Ensemble Theatre Making at National Youth Theatre: Histories, Practices and Possibilities

Project Overview

This project explores the history, present, and future of National Youth Theatre’s unique ensemble practice, focusing on how these practices shape youth theatre and artistic communities. Since 1956, NYT has pioneered youth theatre by cultivating talent and belonging through ensemble methodologies that remain understudied academically.

Despite NYT’s significant influence, academic discourse lacks attention to its practices and cultural impact. This research will uncover and interrogate NYT’s uncatalogued archival material and engage with ongoing productions to understand and potentially shape ensemble theatre's role in youth arts.

What You Will Do

Candidates will engage in place-based, industry-focused research employing methodologies such as archival analysis, oral histories, digital discourse analysis, ethnographic study of rehearsals, and practice-based research. You will be expected to work on-site at NYT London, accessing their archives and rehearsal spaces to document live productions.

The project can be practice-research or written-only, welcoming approaches across theatre histories, methodologies, and documentation. Research themes include place and participation, methods of making, and cultural identity and belonging. NYT offers mentoring by industry professionals, and the National Theatre Archive supports archival expertise.

Expected Outcomes

The project aims to generate new understandings of NYT’s ensemble practice history and its ongoing cultural value. It expects to contribute academically and practically to youth theatre discourse, enhancing inclusive and accessible theatre-making approaches relevant to young creatives worldwide.

Why This Matters

This research addresses a significant gap in theatre scholarship on youth and ensemble theatre, highlighting the importance of community and belonging in creative arts education. It enhances awareness of youth theatre’s social and artistic impacts, supporting diversity and accessibility in the cultural sector.