The theatrical performances, which will also feature protocol moments such as the playing of the national anthems and raising of flags, will take place on the days leading up to the Opening Ceremonies, welcoming the 204 Olympic teams and 170 Paralympic teams to the capital.

"Teams from all over the world will be coming to London next summer and the Athletes' Village will become their home throughout the Games," said Sebastian Coe, the chairman of London 2012. 

"Some of them will be coming to London for the first time, others will be competing at their first Games so first impressions will count for a lot.

"The Team Welcome Ceremonies will provide the warmest welcome to London and help create an environment for them to prepare for what could be the greatest moment in their sporting careers."

The NYT has a history of performing at some of the world's best sporting events, with recent shows including the Beijing 2008 Olympic Handover Ceremony and the 2009 FIFA Club World Cup, and in 2009, it pioneered a bespoke Stadium Arts Training course, which has since trained over 2,000 of its young members in the discipline of creating epic ensemble performances.

The performing arts charity is also famed for nurturing some of Britain's most eminent acting talents, including Dame Helen Mirren, Daniel Craig, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Catherine Tate and Matt Smith.

Its artistic director, Paul Roseby, said: "It is fitting that the best in young British talent from the length and breadth of the nation will be welcoming the world to our Games in 2012.

"We're honoured to be chosen to fill the Athletes' Village with something very special, full of the wit, diversity and innovation of British youth.

"It is poignant too given our growing international status, as our cultural exchange programme reaches across the globe to other countries including China and Saudi Arabia."

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