Performing arts students joins the National Youth Theatre in London
University of Cumbria student Conor Neaves has been given a licence to thrill – after being recruited by the organisation which taught two James Bond’s how to act.
18-year-old Conor Neaves, a student on the National Diploma in Performing Arts at the University of Cumbria, was recently joined up with the National Youth Theatre in London.
Former students of the NYT include Daniel Craig, Timothy Dalton and Orlando Bloom.
Thousands of students from across the country auditioned for the few places available.
Conor, who’s from Carlisle, said: “It was a terrific experience. I now get sent regular emails about castings that I otherwise might not know about.
“The London lifestyle is completely different to what I’m used to. I loved it. There was so much going on and I really did learn a lot. I want to be as versatile a performer as I can be, whether that’s in film, television or theatre.
“The University of Cumbria has been great for me. Even though I was only 16 when I started my National Diploma in Performing Arts, I have always been treated like a student, rather than a sixth-former.”
James Issitt, Senior Lecturer in Drama at the University of Cumbria said: “It’s a very impressive achievement. The best young actors in Britain apply to join the National Youth Theatre, so for Conor to be accepted is something special.
“Conor consistently produced outstanding work and we are extremely proud of his achievement.”
In 2009 Ofsted praised the high success rate of the University of Cumbria’s National Diploma in Performing Arts.
The National Youth Theatre was launched in 1956 by Michael Croft, with the aim of using theatre to help in the development of young people.
Members are taught how to improvise, devise and perform under the guidance of a professional director and specialist tutors, developing an understanding of skills and disciplines which will serve them in the future.
The acting company of the NYT is made up from selected acting members once they have completed a course.