Performing on stage has always been a dream for Syanne-Phoenix, 16, from Emsworth, Hampshire. Syanne uses every opportunity to progress as a performer, taking part in productions at school (the part of the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz) and with her local Saturday theatre school (Mama Noah in The Children of Eden).
Two years ago, Syanne's school drama teacher encouraged her to audition for British Youth Music Theatre (BYMT), the leading national youth music theatre organisation. Each year BYMT tours the UK and Ireland in search of young talent to join the cast of one of eight new musical productions. Syanne attended BYMT's audition in Southampton.
‘I was really nervous,’ she says. ‘I was just 14 and had never been in such a “national” audition before, so it was nerve wracking. I had to wait a few weeks and then found out that sadly I was not accepted on to a show because they felt I lacked confidence. But I was offered a place in one of BYMT's summer camps, a week-long residential course near Guildford. During that week we had to learn a 45-minute musical piece to perform to our family and friends. This was a brilliant experience and my confidence grew profusely. I felt such a difference in my performing after spending six intense days there.
‘This inspiring experience gave me the confidence to audition again for BYMT. So, in February of this year, I auditioned again. I was offered a part in Fight Like a Girl, a musical theatre show inspired by the rise of female boxing. I was so excited – I would spend the best part of my summer doing what I love!’
BYMT specialises in putting young people in the centre of the creative process, allowing them to experience the theatre industry from the inside. Each year BYMT auditions more than 1,000 young people to offer a place in a full-scale musical production. All participants receive Grade 8 certificates accredited by Trinity College London after each project, and around 30 percent of them go on to drama school. BYMT aims to give an opportunity to young performers from all backgrounds.
‘None of this would have been possible without the support of so many people,’ says Syanne. ‘BYMT are a fabulous charity, they gave my mum a bursary and were so supportive with fundraising ideas to fund the rest of the fee. My family set up a Just Giving page to raise the remaining costs as well as travel and equipment. The local Southbourne Lions Club made a generous donation towards my fees, and the local hair salon, Hair Active, put up posters and customers kindly donated to my funds.
‘At school, I was so grateful to Mr Robbins, my drama teacher, and Mr McGeever from the music department who both gave funds from their budgets to support my fees. The funding page went viral and we had friends and strangers donating. All the kindness and generosity made me emotional and drove me to do the best I possibly could, to show people how much I love what I do.’
Fight Like A Girl was one of the flagship shows in BYMT's latest summer season. The creatives and young cast put the whole show together just in three weeks, and the performances took place at Mountview's brand-new theatre in London.
‘It felt like an age waiting for August to spend my holidays doing something I absolutely love,’ Syanne says. ‘My parents drove me to Godolphin School in Salisbury, which I called home for over two weeks. We rehearsed from 9am to 9pm – no time for messing about.
‘Overall this was such an amazing, breath-taking experience for me and I am so grateful for the opportunity. BYMT is an amazing charity and I was so lucky to work with professional directors, producers and musicians. It was absolutely brilliant and I know this is where I would like my future to be – on the stage.’
Since 2003, BYMT has trained and nurtured over 8,000 young people, many of whom have successfully entered the creative industries – Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Lauren Samuels, Charlotte Ritchie, Jack Bence, Lucy Griffiths and many more. BYMT has also created over 100 brand-new musicals and seen many of them published and licensed.
Next season's BYMT applications are now open. Auditions will be in 19 cities across the UK and Ireland. If any of your students would like to follow Syanne's footsteps, their journey starts here.
Apply to audition for BYMT at britishyouthmusictheatre.org
