Interview With Artistic Director Chris Cuming – National Youth Music Theatre

Theatre Village managed to get an interview with Chris Cuming ahead of the National Youth Music Theatre Relaunch. For nearly 50 years, NYMT has been at the forefront of offering exceptional opportunities in musical theatre training for talented young people. Historically the work has been centred around actors and musicians. NYMT – National Youth Music Theatre

What has it been like working with NYMT? How does it feel to be relaunching the organisation? NYMT is always a joy, Ive been lucky enough to work with the company as a choreographer, production coordinator and now as Artistic Director. Knowing our past has allowed myself and the core team to really understand how NYMT can move forward into our 50th year and the next 50 years. 

How do you train young people in musical theatre and keep the professionalism at the heart of the work? Our Values are about being inclusive, inventive, and working to an industry standard. These allow us to ensure that our young company members are getting the best professional standards across our projects and courses. 

What’s the biggest challenge in keeping things fresh and exciting after nearly five decades? I personally dont think it is a challenge. The joy of youth theatre is that the young company members keep it young and forever will. We just have to stay in tune and ensuring we’re keeping them at the front of our thinking and planning. 

What’s the secret sauce behind NYMT’s nearly 50-year success? Humility and following our motto “In Tune With You”. These lead and guide us. Listening and understanding what our young company members need or want it vital. 

What is your favourite musical genre? Personally I really enjoy the music of Sondheim but also Schwarts. For NYMT we’re a music theatre company not a musical theatre company, so exposing our young company members to as many different genres is really important. 

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