The first Summer Youth Project took place at the Wyvern Theatre in 1994 with Bugsy Malone and was one of the first community ventures of its kind in the local area. Since then it has become an annual tradition and many young people have been involved in the Projects over the years.

The aim of Summer Youth Project is to provide up to 200 youngsters aged 9 – 21 with the opportunity to work together in a professional theatre. The two week project culminates in five performances of a full-scale musical under the supervision of a highly skilled creative team including a professional Director, Choreographer, Musical Director, Musicians and Technical team all in less than 2 weeks!

The scheme has evolved, getting bigger and brighter every year; it provides local children with a unique opportunity to take an active interest in the performing arts and is a good foundation for those wishing to further their careers in this field.  Several previous Project members have gone on to study at theatre and dance schools and have successful careers both on stage and backstage.  As well as being actively involved in the arts, it helps our young cast build confidence,  develop learning skills, unite with a range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, have fun in an imaginative and creative environment, and of course, make lots of new friends!  Summer Youth Project provides a crucial artistic outlet for children during the summer holidays – ensuring they are kept entertained, off the streets and out of trouble.

Over the two week project the Wyvern comes alive to the sound of children, working incredibly hard learning their lines, rehearsing songs and practicing dance routines, all with an enthusiasm and dedication that is unprecedented. Year-on-year we receive praise for the high standards that the show ultimately produces with such a young cast and crew.

Previous Productions

Frequently Asked Questions 

Whether you have been involved in Summer Projects in the past or this is your first, please read the following information very carefully. Hopefully this should answer any questions you may have. 

Audition forms will be available soon. All forms should be returned by Friday 25 February 2022.

AUDITIONS
All applicants who have submitted a form will be invited to audition.  The auditions will be held on Sunday 20 March 2022 at the Wyvern Theatre. We will put more details of timings, what you have to prepare etc. on our website nearer the time.  

Callbacks for Principal roles will be announced on the day. There is no charge for the audition, and no previous experience is necessary.  If you/your child are/is chosen as a Principal for Legally Blonde there will be some rehearsals prior to Project that you/they will need to attend – these will be scheduled in the week prior to the start of SYP.  These dates will be confirmed nearer the time.

AGE
You must be 9 - 21 (or 16 - 26 for technical participants) on or before 7 August 2022 to be eligible for this Project.  There can be no exceptions made on the age restrictions.  NB. Children can audition for SYP if they are 8 at the time of auditions, however they must be 9 by the time the Summer Youth Project starts.

AUDITIONS and TECHNICAL INTERVIEWS
The on-stage audition date is Sunday 20th March 2022 and will take place at the Wyvern Theatre – full details of times etc. will be put on our website nearer the time. Please wear comfortable clothes that you can dance in and bring a packed lunch and plenty to drink. Please note, there can be quite a bit of waiting around as we try to see everyone.  A finishing time is hard to predict so please bring a mobile phone or a contact number so you can call home when you have finished.

PERFORMERS’ AUDITIONS
The actual format of the audition day will be posted on the Theatre website nearer the time but we plan to give everyone a chance to sing or dance by the end of the afternoon. After this time we will only ask you to stay on if we would like to see you again for a callback for a Principal role. Final selections will be made as soon as possible by the Production team. Please note, even if you are not successful for a Principal role it does not mean you do not have a place in the Summer Youth Project. You will be notified shortly after auditions as to whether you have been successful or not. Please note: only people auditioning will be allowed into the auditorium.
 
TECHNICAL INTERVIEWS
Technical interviews will be confirmed once we’ve received applications and you will be contacted by the SYP Technical Coordinator to arrange a specific time for you to come in.  Please note, the age for Technical participants is 16 and above. You will have an informal chat with a member of our technical team.  If selected you could be involved in various aspects of putting the show together, including lighting, sound, set, props, follow spots, wardrobe, etc.  The fee for the Technical participants is the same as for onstage participants.  

The decisions of the Production Team on the day are final and unfortunately we cannot enter into further discussion or correspondence about them.  

PROJECT DATES, TIMES & OTHER INFORMATION
Project runs from Sun 7 August – Sat 20 August 2022 (technical participants start on Mon 1 August)  You must be available for all these days. Because of the short production and rehearsal time you have to be fully committed to the show for the whole period; we have to be very strict about this as we have had problems in previous years.  Absences make it very difficult for the Creative Team to plan and organise the numbers and placing etc.  

All auditionees will be informed whether they have been successful or not; to confirm your place a £15 deposit will be required which must be returned by the beginning of May (NB. The deposit is non-refundable).  The fee for SYP will be £190 which includes a Project T-shirt, all the tuition, rehearsals and performances for the 2 weeks – the deposit will be deducted from the fee total.  All payments must be returned to the Theatre by MONDAY 4 JULY 2022.  Please note, once paid and Project has started, the fees are non-refundable.

WYVERN FOUNDATION
The Wyvern Foundation is a charity that has been set up to advance the education and training of children and young people in Swindon and the surrounding areas by their participation and involvement with all aspects of the performing arts.  The Foundation supports the Summer Youth Project by providing bursaries (50% of the fee).  If you feel you could benefit from receiving help from the Foundation, you can apply for funding when the place has been confirmed.  

CHAPERONES
We are always looking for licensed Chaperones or those with a DBS certificate that would like to become a chaperone, to help with the Summer Youth Project. 

REHEARSALS
These usually start at 10am and continue all day with a break for lunch, and a dinner break when evening rehearsals are required. Towards the end of the Project finishing times of later than10pm are to be expected.  

PERFORMANCES
The performances will take place from Thursday 18 August – Saturday 20 August 2022. Tickets will be onsale in the New Year.
 

The Summer Youth Project is managed by the Wyvern Theatre on behalf of the HQ Theatres Trust. Charity No. 1145989.

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