When Charlie and his brother Sam auditioned for NYMT for the first time in 2023, encouraged by their drama teacher in their secondary school, I did not know what to expect. I love musicals, dance and drama of course but the boys did not do too much apart from a little bit of dance in primary school, and the drama related extra curricular activities offered at their secondary school . 

When we received the results and both were lucky enough to get in – we  were thrilled, proud but  also a little nervous…   

A residential suddenly felt like a really “grown up“ thing to do and not having both boys around at Easter & for some of the holiday would be a first in our family and for their younger sister .  

The Pastoral team immediately made us feel welcome and it was very clear from the first video-call that they were going to do everything in their power to make sure the boys would settle-in well. They reassured us and talked us through everything from what to pack, the schedule, the meals, the room arrangements, the sleeping rules, managing screen time access and what would be put in place if they ever felt homesick or worried.  

I’d say coming completely fresh to that world I did worry about many things: Would it be OK? Would it be easy to fit in for them? Would it be an inclusive experience for boys with very little exposure to auditions, agents and no industry knowledge?  

Actually I didn’t need to worry at all!  

They both had the time of their life, met great friends, gained independence and self confidence in their ability to create their own experience without us and they discovered what working with a team of actors, directors and creative professionals felt like in a really friendly and nurturing way.  

They came back with so many memories and skills that I know they will keep forever.  More importantly, they learnt an incredible life lesson about making friends AND operating as a team, having fun AND throwing themselves into work with passion, discovering what can be achieved when you learn and grow whilst having fun and doing what you love and are supported by kind genuine and inspirational people around you.