Oscar and BAFTA nominees Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande took time out from their busy awards season schedule to inspire the next generation of performers at London’s National Youth Theatre (NYT). The stars of the upcoming “Wicked” film adaptation met with members of the NYT REP Company at their Holloway Road headquarters, sharing career advice and industry insights.
During an intimate Q&A session with the 18-member company, both actors offered candid advice to the aspiring performers. “Keep going – it’s not easy. Don’t be so hard on yourself,” Erivo told the young artists, emphasizing the importance of resilience in the entertainment industry. Grande encouraged students to maintain their early passion for performing, advising them to “stay connected to the younger you, the little you who was inspired by their first favourite movie or their first favourite song.”
The visit, which saw the NYT building turn green in honor of “Wicked,” included both a sing-along at the neighboring Odeon Cinema and an in-depth discussion about the craft of acting. NYT CEO and Artistic Director Paul Roseby OBE described the event as inspirational, noting how it allowed the young performers to “defy gravity and believe anything is possible.”
The NYT REP Company, which offers free industry-based training as an alternative to traditional drama school, represents some of Britain’s most promising young talent from across the UK. The program continues NYT’s long tradition of nurturing performing arts talent, having launched the careers of numerous acclaimed actors including Daniel Craig, Helen Mirren, and Florence Pugh.
Both Erivo and Grande are currently receiving critical acclaim for their performances in “Wicked,” with Erivo nominated for Best Actress and Grande for Best Supporting Actress at both the Oscars and BAFTAs. A film of their NYT visit is scheduled for release later this year.
The event, supported by Arts Council England and Universal, reinforces NYT’s commitment to providing opportunities for young people in theatre, regardless of their background. Since its establishment in 1956 as the world’s first youth theatre, NYT has remained at the forefront of developing new theatrical talent in the UK.
