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The board and trustees of NAYT Frequently Asked Questions
What is NAYT?
The National Association of Youth Theatres is the development agency for youth theatre practice in England. NAYT’s vision is to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to take part – as a right – in safe, empowering, challenging theatre of excellence. NAYT is an educational charity and a company limited by guarantee. NAYT was founded in 1982.
What is youth theatre?
"Youth theatre" is a broad term used to describe a wide variety of organisations engaging young people in theatre related activities. Youth theatre takes place outside formal education, is facilitated by adults (to greater and lesser degrees) and is based on the voluntary participation of young people. Research findings (see Playing a Part, a study of the impact of youth theatre on the personal, social and political development of young people) suggest that taking part in youth theatre has a wide range of impacts on young people, positively contributing to transitions from childhood to adulthood. Researchers identified four models of youth theatre that were used to guide decisions about the range of youth theatres to select to take part in the wider research process:
Theatre/arts: The ‘reason for being’ within this model is to provide access to professional quality drama and theatre processes. Personal and social development outcomes may be by-products of this work but the driving force is to create theatre and performance.
Community: The ‘reason for being’ is to reflect and represent concerns of specific communities and promote community development through theatre
Youth arts: The ‘reason for being’ is to support the personal, social and political development of young people through theatre
Applied theatre: The ‘reason for being’ is to address specific issues and deliver non-arts related outcomes using theatre as a tool
What does NAYT do?
NAYT supports the development of youth theatre activity through training, advocacy, participation programmes and information services.
Who finances NAYT?
In 2003, NAYT became a regularly funded organisation of NAYT. NAYT also receives a grant from the Department for Education and Skills. NAYT also earns income mainly from attendance fees at events and has in the past received some funds from trusts and foundations.
Does it have a membership?
NAYT used to be a membership organisation, but in March 2004 this changed as it became a development agency. Youth theatre groups can register with NAYT.
What does the board do?
Please see the NAYT Roles and Responsibilities and guidelines.
Where is NAYT based?
The NAYT office is based in Darlington, but NAYT fulfils a national brief.
What is the Big Youth Theatre Festival?
Big Youth Theatre Festival 12-15 July 2007. Big Youth Theatre Festival is a four-day event celebrating and showcasing youth theatre. It includes practical workshops, youth theatre performances, fringe events, social events and celebrations. 2007 will be BYTF’s fourteenth year.
What is Workshop Weekend?
Workshop Weekend –15- 17 March 2007. Workshop Weekend is aimed at people working in youth theatre leading sessions with young people. A range of practical workshops using techniques that are transferable to a youth theatre/work environment are offered.
Where can I find out more?
The website is a good place to start, but if you do have a specific question or want to arrange to speak to a board member then please contact us. |
