Every year since 2003, British Youth Music Theatre (BYMT), the leading musical theatre charity for young people, have been gathering a company of very promising young performers from all corners of the UK and overseas to offer them a place in BYMT’s exciting summer season of new musical theatre.

It breaks my heart to think that so many young people can miss out such an incredible opportunity after earning a place

Poppy, 15, BYMT participant

Over 30% of BYMT’s participants (100 young people every year), who wouldn’t be able to participate without a bursary, receive bursaries that cover up to 75% of the course fees from BYMT’s bursary fund.

This year BYMT has been forced to cancel the summer season for the first time in their 16-year history due to the pandemic, but have already announced the Alternative Season 2020/2021 which will start in the October Half-Term and culminate in seven new musical theatre performances on Easter holidays 2021.

However, we have seen a significant increase in demand for our bursary fund from our Alternative Season’s participants as many families are currently facing financial difficulties due to the pandemic.

Consequently, BYMT is running a fundraising campaign: Access To The Arts which is aiming to raise £10,000 this July towards our bursary fund. 2020 has been a very challenging year for many, particularly young people, who were isolated from all creative and educational activities.

We believe that theatre is the place for anyone regardless of their background or financial circumstances. We encourage people to donate to our campaign and help us make theatre accessible for all.

Zoë Wanamaker, BYMT patron & actress, said: “Please support BYMT Access to the Arts campaign and give young people some creative freedom this autumn by participating in one of BYMT’s life-changing projects”

Poppy, 15, BYMT participant, said: “Last year I was lucky enough to take part in Extinction, one of BYMT shows, and it was honestly the best experience I’ve ever done.

“It breaks my heart to think that so many young people can miss out such an incredible opportunity after earning a place. This experience was the most rewarding experience ever and I couldn’t imagine not doing it.”

Jon Bromwich, BYMT Executive Producer said: “Here at BYMT we believe that every young person should have multiple opportunities to enjoy theatre and develop their creative skills regardless of their background and financial circumstances.

“Every day on our projects we see creativity in action, eyes and minds wide open, new skills learnt. All this is threatened by a pandemic which presents the biggest challenge our sector has faced for generations. Organisations like ours are vital to preserving the nation’s arts and culture, ensuring that theatre remains accessible for everyone.

“We solicit your help in supporting the next generation, their talents and their aspirations.”

The link for donations is: https://britishyouthmusictheatre.enthuse.com/cf/access-to-the-arts