17-year-old Beatrice Paterson is part of the 2023-24 intake, following a rigorous audition process.
Beatrice was required to submit an online audition, and was then asked to attend an online group call-back over the Easter holidays. All members of the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain have to attend a workshop during the summer, which then cements their place for the forthcoming year. Beatrice will take part in performances, workshops and be an ambassador for the organisation.
Established in 1956, the National Youth Theatre became the world’s first youth theatre, and has produced many household names in its almost 70-year existence. Notable alumni include Dame Helen Mirren, Daniel Craig, Colin Firth, Catherine Tate, Daniel Day-Lewis and Sir Ben Kingsley to name just a few.
Beatrice said “I couldn’t believe it when I found out that I had been accepted into the National Youth Theatre. I kept re-checking the email to see if I’d read it correctly! I really enjoyed the selection process and now can’t wait for the opportunity to take my drama to the next level.”
Beatrice is a day student at Millfield and studies Biology, Psychology and Chemistry at A level. Since joining the school in Year 9, Beatrice has been a regular contributor to co-curricular Drama. Most recently she has played the key roles of Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors and Tess in Blue Stockings in the last two productions. Alongside her Drama commitments, Beatrice fills up her weekly timetable at Millfield by taking part in music, dance and volunteering to teach drama to Year 6 students from local primary Elmurst Junior School. Outside of school, Beatrice has been completing her drama diploma.
Beatrice said “The Millfield Drama department gives you so many opportunities to perform and you’re surrounded by so many supportive teachers. Mr Morgan, the Director in Residence, in particular has been great, and offered me support and guidance throughout the National Youth Theatre application process. I have so many fond memories of the department, with the productions of Blue Stockings and Little Shop of Horrors being highlights; I loved spending time with the casts and the amazing buzz of the show weeks.”
Every student at Millfield is given the opportunity to get involved in drama, onstage or behind the scenes. The school runs a full co-curricular programme of weekly sessions designed to develop performing, devising and technical theatre skills. The recently launched Meyer Theatre Company develops the talents and skills of students in an annual programme of theatre training, workshops and theatre visits culminating in at least two large scale productions each year.