THE NATIONAL Youth Theatre will hold auditions in Leeds on February 16.

The NYT, which claims to be the world’s leading youth arts organisation, is looking for 14 to 25-year-olds.

They could follow in the footsteps of ex-members such as Downton Abbey actress Daisy Lewis, Helen Mirren, Daniel Craig and Academy Award-winner Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Having celebrated 60 years of supporting emerging talent, the company is looking to the future in its search for young people interested in building a career within the industry.

Last year two young people from Leeds were selected to join the company from a record 4,830 applicants.

Daisy Lewis has paid tribute to NYT for supporting her in her early career development.

She said: “We create Olympic storytellers in this country and the National Youth Theatre is Team GB.

“It was where I grew up, where I learned how to be an actor, but more importantly how to be a member of a diverse society where I was judged solely on merit.”

Young people will first audition at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in the Intake Acting Course, and successful applicants will go on to junior, senior or Epic Stages acting courses.

Visit nyt.org.uk for further information.