Membership

If you are a young person interested in musical theatre then MYCO is the place to be! We are a company of about sixty teenagers who enjoy "putting on a show", whether that is our annual musical at the Oxford Playhouse or our summer concerts. It requires dedication and commitment but the rewards are great, both in the fun we have together and the lasting friendships made. There is also something very special about creating something together to an extremely high standard and bringing joy and delight to a packed theatre.

As a company, we encourage all our members to participate in all our activities including shows, concerts, annual workshops and outreach activities, for it is by working together and supporting each other that we are able to reach our consistently high standards. Everyone is important. Everyone has a role to play, whether you are playing a leading role or on the back row of the chorus. Whilst we are proud of those members who go on to drama school and professional theatre work, we are equally proud of those who use the skills they have learnt in MYCO to achieve in other areas and it remains a joy to see a shy 12-year old blossom into a confident young adult during their time with MYCO.

Please do look at our FAQs for answers to your questions about being a member, as well as our Code of Conduct. There are some candid rehearsal shots in our gallery and you can learn more about what MYCO has meant to previous members, as well as where they are now, by looking through our alumni posts.

Meanwhile, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter or find us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

New Member Auditions

Owing to the unprecedented number of applications to audition for MYCO this year, we have now filled all available audition slots and have regrettably taken the decision to close our applications earlier than the original deadline of Sunday. Our next set of auditions will be in April 2027 and the application window will open at the end of January 2027. Only the first 100 applicants will be given an audition slot- we generally take fewer than 20 new members annually. Thank you for your continued interest in and, support for MYCO.

Who can join?
You must be a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 18 years of age on the 1st September. This means that some people may be 11 at the time of audition.

Annual membership for existing members is £510 (2026/27, reviewed annually) and is billed in April/May to cover the year beginning from the following September. New members who join in April 2026 pay £680 for the first "year" to include an additional term.

However, MYCO seeks to be as inclusive as possible and bursaries are available for those who may need them. Requests for bursaries are considered on a case by case basis. Fees can also be paid in instalments.

Please feel free to contact us in the strictest confidence about what financial help we can offer.

Yes! There are far more people who want to be in MYCO than spaces available. It is thus necessary to audition. However, we try and make the whole process as friendly as possible.

Also, it is only necessary to audition as a new member. There is no need to re-audition every year once you are part of the company.

At the audition you will be asked to sing a song from a musical (please bring the sheet music for our accompanist) and to tell us a little about yourself.
No. We ask everyone to sing with our accompanist.

We rehearse every Wednesday from 7 – 9.30pm at Cherwell School plus approximately three Sunday afternoon rehearsals in Islip in the months leading up to our main musical theatre production in the spring.

There are also Monday rehearsals 7 – 9.30pm at Marston United Reformed Church for those with principal roles and solos. In the month before a show or concert, the whole company is expected to be available on both Monday and Wednesday evenings.

We expect our members to be available for rehearsals and to ensure that this is a priority for them. Being in MYCO requires self-discipline and organisation, and it is necessary at times to juggle school and rehearsal commitments.

However, we realise that things happen and some clashes will be inevitable. Such absences need to be discussed with us and agreed beforehand.

Auditions take place once a year in the middle of April and this is the only time we take new members. We feel it is important that everyone joins the company at the same time so as to be integrated properly.

The closing date for 2026 applications is Sunday 12th April.

To apply, click here.

In addition to rehearsals, we have an annual camping weekend with workshops in key performance skills. This event is great fun and a good way to bond.

Please email our membership secretary if you have any further questions about joining MYCO and what it means to be a member of the company.
 
Previous members share their experience of being in MYCO

 

Our rehearsal venues

 

Marston United Reformed Church

Cherwell School

Islip Village Hall

 

Administration