By Freya Hannan-Mills, Block 5

Following an audition earlier this year, I was excited to be accepted onto the National Youth Theatre’s two-week summer course.

The course, which leads to National Youth Theatre membership, sees all new members aged between 14 and 17 spend two weeks taking part in the course at Goldsmiths, University of London, where we also stayed in flats at one of the university’s halls of residence.

The two weeks are spent devising, creating and performing new works. This year, the overarching theme was changing climates and we explored geographic, social and political responses to the theme. The final piece was then shared at Goldsmiths’ theatre to an invited audience, which included our parents.

For me, the entire experience was inspirational; a fantastic opportunity to work with professional directors and choreographers who explored the topic of climate change in new and challenging ways. We worked for eight hours a day – sometimes longer – and that intensity and focus created an ensemble which also forged amazing friendships.

I would definitely recommend auditioning for the National Youth Theatre to anyone who has an interest in the performing arts. It’s an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to really explore and develop techniques and new ways of working. You remain a member of the National Youth Theatre until you are 25, and every year following your initial course, there are opportunities to audition for the rep shows, attend masterclasses and receive tickets for new plays. Find details about auditions for next year’s course on the National Youth Theatre website.