Bristol Musical Youth Productions: Our Story and Achievements
About BMYP
Bristol Musical Youth Productions (BMYP) was established over fifty years ago and was originally known as Junior BLOC (Bristol Light Opera Club). Over time, BMYP branched out to become an independent group, welcoming numerous committee members, directors, musical directors, choreographers, as well as cast members and their parents and carers.
At its core, BMYP promotes a love of music, theatre, and dance among young people. By taking part in musical theatre productions, participants have the chance to develop their artistic talents—whether as singers, actors, or dancers. The creative process encourages young people to think imaginatively, find their unique voices, and express themselves in ways that can be both transformative and therapeutic.
What do we do.
We present two musical theatre productions annually: the first takes place in March or April, and the second in November. Although these are amateur performances, we operate with the standards and discipline of a professional production, offering our cast valuable insight into the performing arts.
Rehearsals are held every Friday for three hours, with additional sessions on Sundays as show dates approach. We do not offer formal classes or have designated classrooms; instead, instruction is tailored to the requirements of the current production. Participants will build upon existing skills and acquire new ones in a supportive environment. Perfection is not expected; rather, we strive to help each cast member realize their full potential.
Our cast members balance academic commitments at school or college throughout the week, and we encourage them to enjoy their time at BMYP by fostering friendships that can last a lifetime. Learning is achieved through engaging, enjoyable experiences.
Costumes are primarily provided from our extensive collection, and we also supply hair, makeup, and wigs. Productions are further enhanced with professional sets, lighting, and sound.
Our Community
We pride ourselves on fostering life-long friendships among our members throughout BMYP’s five decades of activity. Our cast is made up of young people from a diverse range of backgrounds, including different cultures, schools, and neighbourhoods, each bringing unique perspectives and talents to our productions. This rich diversity not only enhances our shows but also creates an inclusive environment where everyone is valued for their individuality.
BMYP is open to individuals aged 11 to 19, providing the opportunity to perform on stage as amateurs while learning the standards and values of professional productions. In addition to developing their talents on stage, members gain valuable life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and self-confidence that benefit them far beyond the theatre.
The involvement of parents and carers is essential to the success of BMYP, as the majority of participants and organisers are volunteers. Being part of BMYP is an opportunity to learn new skills and forge new friendships. Experience is not required—just enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved.
Achievements and Recognition
BMYP has built an exceptional reputation, with our productions and performers receiving numerous accolades, including the prestigious Rose Bowl and NODA Awards. The Rose Bowl Awards and NODA awards are regarded as the South West of England’s equivalent to the “Oscars” for amateur theatre. Recent awards include the NODA South West Youth advisors for 42nd Street.
Pathways to Success
Many former members have progressed to renowned drama schools such as Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Arts Ed, Italia Conti, Guildford School of Acting and many others. A significant number have enjoyed, and continue to enjoy, successful careers as professional performers in the West End, on UK tours and internationally. All of them recall their time at BMYP as not only enjoyable but also as an invaluable training ground for their future endeavours.
Need to know
BMYP welcomes young people aged between 11 and 19.
We’re looking for young people who love performing and who already have some experience on stage. You’ll need commitment, enthusiasm and potential but don’t worry we won’t expect you to be a fully-formed triple threat!.
Joining the club is by audition. check out our joins us page to see what’s involved and how to book yourself an audition. Our next round of auditions will be held on November 21st.
We rehearse every Friday evening in term-time from 7-10pm at Westbury-on-Trym Primary school. In the run-up to a show there are additional Sunday rehearsals.
BMYP employs a team of highly experienced Creatives who rehearse the cast each week. Under their tutelage, cast members develop their singing, dancing, acting and stagecraft.
BMYP membership is affordable. Our subscription works out at about £6 per week. Costumes and props are provided by the club, members just need to provide their own dance shoes. You can pay the annual subscription in one go or in instalments and we offer a generous sibling discount. Each cast member is expected to sell a number of tickets for each show – this isn’t difficult, once your relatives have come to one you’ll have difficulty keeping them away!
BMYP stages two major productions a year, one in the autumn, the other just before Easter. Our next show is Bob Fosse’s stylish Chicago (Teen Edition). In 2026 our shows will be The Addams Family in March and Elf in the run-up to Christmas. You can explore our previous shows here. Why not come and see us perform? You can book tickets for Chicago here.
We take our BMYP cast to perform at Disneyland Paris every 2-3 years. It’s the highlight of many cast members’ BMYP careers and an experience offered by no other Bristol youth musical theatre group. Our next trip is planned for summer 2027 and will be open to cast members who join after Chicago. Watch our memorable 2024 Disneyland Paris performance on our Disney page. Look out for “I’m just Ken” which went down in BMYP history!
It’s not just us who think our shows are great. BMYP has earned numerous NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association) and Rose Bowl awards
BMYP couldn’t run without help from parents and guardians. Parents and guardians are actively welcomed as backstage helpers, stage crew, costume and prop makers, lighting and scenery techs as well as in many other logistic roles.