Above from left to right: Oli Yellop, Max Arkell and Robert Crouch all Upper Sixth pupils at Brentwood School

The National Youth Theatre is the first theatre group of its kind to offer a chance for young people to develop their creative and social skills through the medium of the theatrical arts which includes acting and technical disciplines.

There are 5000 auditions in over 13 different locations across the U.K for just 400 places in the National Youth Theatre.  Brentwood School pupils Robert Crouch, Max Arkell and Oli Yellop all attended the intense auditions and gained places.

Auditions consist of a full day's drama workshop and one-to-one interviews Max Arkell said "there is a lot of preparation before the auditions, including a monologue, but it was all worth it".

By gaining a place all three students have taken part in a 2 week theatre course in which they learned a variety of skills including; mask theatre and stage combat.  They also had the chance to work with professional directors and meet like minded youths from across the U.K. 

Student Robert Crouch said of the experience "It has been an excellent experience and I hope to go to drama school to study theatre further".  Max Arkell said "It has been great life experience working with young drama enthusiasts from all walks of life".

Head of Drama, Lindsey Jones at Brentwood School said of their achievement "It is a real accomplishment for three of Brentwood School's Upper Sixth pupils to be accepted into the National Youth Theatre, it is very difficult to get in and this shows the pupils dedication to drama and the arts.  The experience that they will gain will be invaluable".