Young performers from across Swindon are being given the chance to take to the stage this Christmas, with open auditions announced for the Wyvern Theatre’s festive production of Jack and the Beanstalk.
Children aged 9 to 16, from school years 4 to 11, are invited to audition for a place in the Junior Ensemble, giving local youngsters the opportunity to appear in one of the biggest shows of the year alongside TV and radio star Richie Anderson, Britain’s Got Talent performer Jamie Leahey and Swindon’s favourite Dame, David Ashley.
Auditions will be held at the Wyvern Theatre on Sunday, 6 September.
Those taking part will learn a short routine before performing in groups in front of the audition panel. No previous professional experience is required. Organisers are looking instead for confidence, enthusiasm, personality and a willingness to get stuck in.
For the successful youngsters, joining the Junior Ensemble means more than simply appearing on stage. They will become part of a professional pantomime company, performing to large audiences throughout the festive season while gaining experience and confidence along the way.
Laura James, venue director at the Wyvern Theatre, said the auditions offered a special opportunity for young people in the town.
“This is such an exciting opportunity for young people in Swindon to be part of something truly magical,” she said.
“Every festive season we welcome thousands of excited theatre-goers through our doors, and for local youngsters this is a rare chance to perform in front of huge audiences while sharing the stage with incredible stars including the one and only Richie Anderson.”
She added: “As well as being part of a professional production, our Junior Ensemble members gain confidence, make new friends, learn from an experienced company, and create memories they’ll never forget. We can’t wait to discover this year’s local stars.”
Steve Boden, Joint CEO and Managing Director of Imagine Theatre, said the company was always impressed by the young talent discovered through its auditions.
“Every year, we’re blown away by the talent we discover at our open auditions,” he said.
“We firmly believe opportunities like this should be open to young people from all backgrounds, regardless of previous experience or training. What we’re really looking for are performers with energy, imagination, confidence and that extra pantomime sparkle!”
The experience has also proved to be a starting point for some young performers who have gone on to pursue careers in the arts.
Boden said: “Being part of a Junior Ensemble is a fun and formative experience in many ways. For those who wish to pursue a career in the arts, we have had a number of our Junior Ensemble members go on to professionally train and then return to work with us to perform professionally in our pantomimes.”
Imagine Theatre is one of the UK’s larger pantomime producers and continues to hold open auditions for its Junior Ensembles. More than 300 young performers are expected to appear in the company’s productions across the country this year.
For young Swindon performers who fancy swapping the school stage for the Wyvern this Christmas, it could be the start of something rather special.
Full audition details, including age requirements and attendance information, are available at Wyvern Theatre and Imagine Theatre.
