Dates and other information Expand When is the deadline for the 2021 Auditions? YCAT must receive your completed application form, video material, application fee and references by Thursday 25 March 2021 at 5pm. How much does it cost to apply for YCAT? There is an administrative fee of £60, inclusive of VAT. You will be directed to pay this at the end of the application form. Are there age limits for YCAT applicants? Yes - please click here for further information. When will I hear back about my application? We will let you know the result of your applications by the end of Friday 9 April 2021. All applicants will be notified.
Final Audition Expand I am not available for the entire period of semi finals and finals; can I still apply? No, we require all finalists to be available for one of the days of semi finals, one of the days of interviews, and the final at Wigmore Hall, London. We will try to accommodate where possible but unfortunately this is not guaranteed.
Instrumental Categories Expand I specialise in period performance, can I apply? We have had a couple of period ensembles apply in the past and, so long as you are entirely mobile and able to easily bring all your required instruments with you, then this is fine. As a soloist, unfortunately we do not have access to harpsichords or fortepiano in our audition venues. If you feel your application is still strong enough and that you would be able to provide your own continuo backing, then you are welcome to apply. Can I apply as a duo? Unfortunately YCAT is not currently accepting applications from duos. Ensemble applicants must have 3-6 members.
Preliminary Audition Expand Does my video have to be recorded from a concert? No, by ‘live performance’ we simply mean that the recording is unedited and was recorded in a single take. Can I use an audio instead of video recording? No, unfortunately not. Can I use edited digital material produced during COVID-19 pandemic? Yes - this can be submitted as supplementary material
References Expand Where should my references be sent? All references should be sent under separate cover to [email protected] Please note, it is the applicant’s responsibility to contact their referee to supply a reference before the application deadline (Thursday 25 March 2021 at 5pm).
Semi-Final Audition Expand I am not available on one day of the semi-finals; can I still apply? Yes. There is a field within the application form where you can specify dates when you are not available to audition. Please note that while we endeavour to meet these requests, it is not always possible.
Visas Expand What are the visa requirements for YCAT auditionees? You must have the right to undertake regular paid performance work in the UK without the need for individual work visas/permits. Since 1st January 2021, EU artists (excepting the Republic of Ireland) are now subject to the same requirements as other international artists with regards to performing and visiting the UK. This includes all artists who may visit the UK without the need for supplementary visa approval (please see the list of visa national countries who currently need such approval and therefore are ineligible to apply for YCAT https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-visitor-visa-national-list) Those currently studying in the UK on a Student Visa (formerly Tier 4 visa) can only apply for YCAT in their final year of study (ie. finishing their course of study in summer 2021). If you are planning on applying for the new 2 year UK Graduate Route in 2021 in order to remain in UK, you are also eligible to apply, so long as you fulfil the nationality requirements above. (https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/after-your-studies/post-study-work) Can YCAT help in obtaining the correct visa? If letters of invitation are required for semi-final auditions, YCAT will provide this. Please email [email protected]