Expert Advice > The National Theatre
The National Theatre is located at the heart of London’s South Bank, by the river Thames.
It presents an eclectic mix of new plays and classics from the world repertoire, with seven or eight productions playing in repertory at any one time.
Every year, it presents around twenty new shows in its three auditoriums, from the 1100-seat Olivier to the intimate and adaptable Cottesloe theatre which seats around 300.
The National also offers a host of other activities, including Backstage Tours, Platform events with theatre-makers, and learning events and programmes for all ages.
Entry Pass exists to encourage the next generation of audience members to get involved in the National Theatre's programme, and to take advantage of all the extra resources that the NT has to offer.
A membership scheme for 15 to 19 yr olds, it gives them an initial FREE ticket, and then access to £5 tickets for every performance at the NT.
Entry Pass is FREE to join and as well as £5 tickets, the Entry Pass website gives members a unique insight into the theatre with an exclusive NT staff blog, member reviews, discussion forum and details of special events.
www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/entrypass
Discover: New Connections
Each year 200 youth groups, theatres and schools take on the challenge of a new writing programme which sets young imaginations on fire! The National commissions established playwrights to write their next new play, the only proviso is that teenagers will be performing them. Young companies nationwide have the chance to take on a new script, workshop with the writer, perform in their home venue, present the production to an NT Staff Director, and perform it at a New Connections Partner Theatre. One production of each script in the portfolio is selected to showcase at the NT on the South Bank.
www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/newconnections
Workshops
Discover offers a range of practical workshops in 2009 exploring the technical aspects of theatre. The workshops will be open to 15-19 year olds and will be delivered by experienced National Theatre staff on areas such as lighting, sound, video and props.
www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/discover
Online Tour
Go behind the scenes at the National Theatre and find out about the work which brings productions to the stage. From acting to wig-making, let NT Director Nicholas Hytner or actors Simon Russell Beale and Hayley Atwell lead you on an interactive journey through the NT building, meeting the experts who work there.
www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/40631/online-tour/online-tour.html
