Hello March
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!
Leap back to February
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 February, we began delivery in two new Luton schools for dance curriculum and are continuing our education offer into the remainder of the spring and summer terms in all our partner schools.
We are also proud to have been part of Pirton Hill’s Leap into the Arts show where the school celebrates the children’s hard work and talents in dance and music. Each year, Pirton Hill learners from years 1-6 learn dances with the NGYT team during the Autumn and Spring terms culminating in dances performed in the annual show.
Our Co-Artistic Director David and Musical Theatre Company member Grace (pictured) featured on Simply Deez ‘Simply 2Gether Show’ talking all things BBC #BigNightOfMusicals on Tuesday 20th February:
Watch the show by clicking the button below.
Keep reading on to find out what's in store this month and next at NGYT…
Groups for young people with SEN coming soon
Following our announcement last month about the launch our own Expressive Arts classes for young people with SEN launching soon, funded by BLCF via Luton Citizenship Fund.
Please complete a sign up at the link above and upload your young person's EHCP.
We will then be in touch with further info about our FREE 6 week offer.
Let's Get Down To Quizness
NGYT's sell-out family quiz night with a twist is back for 2024!
'Let's Get Down to Quizness' returns to The Hat Factory Café at 7:30pm on Thursday 28th March 2024 for all aged 11+
Creative, fun and unique quiz rounds with a twist for all to enjoy. Gather your teams and grab your tickets via the link.
Writing the Future
NGYT Co- Artistic Director and Writer David Lloyd is collaborating with Luton Literature and will be leading workshops with a group of young carers, working together to develop a unique story to be written by a professional author.
“I'm absolutely buzzing to get started on this project. Working with young people and helping them unlock their imaginations and voices is an absolute privilege; I can't wait to read and hear their creation” - David
Meet our new members
We'd love to introduce you to some of our newest Meraki Dance Company and Theatre Company members after record numbers attended our open auditions back in October.
Meet Grace, one of our newest members of the Theatre Company:
“NGYT is an inclusive, trusting and hardworking company, and this reflects through everyone who is apart of it. I have felt welcomed and supported. This consistent support and energy has made for amazing experiences already!” - Grace
NGYT Spotlight
Our Musical Theatre Company Member, Phoebe was selected to perform at her schools talent show.
A teacher saw Phoebe performing her choreography on the dance platform in the playground at lunchtime. Phoebe created the routine to 'Diamonds' by Rihanna which is one of her favourite songs and was also selected to perform at 'Shine Day'- perfect for the theme!
Well done Phoebe!
Alumni News
NGYT Alumna Maria Cantero, part of NGYT Theatre Company from 2017-2019 graduated with a Law degree at London South Bank University.
"Since graduating from University in 2022 I’ve been working as Executive Assistant to one of the owners of a Filipino Hospitality company in London but now i’m currently being trained to progress as Head of HR.
I’ve loved working with them since everyone in the company is so supportive and welcoming.
It’s also been a goal of mine to get back into dancing again which what I’ve been doing during my free time"
Community Spotlight: Putteridge Primary School
Lauren has just finished a half term with Putteridge Primary School teaching Dance in PE with years 1, 3 & 4.
“The learners at Putteridge Primary have been absolutely brilliant. Year 1 and year 3 have been learning Street Dance skills and year 4 have learned a dance from Matilda The Musical. For many of the children, this is their first experience of being taught dance, street dance and musical theatre and they have really impressed me with their enthusiasm and hard work. Every group performed at the end of term and I’m excited for their parents and carers to see what they’ve achieved in just 6 weeks.”
team news
It's another double whammy with two team members to congratulate this month...
Congratulations to Rebekah who has just graduated with an MA in Directing for Stage and Screen from the University of East London. We are so proud of Rebekah!
And if you hadn't heard just yet...There's a new member of our NGYT Team brewing...
Huge Congratulations to Hannah and her husband Simon who are expecting their newest addition to their family (and our NGYT Family) this Summer.
Patron News
Shortly after announcing her role in Kiss Me Kate, Georgina Onuorah has announced her latest Musical Theatre role as Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton on London’s West End. Georgina announced the news on her social media pages ahead of her opening night on Wednesday 14th February:
“ANGELICA SCHUYLER?! An actual dream come true.” - Georgina.
SAY HELLO TO STEP FORWARD LUTON
NGYT is proud to announce that we are Step Forward Luton Champions.
Step Forward Luton is all about shining a light on everything great about our town.
Follow us for hidden gems, foodie finds, and inspo to help you make the most of our vibrant town."
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
Luton Sixth Form College's Performing Arts Department are building the anticipation for their latest production...
"A storm is brewing in the Eastside theatre. Stay tuned for news about our next production- A tale where love disguises itself, laughter dances freely and the madness of mistaken identity takes centre stage..."
Did you guess right? It's Twelfth Night!
Tickets go on sale from Monday 4th March. Grab yours by emailing: boxoffice@lutonsfc.ac.uk
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