National Youth Theatre Company - ok?

Mon, 14 June 2010, 05:55 pm

Jellicle11 posts in thread

Can anyone comment on the value of the National Youth Theatre Company's program for young people? A family member (who is a recent theatre studies graduate) has been accepted into the company, but the fee is almost $1000, which seems a fair bit for a 3 hour training/rehearsal session per week. The fee is payable in full up front, which also seems a little stiff. The staff of the company seem professional etc., but their web site contains very little information about the company. I'm interested in any comments, positive or cautionary :)

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JellicleMon, 14 June 2010, 05:55 pm

NaMon, 14 June 2010, 06:35 pm

Can you post the URL, or at

Can you post the URL, or at least the state/location? Even google popped up to many vague hits to figure out which company you're referring to. Your source for handmade shadow puppets at Puppets in Melbourne

JellicleMon, 14 June 2010, 06:44 pm

Ooops. http://nytc.com.au

Chris BeddingTue, 15 June 2010, 12:22 am

I've never heard of them

...which doesn't necessaarily mean anything good or bad. I'm guessing it's a startup trying to make a name for itself.

By way of comparison, the cost to learn a musical instrument for a year is generally around $1000 - that's based on forty half-hour lessons. So, if it were me, I would ask myself 'I am getting the same value for money as I would expect from a private piano teacher?' Bear in mind that for a company with U18s, the duty of care is higher and therefore costs are higher.

I can understand them asking for an up-front payment if they are a new organisation. That would help their cashflow. On the other hand, an instalment approach is pretty standard practice in non-profit-organisations. Alternatively, they could offer a discount for paying the whole year in advance.

++If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got++

LabrugTue, 15 June 2010, 09:43 am

Hard to say

Appart from their own web pages and an advertisement in a Private School's Newsletter (see page 12) I can find very little on them. It gets a little confusing as there is also a New Zealand school of the same name but there would appear to be no connection between the two.

Their website is lacking a few details which would seem reflective of their "new-ness" rather than anything else.

The fact that they have an ad in a St Johns College newsletter however is a plus. Applying to a School for theatre is different to hiring an agent and upfront fees like this are not that unusual. It would be about the same if you sent your child to a private school or university, in some cases a lot less.

I would suggest shopping around. These guys are obviously offering a full course equivalent to University style courses aimed at younger talent but there may be other options that may have more appeal. They do offer scholarships also which is something you should also look into in your shopping around.

Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)

Jeff Watkins

Looking for an Agent? Read this first!!

GarrethTue, 15 June 2010, 09:44 am

I'm currently deputy

I'm currently deputy chairman for WA Youth Theatre Company and I can say i've never heard of National Youth Theatre Company. If I were in Sydney I would be much more inclined to become involved with the established Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP). http://www.atyp.com.au/index.php/ I and a number of my friends have all had dealings with this company and they have always been profitable and pleasurable.

LabrugTue, 15 June 2010, 09:50 am

On that...

I did find this and Garreth's post above helped me make sense of it. Note in particular the Acronym used.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3143094/bio

Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)

Jeff Watkins

Looking for an Agent? Read this first!!

Walter PlingeMon, 21 June 2010, 10:36 pm

This looks like someone

This looks like someone trying to start another theatre school. My advice: If someone wants training, then go and get it, but if you have already graduated from a three year theatre degree then this looks like a load of hogwash and you need to go out there and create your own work, or find others to co-op with. That is what Australian theatre is - creation of small co-op productions to keep the skills alive.

Walter PlingeSun, 18 July 2010, 08:41 pm

i have knowledge...

I personally know the artistic director of National Youth Theatre Company, Lindsay Farris and several of the members of both the junior and senior companies. This is the first year of NYTC, so obviously there are kinks to be worked out. But I can assure you, Lindsay and all the staff are very professional and have years of experience under their belts. Being part of this company would be an amazing experience for any young actor looking for professional experience.

Walter PlingeSat, 18 Sept 2010, 01:51 pm

Yes, they do have some

Yes, they do have some experience, but Lindsay Farris has never been educated past high school. I agree that this seems to just be a cash cow for someone. $1000 is very steep.

Walter PlingeSat, 18 Sept 2010, 01:52 pm

Yes, they do have some

Yes, they do have some experience, but Lindsay Farris has never been educated past high school. I agree that this seems to just be a cash cow for someone. $1000 is very steep.

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