Summer Youth Project

Summer Youth Project is back for 2022!

Mon 15 - Sun 28 August 2022

Applications to join this year's Summer Youth Project are now closed.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, please email education@wycombeswan.co.uk

Every year we tackle the impossible and revel in the journey.

Over the two-week project, Wycombe Swan comes alive to the sights and sounds of 150 young people doing everything they can to put on a full-scale musical in time for curtain up!

Participants have the option of taking to the stage as a Performer, or to make magic happen as part of the Technical Team.

All performances take place on our main stage in the 1,000 seated Wycombe Swan Theatre.

Numerous participants have gone on to have successful careers both on and off stage. Join us on our next adventure! Build confidence, develop skills, have fun, and make long-lasting friendships.

The Show

This year, the show is BIG FISH.

Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish tells the story of Edward Bloom, a travelling salesman who lives life to the fullest... and then some!

Overflowing with heart and humour, Big Fish is an extraordinary musical that reminds us why we love going to the theatre - for an experience that's richer, funnier and bigger than life itself.

Follow Youth Project

Feedback

For my first year of project, I could not have asked to have spent two weeks with a more incredibly kind and talented bunch of people. This has hands down been my best summer and I'm looking forward for next year!
Akosua, Summer Youth Project Participant

The quickest and most enjoyable two weeks you could ever experience
Oliver, Summer Youth Project Participant

SYP is a part of my summer that I always look forward to, and am never disappointed by. I'm already looking forward to next year!
Emily, Summer Youth Project Participant

Performers

Applications to join this year's Summer Youth Project are now closed.

Our performers have the opportunity to work with a highly experienced creative team including a professional Director, Choreographer, and Musical Director, to create a major musical on our main stage.

Summer Youth Project is an inclusive and collaborative company. We respect everyone, learn from each other, and work together to create something special. It doesn't matter if this is your 1st or 50th show, you'll always find a warm welcome!

Performers wishing to take part in Summer Youth Project must be aged between 9 and 21, from Wed 24 to Sat 27 August 2022.

To take part, you must be available for all of these dates.

Auditions

For those wishing to be considered for principal and speaking roles, we hold auditions in the Spring.

Our auditions involve acting, singing and movement and are led by our wonderful, welcoming creative team, who produce our show. You do not need to prepare anything as all songs and choreography are taught on the day.

Auditions will take place Sunday 22 May. Application forms and further info will be available in March.

Chorus

If you would like to join us, but you're not too worried about being a principal or having a speaking role, you don't need to audition.

Our chorus is a perfect place to enjoy being part of a major musical, without having to learn all the lines! You'll still get plenty of time on stage and there'll be lots of opportunities to be really creative with your performance.

Applications

Applications to join this year's Summer Youth Project are now closed.

Although we do everything possible to fit everyone in, for safety reasons we do need to limit the number of spaces available in the cast. This is to ensure that all participants are well supervised and to enable everyone to get the best out of their experience. Therefore, we may not be able to take on everyone that applies.

If we have more applicants than spaces, you will be contacted on the next steps. Choosing to audition for a principal role does not mean you are more likely to secure a place.

Technical Team

Applications to join this year's Summer Youth Project are now closed.

One of the most special elements of our Summer Youth Projects is the ability to be involved as a part of the Technical Team.

Our Backstage and Technical opportunities offer exciting experiences to work as a production team on a major musical.

Participants get to work with industry-leading professionals to learn skills in lighting, sound, set and prop construction, and stage management.

Throughout the two weeks, there will also be a series of masterclasses to learn and experience even more of what goes on behind the curtain.

Technical Applicants must be aged between 14 and 21 from Mon 15 to Sun 28 August 2022.

Selection

In the Spring, we host a workshop for all those wanting to take part as a member of the Technical Team.

During this workshop, we'll tell you all about our aims for the show, as well as giving you more info on all the opportunities available.

You don't need to bring anything with you. We're just keen to meet you and hear about your thoughts and interests!

Technical Team Selection will take place Sunday 22 May. Application forms and further info will be available in March.

Applications

Applications to join this year's Summer Youth Project are now closed.

Although we do everything possible to fit everyone in, for safety reasons we do need to limit the number of spaces available in the Technical Team. This is to ensure that all participants are well supervised and to enable everyone to get the best out of their experience. Therefore, we may not be able to take on everyone that applies.

Fees & Further Info

Fee

The two-week Summer Youth Project costs £190 per participant.

Bursaries are available.

The fee covers the two weeks of Summer Youth Project and does not include meals, transportation or show tickets. We may ask you to assist with some basic items for costumes such as t-shirts, shoes etc. - usually things that you already have at home.

We don't ask for fees until you have been accepted into the Project.

Once payment (or part-payment) has been made we are unable to offer refunds - you have committed to the Project and taken a place from another auditionee.

Bursaries

It is our wish that no young person misses out due to financial constraints. For this reason, we offer bursaries of up to 100% so that anybody can take part. We are happy to be paid in instalments and can discuss details and payment dates with you individually.

When you apply to take part, you'll be able to state if you wish to apply for a bursary. If you're successful in your application, you'll then be sent full details on how to access a bursary.

Our Usual Schedule

The day usually starts at 10am and continues all day with a break for lunch, and a dinner break when evening rehearsals are required.

Towards the end of the rehearsal process, the days will be longer and a finishing time of 10pm can be expected. Rehearsal schedules for the first week will be posted to the company in the weeks leading up to the Project.