We sat down with Chris Cuming, Artistic Director of National Youth Musical Theatre ahead of their relaunch on 21st October. It coincides with the PLATFORM project performance which is designed to provide young artists with a prolonged opportunity to both showcase their talents and express their unique artistic identities.

As NYMT approaches its 50th anniversary, how do you envision the future of the organisation, and what are the key priorities you’re focusing on in this new chapter? 

NYMT prides itself on being ‘in tune’ with our young company members. We are guided by them and their aspirations. They tell us that NYMT offers them a positive, enjoyable opportunity to do what they love. However, in recent years, they have started to explain that their experiences with us also allow them to benefit from the best pre-professional training they can get because they work with industry professionals.  We are therefore becoming more focused on giving them the tools and insights into an industry that is complex to navigate. We are also clear that NYMT is leading the leading the industry and not following it. 

With the relaunch and the reveal of the new branding, how does this fresh identity reflect the evolution of NYMT and its mission to support young talent in musical theatre? 

The new branding better reflects the energy of our Young Company Members. It is vibrant and dynamic, but still reflects a professional image. We have also emphasised the word “youth” because that’s at the heart of what we are all about.

NYMT has a legacy of shaping the careers of many successful artists, some of whom are here today. How do you feel the PLATFORM project continues this tradition, and what excites you most about its impact on young performers?  

PLATFORM allows our older, Young Company Members to take that next step into the industry. It not only gives them a voice in the creation of the work but also builds the wider skills of being part of a company, seeing the project through from inception to public performance. 

Given that NYMT has historically focused on actors and musicians, are there any new or expanded areas of training and development that the organisation will be exploring in the coming years? 

Yes, this is a key and very exciting part of NYMT’s future. Nurturing our musicians and actors will always be a big part, but developing our creative and production pathways is a major focus for us. Giving young directors, designers, choreographers, costume makers, lighting and sound designers, musical directors and stage managers more opportunities to have courses but also practical experience is much needed. We’re also very proud to now offer courses for young writers. 

How important do you think it is for organisations like NYMT to provide a space for young artists to express their unique artistic identities, and how does NYMT ensure that individuality is nurtured in its programs? 

NYMT celebrates and encourages our Young Company Members to be themselves. We don’t audition for productions we audition to appraise a Young Company Member’s potential at that moment in time. We match that potential to an opportunity that will allow them to progress and develop in their unique context.  Our Young Company Members enjoy meeting and working with other like minded people, which allows them to feel a strong sense of belonging and confidence.