Exploring creative pathways beyond the stage

At Get Into Theatre, our mission is simple: to open the doors of the theatre industry wide for young people everywhere. Whether you’re dreaming of standing under the spotlight or you’d rather run the lighting desk, we’re here to help you discover the full range of pathways into this brilliant and bustling industry.

That’s why we recently teamed up with National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT) to shine a spotlight on the offstage opportunities that often don’t get the attention they deserve. Together, we created a trailer capturing the rehearsal and tech process for NYMT’s large-scale outdoor production of Carousel which took place in Birmingham in the Summer of 2025. It’s part of our commitment to show that theatre isn’t just about the performers on stage, it’s also about the Directors, Designers, Stage Managers, Technicians, and Writers who make the magic possible.

What does Get Into Theatre do?

For those who are new to us, Get Into Theatre is a small charity with a big mission. We’re the UK’s leading online resource dedicated to helping young people find training, opportunities, and advice on pursuing careers in theatre. Our platform lists everything from apprenticeships to bursaries, backstage workshops to audition tips. We’re passionate about inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that every young person, no matter their background or ability, can see themselves in this industry and has the resources to make it happen.

What does NYMT do?

NYMT is another values-led organisation that has been shaping the future of musical theatre for decades. They provide world-class opportunities for young people aged 10–23, offering training and production experience across four pathways:

• Actors: For anyone who loves singing, acting, and dancing.
  
• Musicians: For instrumentalists keen to play in pit bands or orchestras.
  
• Creative & Production: For aspiring Directors, Choreographers, Designers, Stage managers, or Technicians.
  
• Young Writers: For those ready to create original musicals, whether writing lyrics, music, or scripts.
  

What makes NYMT’s approach so special is their balance of artistic ambition and pastoral care. They ensure their young company members are supported every step of the way, no matter their role.

Why this collaboration matters

By capturing these stories, we’re not only highlighting NYMT’s fantastic work but also demonstrating the importance of offstage roles. Too often, young people only see the actors centre stage, without realising that entire teams are building, planning, and innovating behind the curtain. Our collaboration makes those pathways visible and achievable.

How to get involved with NYMT

NYMT operates on an annual cycle, staging productions in professional theatres, running workshops, and offering training opportunities every year. If you’re an actor or musician, you’ll usually need to attend an audition/workshop day early in the year. For the Creative & Production Pathway, the process involves online sessions and interviews. There are also courses you can book directly, particularly for writers.

At Get Into Theatre, we’ll continue to share opportunities like this so you can see where your own journey might begin. Whether you’re 14 and curious about sound design or 22 and ready to stage manage your first show, there are pathways waiting for you. Sign up to our mailing list here to get opportunities sent direct to your inbox.

Our partnership with NYMT is just one example of how we’re committed to connecting young people with meaningful, real-world theatre experiences. From outdoor productions like Carousel to small-scale local projects, every experience counts.

Because theatre isn’t just made by the people under the lights. It’s made by everyone who builds, supports, and shapes the story, and you could be part of it.