

The productions will take place across the UK with venues in Aberdeen, Bradford, Cumbria, Bracknell, Guildford and Plymouth. There will be about 35 actors places on each course and a further 30-40 places available for musicians and stage management. Auditions are taking place now around the UK from mid January to the end of February 2010. Remember that you are auditioning for the company NOT for a particular show - if you are successful you will be allocated onto one of the productions depending on your age and skills. Remember too that the production courses are all residential so you could audition in Edinburgh and get into a show in Plymouth. For information about the 2010 Auditions click here.

A Beggar’s Opera (Bracknell South Hill Park Arts Centre)
by Nick Stimson and Jimmy Jewell
Director Nick Stimson;
In 2010 YMT starts development of a new musical set in 18th century London but featuring a hip hop/street music score and choreography by Zoonation choreographer/director Kate Prince (Into the Hoods and the Beijing Olympics). Written by the same team that developed Frankenstein and Peter Pan for YMT, the storyline follows that of the John Gay opera of 1728 telling the story of how highwayman Macheath secretly marries Polly, the daughter of gangland criminal Mr. Peachum, and of his subsequent jailing in Newgate prison. Will Macheath escape the gallows or come to his just deserts? Featuring a huge cast of low life thieves, whores, aristocrats, beggars, prisoners and girls with hearts of gold!

YMT is looking for strong actors and singers and dancers for this production, especially performers with any street or hip hop dance experience. A mixed age range from 11-21 year olds but with more in the older age range.

Scheherazade and her Arabian Nights (Bradford Playhouse)
devised by Gerry Flanagan and the company
Director Gerry Flanagan; choreographer Yael Lowenstein
The tale goes that every day the Sultan of Persia, Shahryar, would marry a new virgin, and every day he would send yesterday's wife to be beheaded. He had killed three thousand such women by the time he was introduced to Scheherazade, the vizier's daughter. The King listened with awe as Scheherazade told her first story. By the time she had finished all 1,001 Arabian Tales, Shahryar was ready to marry Scheherazade…

YMT is looking for talented physical theatre and comedy performers who will benefit from working with the UK’s leading expert in clown and commedia del arte - Gerry Flanagan. Age range from 15 upwards.

The Savage (site specific project in Cumbria)
adapted by Jenifer Toksvig from the novel by David Almond
Imagine you wrote a story and that story came true. This is exactly what happens to Blue Baker when he writes about a savage living alone in the woods near his home. After his dad’s death, Blue finds comfort in dreaming of a wild kid who survives on a diet of berries and the occasional hapless passer-by. But when the savage pays a night-time visit to the local bully, boundaries become blurred and Blue begins to wonder where he ends and the savage begins. David Almond has won numerous awards for his novels for teenagers and children and this sees him at the height of his creative powers.

YMT is looking for mid teenage performers with strong dance experience, particularly in contemporary dance or with trained choral voices.

The Watchers/New Dawn (Aberdeen International Youth Festival)
by Clare Prenton and Craig Adams
Director Clare Prenton; MD Craig Adams; choreographer Kieran Sheehan
Vampires haunt the backstreets of Whitby as the Watchers (a pack of human dogs in hoodies) and the Pavilion gang (ordinary church going kids) seeks them out. New Dawn is the sequel to 2009’s production of The Watchers. Eat your heart out – Stephenie Meyer!

YMT are looking for strong actor/singers from 11-17 and, because the show will involve the use of parkour, performers with any kind of gymnastic or martial arts skills.

Peter Pan (Guildford)
by Nick Stimson and Jimmy Jewell
Director Christian Durham; MD Dean Austin; choreographer Lucie Pankhurst
A delightfully modern one act version with a pop/rock score. Produced at the Aberdeen International Youth Festival in summer 2009 and thereafter at the Bridewell Theatre, London at Christmas 2009, this larger version will rehearse and play in summer 2010 with a view to performing in London again at Christmas 2010.

YMT are looking for a superb ensemble group of players aged 11-21 with strong dance, singing and acting skills.

YMT will add a further two projects prior to the summer – further news in late February /early March 2010. Please note that the above are subject to contract and liable to change.