Entry open from January 26th to April 5th 2026
A national training programme for emerging performers
summer school at a glance
- Week-long, non-residential programme
- London-based
- Ages 9–19 (KS2–5)
- Two pathways: Open Studio & Scholars
- Professional practitioners and daily masterclasses
Booking is staged, with refundable deposits and bursary support available.
what is the NYM summer school?
London | One Week | Non-Residential
Join young performers from across the UK for a week of inspiring, professional-level training at the National Youth Monologues Summer School. Open to students entering the competition, it sits alongside The Studio as part of National Youth Monologues’ year-round training offer.
The programme offers practical workshops, expert guidance, and daily masterclasses in a supportive creative environment.
Programmes run in two age groups:
- KS2–3 (ages 9–13)
- KS4–5 (ages 14–19)
Both age groups run simultaneously, allowing students to train with peers at a similar stage of development while benefiting from shared masterclasses and a vibrant creative atmosphere.
Who is it for?
The NYM Summer School is designed for young people who:
- Are entering the National Youth Monologues 2026 competition
- Enjoy performing and want to develop their acting skills
- Are curious, committed, and open to learning
- Want to build confidence and work creatively with others
Students do not need professional experience or formal training to take part.
The Summer School welcomes participants from a wide range of backgrounds, schools, and youth theatres, and supports students at different stages of their performance journey.
A limited number of bursaries are available to support access for students who would otherwise be unable to attend.
TWO TRAINING PATHWAYS
To ensure access and excellence, two pathways are available: the Open Studio Programme and the invitation-only Scholars Programme for exceptional young performers.
Open Studio (Open to All Entrants)
The Open Studio Programme is available to any student entering the National Youth Monologues 2026 and offers a week of high-quality, professional-level training in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Across the week, students will:
- Develop core acting and performance skills
- Build confidence, technique, and stage presence
- Work with age-appropriate classical and contemporary texts
- Take part in an informal end-of-week sharing of their work
The Open Studio Programme provides an excellent foundation for students at all stages of their performance journey and is designed to be challenging, encouraging, and inclusive.
Fees: £425 per person
Scholars Programme (Invite Only)
The Scholars Programme is a selective, small-group pathway for students who demonstrate outstanding promise through the National Youth Monologues 2026.
Scholars will receive:
- Advanced training in acting and performance technique
- Increased contact time and smaller group sizes
- Tuition from senior practitioners and guest professionals
- A focused end-of-week sharing of their work
Invitations are offered to students who receive regional recognition or are shortlisted at later stages of the competition.
Fees: Places on the Scholars Programme are limited and subsidised, ensuring that selection is based on potential and achievement rather than ability to pay.