British Youth Music Theatre inspires pupils at Fortis Academy
The British Youth Music Theatre (BYMT) recently brought their ‘Discover Music Theatre’ workshops to students at Fortis Academy. The workshop was awarded to the Shaw Education Trust by Surveyors to Education (S2e) following a competition at last year’s Schools and Academies show, to celebrate BYMT’s 20th season.
BYMT is a national performing arts education charity and the largest commissioner of new musicals in the UK. Its mission is to create opportunities for young people and early career creatives from all backgrounds to develop theatre skills and enhance wellbeing, through the collaborative and inclusive process of making original music theatre.
During the workshop, Fortis Academy students were immersed into the world of theatre, giving them the opportunity to take part in acting, singing and dancing workshops and become involved in part of the development of one of BYMT’s new shows.
An inspirational day:
Commenting on the success of the day at Fortis Academy, Emily Gray, Chief Executive and Creative Director of the BYMT, said:
“Luke (composer), Ash (choreographer) and I (director) were welcomed into Fortis Academy and carefully supported by the welfare team, as well as the performing arts teachers; it is wonderful and rare to see wellbeing and creativity so interlinked in a school. The students were curious and imaginative, and through the day gave us their focus and ideas about the new musical we are developing, which will be performed by young people at Birmingham Hippodrome. Every young person engaged in acting, singing and dancing and they all performed for each other in our final session of the day. It was thrilling to meet students excited about writing their own plays and musicals and wanting to pursue a career in performance.
When BYMT goes into a school it’s the start of a conversation about how young people can find out about and get involved in the performing arts. We hope to welcome Fortis Academy students into our camps and shows in the future, helping them to build skills and enjoy creative opportunities that the BYMT and S2E partnership can offer.”
Meanwhile, Fortis Academy were delighted with the experience, describing it as a vibrant day of creative exploration. Linzi Simpson, Assistant Headteacher: Personal Development & Wellbeing said: “Fortis Academy were thrilled to work with BYMT and the workshops far exceeded our expectations. Our pupils were engaged from start to finish and the facilitators were inspiring and really supported our pupils to challenge themselves.”
It doesn’t end there:
Following the workshop two lucky students at Fortis Academy will receive invitations to join BYMT at one of their Camps, which are held throughout the year offering a deeper music theatre experience. The Camps are open to any young person aged 11 – 17, which BYMT runs alongside six to eight annual Productions each year, accessed through open auditions across the UK.
Discover Music Theatre workshops are available to schools, colleges and community groups and can be tailored to the needs of those attending. They are an excellent introduction into BYMT’s unique experiences and high-quality training for young people and emerging creatives. If you would like to find out more about how BYMT can support your school or students to access fun and educational music theatre experiences, please visit: https://britishyouthmusictheatre.org/
An exciting partnership
Surveyors to Education is delighted to be supporting BYMT in their mission to create opportunities for young people and early career creatives from all backgrounds to develop theatre skills and enhance wellbeing. The partnership began to celebrate the BYMT’s 20th season last year and we are excited to see where our collaboration will go next.
