************************* This August the York Theatre Royal Youth Theatre is working alongside the National Centre for Early Music to produce the moving production of CORAM BOY. Known for their diverse and challenging choices in plays, Coram Boy is set to be an exhilarating journey through the dark heart of Eighteenth century Britain. And if you are a keen singer then there is a chance for you to get involved too! Originally produced at the National Theatre performing to sell-out audiences, Coram Boy then transferred to Broadway and was nominated for both Olivier and Tony awards. Now York Theatre Royal will bring it back to the main stage with 35 enthusiastic cast members from their Youth Theatre and a live choir. Aaron is an abandoned heir to a great estate and his friend Toby is saved from an African Slave ship. Both are taken in by The Coram Hospital for Deserted Children. Set in Eighteenth century Britain, Coram Boy is based on the true story of Captain Thomas Coram who, in 1739 set up the Foundling Hospital to look after deserted and exposed children. The charity still exists today as Coram. He was a true visionary of his time and would get the ‘great and the good’ of the day to get involved raising money for the charity. One of the most famous was George Frederic Handel, who would perform his “Messiah” to raise money, even leaving the hospital a copy in his Will. The “Messiah” is still performed today to help the charity raise money to help disadvantaged children. It will also feature in the York Theatre Royal’s production of Coram Boy and this is how you can get involved. The choir will be created especially for this production and is your chance to get involved with this professionally produced show at York Theatre Royal. The choir will be organised through the National Centre for Early Music and by the production’s professional Musical Director, Christopher Madin. We are searching for 30 young people who have a passion for singing and are available to rehearse between the 21 to 25 August, with performances between 26 to 28 August. The cost of being involved for the whole period, including the professional training is £80. If you are between 12 and 25 and would like to find out more about performing in Coram Boy contact the National Centre for Early Music at education@ncem.co.uk. **************************