Aged between 11 and 21? Love acting, singing and dancing? Discover your potential at Youth Music Theatre UK’s Summer Skills residential course at Kingston University this summer

Taking place during the school summer holidays from 11 to 16 August, the course is open to anyone aged 11-21; there is no audition required, and it is fully residential with food, accommodation, tuition and pastoral support provided. At £495 inclusive for the six days it also represents exceptional value for money compared to any other drama school or residential course. The course is part-subsidised by Arts Council England and other funders and there are a limited number of places at further reductions for those registered for free school meals.

Every year YMT run a series of six Summer Skills courses across the country. YMT is one of the country’s leading performing arts youth organisations and maintains the highest of standards in terms of tutoring and direction. The Summer Skills courses are delivered by professionals working in the theatre industry – the National Theatre, RSC, West End theatre including musicals, regional repertory and the most respected Fringe.

YMT’s Summer Skills Courses are for young people who are keen to hone their skills in singing, dancing and acting, whilst having a brilliantly fun week away with like-minded people. Participants in Kingston will have the unique opportunity to work with director Stuart Harvey (Head of Acting at Wilkes Academy, Chichester Festival Youth Theatre and writer/director of YMT’s Macbeth) on a brand new musical “ARISTOPHANES’ THE FROGS”.

Aristophanes’ ancient comedy about who is the best playwright to be revived from the dead, in order to entertain the people of Athens, forms the basis for a fantastical rock music version. The frogs constant refrain – Brekekekèx-koàx-koáx – provides the backdrop for a serious of hilarious incidents down in the underworld.

This is a great chance to work with Stuart Harvey who has an extensive knowledge of Greek drama and turn a classic text into a full-on musical! The Kingston Summer Skills Course is taking place in the Drama Department of Kingston University so participants will be able to savour something of university life. They’ll be living, breathing, eating creative theatre for a week. What could be better?

YMT Summer Skills courses are fantastic week long courses where young people can work with some of the country’s most talented and exciting theatre practitioners. They’ll create a unique new musical – every Summer Skills course is different and truly a once in a lifetime opportunity – and once they’ve performed it, no-one else ever will!

Young people on Summer Skills courses:

Develop the skills needed for a career in the performing arts Gain a Grade 6 Trinity College Certificate in Musical Theatre in Production Gain tuition from top Directors, Composers and Choreographers Work with a vocal coach from Guildford School of Acting Create a brand new musical Perform to family, friends and industry professionals at the end of week Meet and work with like-minded, enthusiastic people

Participants stay in residential accommodation, which means that all the facilities, including bedrooms, rehearsal and dining rooms, are all on site. Boys and girls are accommodated on separate floors, usually in shared rooms, and are roomed with people who are their own age. Each young person will be looked after by YMT’s highly trained pastoral team.

The ‘grand plan’ is that by lunchtime on the final Saturday a brand new piece of original music theatre has been created – by them! At 2pm on the last day family, friends and industry professionals are invited along to watch the presentation, which normally lasts about half an hour. The audience is always amazed at how much can be achieved in six days – that’s because the young people work very hard! They’ll learn new skills and make new friends. And they’ll boost their confidence – doing things they thought they could never do, in a non-scary environment. Everyone’s in the same boat!

To register or for further details, please visit youthmusictheatreuk.org/skills-courses