Youth Music Theatre UK search for stars for hit musical ‘Paperboy’

Following the huge success of the musical adaptation of Tony Macaulay’s internationally acclaimed memoir Paperboy, which took place earlier this year at Lyric Theatre, Youth Music Theatre UK (YMT), the leading music theatre company for young people, is set to bring the musical back in 2019 and is searching for the next big musical stars to take part.
YMT specialises in creating brand new music theatre, working across the UK and Ireland with leading industry professionals to offer unique opportunities and high-quality training to young singers, actors, dancers and musicians as well as emerging artists and stage technicians. Last year the cast from Paperboy worked closely with Tony Macaulay and creative duo writer-comedian Andrew Doyle and Belfast singer-songwriter Duke Special to create a brand new musical. Prestigious alumni include BRIT award-winner Ed Sheeran and Grammy award-winner Sam Smith.
From 26 January to 24 February 2019, the company will look for talented actors and musicians aged 11-21 who have a flair for performing and theatre-making. Auditions will take place in Belfast, Derry/Londonderry and Dublin for young people to take part in their exciting programme for 2019 featuring eight full productions including Paperboy at Lyric Theatre in August 2019.

YMT Executive Producer, Jon Bromwich, says:
“At YMT we develop talent and grow creativity to the highest level, for our 2019 summer season we are looking for fierce actors, singers and musicians. YMT offers young performers the rare opportunity to gain experience in a professional environment before entering the industry as an adult. December 2018 marks our 15th birthday and we are proud to be at the forefront of new British music theatre.”

Tony Macaulay, writer of Paperboy, added:
“ Everyone involved in the musical adaptation for Paperboy this year were overwhelmed by the reception it received. It was such a privilege to be part of this amazing project. The entire creative team especially the young cast were phenomenal. I am delighted that YMT has decided to bring the musical back for their new season. I wish all those taking part in the auditions the very best of luck and looking forward to meeting and working with the young cast in 2019.”

Performer Auditions and Musician Auditions can be booked online www.youthmusictheatreuk.org/auditions or by phone 020 8563 7725.

About Youth Music Theatre UK (YMTUK)
YMTUK works across the UK and Ireland to provide high-quality training for talented young performers and musicians whilst supporting emerging directors, writers, composers, choreographers and stage technicians. As an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, YMT is a youth theatre like no other, putting young people at the centre of the creative process to produce vibrant, innovative and original works in some of the UK's top venues and festivals.

Since launching in 2003 Youth Music Theatre UK has created over 80 new musicals and trained over 8,000 young people including Charlotte Ritchie (Fresh Meat, Call the Midwife, Doctors), Lauren Samuels (We Will Rock You, Love Story, The Waterbabies) and Jack Bence (Sherlock, Misfits, Bad Education).

Audition process
The Performer Audition is a 3 ½ hour group workshop led by a professional director, musical director and choreographer. Young People are marked on their acting, singing, dancing as well as their ability to work as part of a team. Youth Music Theatre is looking for enthusiastic young people who are not afraid to take risks. Audition fees are £38 per person. YMT offers a reduced rate of £5 per audition for those in receipt of Pupil Premium.
Auditions for the YMT Musician Pool, YMT are looking for musicians aged 11-21 who play ANY instrument to a Grade 7 standard – no a formal certificate is necessary. Young people can either come along to a Pit Stop Workshop, held around the country, here musicians work with a professional Musical Director and staff, to learn a new piece of music, during the workshop young people will be assessed on the standard of playing. Alternatively auditionees can submit a video of themselves playing two contrasting pieces of music (submission through the website here).