Hello October
Hi Parents/Carers/Company Members,
We hope you are all well. Wow, we're really half way through our Autumn Term 1!
Want to find out what's new and coming up at NGYT? You've come to the right place!
Remember September?
We're back and we are absolutely loving seeing all of our incredible young people and new faces in all groups and companies for our Autumn Term.
Last month we launched our registration for Auditions with Meraki Dance Company and NGYT Theatre Company as we're opening our doors to find Luton's talented creatives, actors and dancers aged 14-25.
We wrapped on filming and editing our film project DUSK in collaboration with Tokko Youth Hub, working with young people across Luton aged 13-19, exploring what they had to say about youth criminal exploitation. Keep an eye on our socials for the launch...
We've recommenced dance curriculum sessions in our partner schools, and have some exciting collaborations with local organisations and charities for upcoming workshops and performances too.
Take a look at our new #NGYT Highlights Video for 2024-25 which shows our work, reach and impact in Luton over the last year. We couldn't do it without you, thank you!
It’s never too late to join us. Click the sign-up button above to join us, attend a free trial and be part of NGYT.
Read on to see what’s coming next…
Auditions: Registration Now Open
Meraki Dance Company Auditions will be held on:
Monday 10th & Monday 17th November 7:30-9:30pm
Theatre Company Auditions will be held on:
Tuesday 11th & Tuesday 18th November 7:30-9:30pm
For talented actors, dancers, theatre makers and choreographers to audition for our flagship performance companies: NGYT Theatre Company and NGYT Meraki Dance Company.
These companies are for passionate young people aged 14–25 who are studying GCSE Drama and/or Dance, pursuing similar subjects at college or university, are graduates, semi-professional or professional performers.
Both companies focus on performance and meet for two hours each week to develop technique, skills, and ideas, creating original work and professionally commissioned pieces and performance opportunities (Previous opportunities include Royal Opera House, BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend, Sky News, Brighton Fringe and Mötus Dance Festival MK).
This is a unique opportunity to collaborate with other artists and create high-quality, authentic work that pushes boundaries, challenges audience perspectives, and amplifies vital voices that are too often unheard in our society.
Our Company members are offered free headshots, access to free workshop opportunities with professional theatre and dance companies and tickets to shows at The Hat Factory Arts Centre.
Meraki Dance Company Auditions will be held on:
Monday 10th & Monday 17th November 7:30-9:30pm
Theatre Company Auditions will be held on:
Tuesday 11th & Tuesday 18th November 7:30-9:30pm
If you’d like to come along and take a look before the auditions to see if it's something you'd be interested in attending please drop emails to our respective Company Directors who look forward to welcoming you:
David@ngyt.co.uk (Theatre Co)
Laura@ngyt.co.uk (Dance Co)
Take Part!
Who's excited for Luton International Carnival but don't want to wait until next May?
We're running a dance workshop and a carnival procession at UKCCA on Saturday 18th October.
The full event runs 11am-3:30pm and we can't wait to see you there!
Join Laura & Hannah for some half term fun for a 'KPop Demon Hunters' inspired dance & drama workshop for ages 5+.
During this 2 hour workshop participants will learn a 'KPop Demon Hunters' inspired dance routine, enjoy drama games & improvisation based around the film & create their own Rumi & Jinu bracelets.
Thursday 30th Oct 2025
10am-12pm
Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton LU1
Sign Up For SEN
We are pleased to be continuing our brand new SEN sessions (previously funded by Luton Council and Luton Rising, managed by BLCF via The Luton Citizen's Fund).
Drama, Movement and more in Luton!
Each session runs weekly on Thursday evenings for 30 minutes.
Suitable for Key Stages 1, 2, 3 & 4 at The Luton Irish Forum, LU2
Please complete the sign up form at the bottom of the page and please upload your young person's EHCP if you wish.
Once your form is submitted we will be in touch to book your child's place and send further details.
NGYT Spotlight
Meraki Dance Company and NGYT Theatre Company Alumna Shania Brown shines in the title role of Henry V in an all female modern adaptation.
Shania has just moved into her second year at Manchester School of Theatre's BA Acting course. Go Shania!
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.
spotlight: local schools
Following the Government's latest announcement to “ensure that every child, no matter who they are, what their circumstances are or where they live, has the opportunity to participate in sports, arts, and other activities” we wanted to share that this is one of the reasons we formed NGYT 13 years ago and deliver high quality arts outreach in Education.
Laura and Lauren have both been working at Pirton Hill Primary this term on Monday's with year 6 creating chair and contact duets using lifts, body weight and counter-tensions.
"It's really great to see the year 6 students building their movement vocabulary following from their work with chairs as props last year and now incorporating storytelling into their work too!" - Lauren
If you work in Education in Luton, would like an arts project in your school or education setting please get in touch at www.ngyt.co.uk or email enquiries@ngyt.co.uk and we can make it happen!
Patron News
NGYT Patron, Playwright and screenwriter Jack Thorne's new 7- part ITV drama, The Hack, delves into the UK's infamous phone-hacking scandal, spotlighting the investigative work of The Guardian journalist Nick Davies (played by David Tennant) and the unresolved 1987 murder of private investigator Daniel Morgan.
Jack has spoken candidly about the challenges and responsibilities involved in creating The Hack: "You talk to real people who've been through hell, you feel a huge responsibility to represent their story." - The Observer.
Jack’s previous work, Adolescence was highly acclaimed and this new series is set to be as engaging, co-written with Annalisa Dinnella and directed by Lewis Arnold.
The 'The Hack' premiered on ITVX on September 24, 2025, with weekly episodes airing on ITV and streaming now.
Associate News
We’re thrilled to share the wonderful news that our former Assistant Theatre Company Director and Associate artist Lizzy, is engaged!
Please join us in congratulating her on this exciting new chapter with her fiancé Charlie filled with love and happiness.
Alumni News
NGYT Meraki Dance Company Alumnus (2022-24) and Dance Artist Jordan Fuller has sent us his most recent life update:
"Recently I’ve been working with ‘Dance Days’ delivering dance workshops in and around London.
In my own creative work I have had the pleasure of working with music artist Grace Davies and choreographing her music video from her debut album.
Over the past year I have been working as a movement director on a number of ACE funded projects. ‘The Kennington Loop’ premiered in London last year and is now in development to take the stage at 2026 fringe festivals.
‘Maid of the wave’, a one woman play based of folk tales is in rehearsals and supported by The Brighton Dome and is set to premiere next summer.
As well as this I have been working on 2 self funded dance films that I hope to submit to film festivals next year!"
Team News
NGYT's Co-Artistic Director David is raising money for Prostate Cancer UK.
"This October, I’m joining Prostate United by running every day with my fellow football fans to help save men’s lives. We’re raising money to find better tests and treatments to stop men from dying from prostate cancer – a disease that takes our Dads, Grandads, brothers, mates, and partners far too soon.
Sadly I lost my Grandad to Prostate Cancer however from that moment on it has motivated me to learn and inform my nearest and dearest.
The research, science and technology continues to improve and thanks to this incredible charity....my Dad is a survivor.
Sponsor me to help fund lifesaving research for men and their families affected by this disease. Thank you 💙"
Go David! You can sponsor David at the link above.
Sixth Form News
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 and the new What's On Brochure has landed!
Remember to use your NGYT exclusive code "NGYT25" at checkout to enjoy a 25% off discount on selected shows and Theatre events. Please note that this code is not applicable to workshops.
step forward luton
NGYT is proud to be Step Forward Luton Champions.
Luton's exciting new app is now live!
Explore your town like never before and bag local deals and discounts along the way. Check out local foodie spots, shops, attractions, green spaces and stay in the loop with all the events happening across the town.
Young minds matter
Get Ready for Hello Yellow on Friday 10th October: World Mental Health Day. Let's show young people they are not alone with their mental health by wearing yellow in all NGYT sessions on 6th-10th October.
“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.
Click the links below for wellbeing support locally and online:
Luton Youth's Future EmPOWERment (LYFE by Mary Seacole Foundation) is committed to empowering young people, families, and the wider Luton community:
A 10am-10pm chatline for ongoing support
Mediation services with statutory organisations
Workshops
Comprehensive 1-1 guidance in education, employment, and work experience
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
