WHAT IS THE PAD SUMMER
YOUTH PROJECT (SYP)?
In the summer of 2024, The PAD launched its first Summer Youth Project, with the production of Legally Blonde The Musical Jr. It was a fantastic success! So much so, we will be running SYP every summer from now on!
For 2026, SYP is excited to announce the production will be BRING IT ON!
Suitable for performers aged 8-21 years old, who are passionate about musical theatre and developing their skills! This 2-week intensive covers performing arts training from West End industry professionals and The PAD Faculty, with stagecraft, costumes and two-full-scale performances on the last day!
- Spend a fortnight working with West End & Industry Professionals
- Create a Full-Scale Musical and develop your performing arts skills
- Perform at a professional theatre
- SYP T-shirt
- Develop skills, gain experience & confidence, make new friends
WHY TAKE PART IN SYP?
The PAD recognises that the passion for the arts and performing is nurtured at a young age, and there is a big hole in the local calendar, without a summer performing arts project running in Dunstable during the summer holidays! So, SYP was created to provide training & development of stagecraft skills during the summer break.
The Summer Youth Project, run by PAD tutors and faculty, offers a safe environment to continue training throughout the summer holiday, with full days of training and rehearsals. It is fun, hardwork, exciting, challenging, busy and amazing!
Whether you are passionate about singing, dancing or acting, you can take part in this musical theatre project and train with PAD tutors & a West-End Creative Team during your summer break! From audition, through to rehearsals, to choreographing, to creating, to polishing – everything is created within just 2-weeks and it is a remarkable project to be a part of – an experience you will remember forever!
So, sign up, and come along to the Casting Audition Day (even if you don’t want a principal role, this is a fabulous opportunity to meet other young people joining the cast and experiencing an audition day.)
For working parents/guardians, SYP offers an alternative childcare option with additional morning drop-offs available from 8am and evening later collections until 6pm (for an additional charge), so SYP provides a refreshing childcare option for the summer holiday break.
WHEN IS SYP?
The PAD recognised that there was a big hole in the local calendar, during the summer holidays!
SYP is a 2-Week Intensive Musical Theatre Project running from Monday 27th July 2026 to Saturday 8th August 2026.
The Casting Audition Day is Saturday 27th June 2026 from 12pm.
Rehearsal Days will commence from 10am through to until at least 4pm (6pm if you are cast as a Principle Role).
For parents/guardians, SYP offers an alternative childcare option with additional morning drop-offs available from 8am and evening later collections until 6pm (for an additional charge).
WHO CAN ATTEND SYP
SYP is suitable for performers aged 8 years old to19 years old.
Please note, performers need to be 8 years old as of 28th July and must not exceed 21 years old on Saturday 8th August 2026.
SYP is open to all! – You do not need to be a member of the PAD or OPDA to be a part of SYP
No previous experience is required, but you do need to attend the Casting Audition Day on Saturday 27th June if you would like to be considered for a Principal, Character or Speaking role.
RESERVE YOUR PLACE ON SYP TODAY!
Click the link below and SIGN UP to SYP 2026. Spaces are limited and filling up fast!
Once you’ve signed up, save the date for the Casting Audition Day. Although it is a day to cast principal characters, we would like everyone to attend so that we can get to know you in advance! It’s a fantastic day to experience and will allow us to see your strengths.
When you click on the link below, parents/guardian you will need to create an account and then add each child as a ‘student’ to apply. If you already have an SYP account with us, simply log on enrol for 2026 via your DSP account!
(Please note if you already have a Dance Studio Pro Account for OPDA or another organisation, you will need to create a new account with a different email address.)
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO
TAKE PART IN SYP?
SYP is £295 to take part per child.
(Sibling discount available – the first child is £295, and all additional siblings are only £275.)
- The registration fee includes:
Casting Audition Day - Full Days Training (10am-4pm/6pm) for the project 28th July to 8th August 2026
- West End Professional Creative Team
- SYP T-shirt
- Show costume
- Two performances (please note tickets to see the show are not included in the registration fee).
A non-refundable deposit of £50 will be required to secure your place on the cast & to attend the
Casting Audition Day. The remaining registration balance is due on Friday 10th July 2026.
Additional Fees
Ticket to attend performance at The Grove Theatre are additional.
Show programmes, digital copies of headshots & production photos are all available for purchase as optional extras.
Please note food & drink are not included in the fees and are required to be brought to rehearsals by each cast member, each day.
Although costumes are provided, you may be required to provide items that you may find at home, suitable under garments and footwear, hair styling pieces and make-up.
SAVE THE DATES
MONDAY 27TH JULY TO
SATURDAY 8TH AUGUST 2026
CASTING AUDITION DATE: SATURDAY 27th JUNE 2026 – 12pm
PRODUCTION: BRING IT ON!
SPACES ARE LIMITED SO SIGN UP TODAY TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE ON SYP 2026!