An incredible ten students from the City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College’s BTEC Theatre and Musical Theatre courses have secured places at the highly prestigious National Youth Theatre (NYT) — a major achievement that highlights the college’s reputation for nurturing emerging talent in the performing arts. 

This year, over 5,000 young people aged 11–25 auditioned across the UK for a place with NYT, with only 200 spaces offered — meaning just 5% of applicants were successful. For ten of those successful candidates to come from the Sixth Form College alone is a remarkable accomplishment. 

The National Youth Theatre is one of the UK’s most respected youth arts organisations and has been a launchpad for countless careers in stage and screen. Its alumni include household names such as Helen Mirren, Daniel Craig, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Zawe Ashton, and Dame Emma Thompson. Students accepted into the NYT gain access to industry-level training, high-profile performance opportunities, and an influential professional network. 

As part of the audition process, students participated in dynamic theatre workshops and performed individually prepared monologues. The experience offered valuable insight into the expectations of the professional industry. 

First-Year BTEC Theatre student, Travis Loska said: 

I am really grateful to Jade and the college for providing me with the opportunity to audition and feel so privileged to have been successful at gaining a place, especially because of how many talented young people audition each year. I am really excited to be attending the intake course this summer in Leeds with my fellow peer Jack and looking forward to the many more learning opportunities –  the workshop and audition process was so fun. Thanks Jade!

Bethan Stapleton who is also in the First Year of the BTEC Theatre course commented: 

For a lot of us, this was our first audition opportunity and experience working alongside professionals within the industry. The workshop itself was fantastic, and I learned a lot of new skills from the ambassadors! During the 1:1 auditions we had prepared monologues to perform and had the chance to take on development feedback to adapt these in new ways, which was a great experience. I’m so grateful I got in and look forward to becoming an official NYT member.

First-year student Tallula Hunt who studies BTEC Musical Theatre added: 

NYT is such an incredible opportunity, and I’m so grateful that I’ve been accepted into such a renowned organisation. The audition process was an incredible experience and allowed me to express my creativity through their various workshops. I’m so excited to be a part of this community and reap the endless benefits to help guide my future career as a performer!

Jade Wood, Teacher of Theatre and Musical Theatre, praised the students for their dedication: 

This is an incredible accomplishment, and I could not be prouder of the students. Gaining a place at the National Youth Theatre is extremely competitive and speaks volumes about their talent and commitment. The fact that ten of our students were successful this year reflects not only their own ability, but also the strength of our Performing Arts courses at the college. It’s exciting to see them stepping into such a prestigious organisation with so much potential ahead of them.

This outstanding achievement is just one of many success stories emerging from the college’s vibrant performing arts department. 

Students interested in pursuing a future in acting or musical theatre can find out more about the college’s courses below: