What is the National Youth Theatre’s Playing Up Company Course?

Playing Up is a practical ten-month part-time drama training programme, offering young people aged 19 – 25* who are not in Education Employment or Training (NEET) the opportunity to gain a Level 3 qualification in drama. It is a Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma in Theatre Arts accredited through OCN London delivered in partnership with United Colleges Group

This course runs from October 2026– July 2027 at NYT’s building on Holloway Road, London. The course builds in intensity starting with 2 days a week from October – March and then moving to 3 days a week until June when the course runs full-time for 5 weeks.

Places are available to both NYT members and non-members between the ages of 19 and 25 years old, *or up to 30 if learning disabled.

Priority for places is given to those who are not in education, secure employment or training, or those who have missed out on gaining level 3 qualifications.

We welcome applications from care leavers and those whose challenging circumstances may have prevented them from completing Secondary School or FE education. We welcome applications from those with access and support needs, those who are refugees or asylum seekers with the right to study in the UK and those who are underrepresented in our industry including those who identify as neurodivergent, disabled or from the Global Majority.

For more information, click here

Eligibility Criteria