Year 11 Student Laura Accepted into the Prestigious National Youth Theatre
Senior School, Performing Arts
We are absolutely thrilled to share the outstanding news that Year 11 student Laura has secured a place at the National Youth Theatre (NYT) — one of the UK’s most prestigious institutions for young performers. With a fiercely competitive audition process and a success rate of just 8%, this is an extraordinary achievement and a true testament to Laura’s talent, dedication, and passion for performance.
Laura’s journey to NYT began with a filmed self-tape audition in which she performed the poignant Emily’s Goodbye Monologue from Thornton Wilder’s 1930s classic Our Town. A monologue described by Laura as “fragile, beautiful and heartbreaking,” it showcased her emotional range and ability to connect with powerful material. For her digital recall audition, she chose to go in a completely different direction — performing the bold and empowering ‘It’s Impossible to Be a Woman’ monologue delivered by America Ferrera in the 2023 film Barbie. The contrast in her choices demonstrated not only her versatility as an actor, but also her willingness to challenge herself creatively.
Reflecting on the moment she received the news, Laura said:
“On Tuesday 8th May, I was absolutely over the moon to hear that I’d been offered a place at the National Youth Theatre upon my very first audition this year! This is beyond anything I could have imagined and truly surpasses my wildest dreams. If you’d told me back in Year Seven that, just four years later, I’d be offered a place at NYT on my first audition, I honestly wouldn’t have believed you.”
She went on to credit her success to years of commitment and growth, adding:
“The path to this moment has been full of learning, growth, and endless passion for what I love: it’s taught me that when you pour your heart and soul into something — when you stay committed and believe in yourself — extraordinary things can happen.”
Laura also extended heartfelt thanks to Mrs Vincent-Norgate and Mr Duckworth for their support — particularly in helping her prepare and film her audition tape over the Christmas break.
Laura has accepted her place on the Bristol Induction Course, during the summer holiday, which marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her acting journey. We are incredibly proud of Laura’s accomplishment and can’t wait to see where this opportunity takes her next.