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The organisation
Founded in 1982, the National Association of Youth Theatres (NAYT) is the development agency for youth theatre practice in England. The organisation supports the development of youth theatre activity through training, advocacy, participation programmes and information services. Registration is open to any group or individual using theatre techniques in their work with young people, outside of formal education. NAYT is an educational charity (No. 1046042) and a company limited by guarantee (no. 2989999).
Support
NAYT offers support to any individual or organisation that engages young people in adult-led, theatre-based activities outside of formal education. The organisation responds to over 800 enquiries a year from young people, teachers, parents, carers, youth workers and social services looking for information and advice about youth theatre provision or career and educational opportunities. This free service puts young people in direct contact with youth theatres.
National Development Programme
NAYT’s National Development Programme is designed to provide regional support to assist youth theatres in meeting their specific needs and fulfilling aspirations. There are a number of different elements to the programme:
Engage - Building a national network of regional partners to support youth theatre development.
Inspire - Offering youth theatre mentoring and bespoke training packages.
Enquire - A series of research publications (coming soon).
Events
Big Youth Theatre Festival is NAYT’s annual showcase event. Set in Epping Forest, BYTF attracts groups from the UK and beyond, bringing together nearly 1000 young people to perform, workshop and celebrate their involvement in youth theatre. The Festival workshop programme includes practical sessions led by a range of acclaimed artists and companies. The Festival is run with the support of the Festival Team volunteers, young people aged 18-25, who come from within the registered groups and serve on a two year rolling programme that includes training, support/personal development and input into planning and evaluation.
Raising the Game brings together practitioners from across the country for two days of workshops, debate and networking.
NAYT's events and publications encourage sharing and networking between members on a local, regional and national basis. Members find new ways of making the most of their limited resources, of improving the quality of their work and consequently enhancing the experience of their participants.
NAYT board and staff
NAYT has a voluntary Board of Directors who serve for three years, a small core staff team and a pool of freelance workers.
Representation on other bodies
NAYT represents the youth theatre sector through regular dialogue with key agencies, ensuring that our registered groups are kept informed about the latest developments in the youth arts sector.
Links to other organisations
NAYT is constantly developing and strengthening relationships with other bodies including:
Department for Education and Skills Department for Culture, Media and Sport National Association of Local Government Arts Officers English National Youth Arts Network National Student Drama Festival National Association of Youth Drama Ireland Promote Youth Theatre Scotland National Operatic and Dramatic Association National Association of Clubs for Young People National Campaign for the Arts National Youth Theatre of Great Britain National Council for Voluntary Youth Services National Council for Voluntary Organisations International Theatre Exchange
Partnerships
NAYT undertakes a range of projects with the aim of developing cross-sector partnerships that:
Data protection and retention policies
Click here to download NAYT's Data Retention Policy Click here to download NAYT's Data Protection Policy
Finally
Despite a lack of regular funding and limited opportunities for development, youth theatre is finally being recognised for its effectiveness in engaging with young people and for the benefits this brings. NAYT remains at the forefront of youth theatre development providing information, training and support, undertaking research, developing practice and highlighting the needs and aspirations of the sector. |
