Helen Brooks

This PhD project at University of the Arts London offers a unique opportunity to undertake place-based, industry-focused research into the history, present, and future of National Youth Theatre’s (NYT) ensemble practice. Since its founding in 1956, NYT has been a pioneering site for creative ensemble theatre-making and education, incubating generations of talent and fostering belonging for young creatives. Despite its significance, NYT’s practices and impact remain largely absent from academic discourse, making this project both timely and important. The research invites candidates to explore how the history and contemporary practice of NYT can be activated to open new understandings of the organisation’s value and impact, potentially shaping future youth theatre and ensemble practices. The project is flexible and can be tailored to individual interests, with broad scope to investigate areas such as place, participation, inclusion, making and methods, and cultural identity. Methodologies may include archival retrieval and analysis, oral history and interviews, digital discourse analysis, ethnographic research in rehearsals, and practice research. A proportion of the research will be conducted on site at NYT in London, working with largely undocumented archive material and in rehearsal rooms and studios, including up to three new works each year of the PhD. The National Theatre Archive will provide mentoring and professional development opportunities, supporting archival practice and historical recovery. Supervision is provided by Professor Helen Brooks, a creative practitioner and theatre historian with expertise in modern theatre history and archives; Dr Fred Meller, a theatre designer-scenographer specialising in ensemble theatre making and documentation; and Dr Erin Lee, Head of National Theatre Archive, with expertise in archiving production and rehearsal. Additional mentoring is available from Kane Husbands (Central Saint Martins), Rosie Scudder (NYT Senior Producer), Karen Turner (NYT Executive Director/COO), and Anna Niland (NYT Associate Director), all of whom bring expertise in inclusive and accessible theatre practice. The project is suited to applicants with interests across histories, practices, and documentation of performance. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are welcomed, and NYT is committed to supporting pathways for neurodivergent and disabled people in the industry. No specific degree or language test requirements are mentioned, but a strong interest in theatre history, ensemble practice, and performance documentation is expected. To apply, read the application guidance and submit your application via the University of the Arts London website. The deadline for applications is May 11, 2026.

This AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award offers a unique opportunity to undertake place-based, industry-focused research into the history, present, and future of National Youth Theatre’s (NYT) ensemble practice. Since its founding in 1956, NYT has been a pioneering site for creative ensemble theatre-making and education, incubating generations of talent and fostering belonging for young creatives. Despite its significance, NYT’s practices and impact remain largely absent from academic discourse, making this project an important contribution to theatre studies and heritage research. The research invites candidates to explore how the history and contemporary practice of NYT can be activated to open new understandings of the organisation’s value and impact, potentially shaping future youth theatre and ensemble practices. The project is flexible, allowing for practice-research or written-only approaches, and is suited to applicants interested in histories, practices, and documentation of performance. Candidates may tailor their research to areas such as place, participation, inclusion, making and methods, and cultural identity. Methodologies may include archival retrieval and analysis, oral history and interviews, digital discourse analysis, ethnographic research in rehearsals, and practice research. A proportion of the research will be conducted on site at NYT in London, working with largely undocumented archive material and in rehearsal rooms and studios, including up to three new works each year of the PhD. The National Theatre Archive will provide mentoring and professional development opportunities. Supervision is provided by Professor Helen Brooks, a creative practitioner and theatre historian with expertise in modern theatre history and archival research; Dr Fred Meller, a theatre designer-scenographer specialising in ensemble theatre making; and Dr Erin Lee, Head of National Theatre Archive, with expertise in archiving production and rehearsal. Additional mentoring is available at Central Saint Martins and through NYT associates, offering expertise in marginalised identities and inclusive theatre practices. The University of the Arts London is committed to supporting pathways for neurodivergent and disabled people in the industry. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The project partner, National Youth Theatre, empowers young people to tell stories and find their voices on leading stages, screens, and behind the scenes. Applicants should review the application guidance and submit their application via the University of the Arts London website by May 11, 2026. The position does not specify funding details, so candidates are advised to contact the institution for further information if required.