Hello May
Hi Parents/Carers/Company Members,
We hope you are all well!
Want to find out what's new and coming up at NGYT? You've come to the right place!
Its Gonna be May
Want to join us? It's never too late to sign up for NGYT; Go to our Sign Up page by clicking the button above.
In April our project and collaboration with Carers in Bedfordshire over 24 weeks culminated in a fantastic performance by Company Be with their piece ’Untangled’.
“What a rollercoaster we've been on together. Company Be shone like the stars they are. You told your stories, you took your space, you gave yourself to one another with generosity and empathy and you made a community.”
- David Lloyd, Company Director.
Members of our Meraki Dance and Theatre Companies performed at the wonderful Colours of Eid event in St George's Square on Saturday 13th April:
"It was a very unique experience, the colours the atmosphere felt so alive and to take in a rich culture I wasn’t very familiar with was a very memorable event" - Nathan
"It was so exciting to dance for the Eid festival and to see the different cultures in Luton, an amazing event!"- Shania
"It was fun to participate in the Eid festival and it was a new experience, especially learning and seeing the different culture, that I will always remember!"- Lukas
We hope all of our members and families celebrating had a wonderful Eid.
Keep reading on to find out what's in store this month and next at NGYT…
Theatre Company and Meraki Dance Company are back
Did you catch our Double Bill last year?
If you missed it, never fear as our shows:
Be Still The Tide and It’s Just About Love Really… Isn’t It? return to The Hat Factory Arts Centre in Luton on 26th and 27th July 2024 PLUS we are adding new dates for a regional tour!
Tour dates to be announced soon…
What audiences said:
“Thought provoking and moving.”
"If decision makers want to know what young people feel, they need to come and see an NGYT show. You get to see what truly matters to young people"
“You might cry. You will definitely laugh”
“Vibrant, dynamic, professional”
“This show truly changed me”
"I was blown away by the message, the talent and the care that had gone into the creation of the show"
Luton Lit and Homegrown
Our Director David Lloyd will be compering Luton Literature’s Storytelling Celebration Event:
Saturday 11th May
11am and 13:15pm
The Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton LU1
Over the past couple of months, five local artists have been leading writing workshops with five groups of young people across Luton to create their own unique stories written by nationally renowned authors.
The celebration event will be an opportunity to hear the stories that have been created read by local actors. NGYT Alumna and Patron Adeyinka Akinrinade (who is also producing the project) will be reading the story David has developed with the young carers from CHUMS mental health and emotional wellbeing service.
“As the producer I'm working with some amazing creatives to pull this all together! We have a sharing and celebration of everyone's hard work on the 11th May, where you can hear a snippet of the stories!”- Adeyinka Akinrinade
Homegrown is a new writing festival, showcasing local talent by staging an evening of original short plays, featuring local writers, directors, and actors.
Homegrown are looking for writers, regardless of age or experience to submit their work. If selected, the pieces will be allocated a director, and will be performed by local actors in front of a live audience on Friday 5th July 2024 at Luton Library Theatre.
This festival’s theme is PRIDE. They’re looking for 10-minute plays inspired by this theme. Go wild! Think outside the box.
Send your scripts to: homegrownluton@gmail.com. See full submission guidelines below.
CALLING ALL DIRECTORS & ACTORS:
Homegrown is all about giving local artists, writers, directors, and actors a platform to showcase their talent. If you would like to be involved as an actor or director, email homegrownluton@gmail.com to express your interest. Auditions will be held at Luton Library Theatre in June 2024, with more details to follow.
calling all schools!
NGYT is continuing to expand our education offer across the region and we are booking for the Summer Term and 24-25 academic year. NGYT are an Artsmark Partner and an Arts Award Supporter catering to the needs of your learners in any setting.
We are excited to announce that we are currently in talks with four schools within a local Trust to create a Celebratory Showcase in July with their students. Please watch this space for updates and further details.
Lets get quizzical
Back by popular demand, join us and take part in the Ultimate Creative Quiz.
An evening of unique questions and creative challenges for the whole of Luton’s community aged 11+ to enjoy:
Thursday 27th June
7:30pm
The Hat Factory Arts Centre Café
Gather your team mates now, tickets released soon!
Tickets will be available at the link above or via The Culture Trust Box Office.
NGYT Spotlight
NGYT Musical Theatre Company Member Jude reached the final audition stages for TV series and Game of Thrones prequel ‘A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight’ for the Role of EGG. We are so proud of you Jude.
We look for more audition updates for future roles!
Alumni News
NGYT Theatre Company and Dance Company Alumna Louise Rose performed at the Victoria & Albert (V&A) museum, London last month in a collaboration between UAL, Wimbledon College of Arts and inspired by V&A film material.
The project is a collaboration between the BA Costume for Theatre and Screen students and BA Acting and Performance and BA Contemporary Theatre and Performance students to bring iconic film characters to life in a spectacular performance.
Community Spotlight: Tennyson Road
Lauren has continued to work with Tennyson Road Primary School this half term and here’s her update:
“I’ve never taught at Tennyson Road before. I’ve really loved teaching years 5 & 6 at the South Site last term and teaching years 3 - 6 at the North Site this term so far. The dancers are brilliant and they’ve formed a mini dance crew already which I love. We’ve had a lot of fun creating dances in groups as well as learning a couple of mini routines which we can perform to Parents/ Carers at the end of term.”
team news
Theatre Company, Meraki Dance Company and Musical Theatre Company Senior, Ronan has joined the NGYT Musical Theatre Team:
"I've been a member of the NGYT Musical Theatre Company for nine years so getting the opportunity to teach the kids I grew up with is so exciting! I know the team well and it's so nice to work with people that have supported me so much over the years. I hope I can inspire people the way they have inspired me."
Patron News
NGYT Patron and Olivier nominated Choreographer and Lutonian Julia Cheng opens CABARET on Broadway!
Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin star in the show which opened at the Kit Kat Club on Broadway, New York last month.
Julia is also nominated for the Chita Rivera Award for Outstanding Choreography in a Broadway Show. Congratulations Julia!
"Now, I can finally let go and have zero regrets knowing I gave my absolute all, there's nothing more I could have given, physically mentally and energetically. I thank and love dearly my family, creative colleagues, friends, company and cast. I am truly grateful for all the special encounters I have had during this process" - Julia Cheng.
BANK HOLIDAY MUSIC MIX
NGYT is proud to be Step Forward Luton Champions.
Whats on at The Culture Trust?
Our partners at The Culture Trust host a broad selection of events suitable for families, young people and audiences of all ages.
"Visit our website to explore our wide range of events suitable for families, young people, and audiences of all ages this season.
Remember to use your NGYT family code "NGYT25" at checkout to enjoy a 25% discount on theatre events. Please note that this code is not applicable to workshops."
Sixth Form News
Thinking about perusing the creative arts after secondary school?
There is still time to apply to study Performing Arts at the college and more information can be found on the college website www.lutonsfc.ac.uk or on our socials.
Become a Friend of NGYT
By becoming a Friend of NGYT you can help children and young people of all ages to access arts activity, express themselves, stay creative and stay well.
Friends of NGYT support our work with a monthly donation via Direct Debit or PayPal. There is no fixed amount and we treat all our Friends equally, whatever you are able to give. Your support and advocacy is the most important thing.
You can also make a one off donation to support NGYT’s work with young people.
Young minds matter
“When I joined NGYT I didn't really feel like I was alone anymore" - Dance Co, Theatre Co member.
NGYT continues to support wellbeing in all aspects of our work. We are proud to be an activity provider for Young People's Social Prescription and accept referrals through Active Luton to help support young people's wellbeing.
Aged 14-17? You can attend Luton's Young Person’s Sanctuary, a drop-in evening service for young people aged 14-17 in crisis or mental distress at 89 Castle Street LU1 3AJ.
It is a safe, non-judgemental space where you will be met by a trained mental health worker who will listen and help you identify ways to address the problems you are facing.
For more details about the sanctuary and other wellbeing resources and support check out:
see you soon
NGYT Family
"My daughter has come on so much in terms of her confidence and anxiety and a massive reason is her attendance with you at NGYT. It’s thanks to your constant encouragement, patience and lovely nature. I always say to my husband that she is going to attend NGYT foreverrrr." - Parent/Carer
"Youth led in the truest sense of the word, literally leading the way and setting the standard for all." - NGYT Alumni
As always, please continue to invite your friends and families to try NGYT for free.
Spread the word about our work across the educational sector.
Tell those working across Luton and the region about our commissionability (is that even a word?)... We love to make performances for community events with social purpose and cultural celebration at the heart.
And don't forget we'd love to share our unique approach with others, supporting the training needs of those looking to develop their approaches to working with young people authentically.
If we haven't met you yet, we can't wait to do so. Reach out! Say Hi!
Remember we are always here if you need us. Take care, stay kind, stay safe and above all things - BE YOU!
David, Laura and The NGYT Team x
