Sheffield Theatres Hunt For Local Talent

Sheffield Theatres is beginning a search for talented local performers to take part in an exciting new production in November 2009. The production, involving an ensemble made up of the chosen local performers, will be part of a series of ‘housewarming’ events to celebrate the inauguration of the redeveloped Sheffield Crucible Theatre, which is coming to the end of an extensive period of refurbishment.

The audition process is set to be both an exciting and professional affair, offering an insight into the dedicated world of theatre, as those up for audition will take part in an hour long group session led by Daniel Evans, Artistic Director for Sheffield Theatres. This will be followed by individual auditions, in which auditionees must perform a pre-prepared, two-minute monologue in front of a panel that includes Evans and Sheffield Theatres Associate Director Ruth Carney, who is to direct the upcoming production.

Auditions for a part in the ensemble are open to those over eighteen years of age, and will take place on Saturday 10 October at 10.00am at Sheffield Lyceum Theatre. The auditions are by invite only, through registration, by applying either online, or with registration form that can be collected from Sheffield Lyceum Theatre stage door. The deadline for handing in the application forms is in just over a month’s time, on Monday 28th September.

Ruth Carney expressed her great anticipation of the production, saying: “This is an incredible opportunity for those wanting professional experience in one of the UK’s leading theatre complexes. We are sure there are some extraordinary performers out there in Yorkshire and we wish to harness and nurture this talent. This is an exciting opportunity to join the new Crucible and be part of the theatres’ astonishing legacy”.

Guidelines for auditionees include suggestions on what to wear, for example comfortable clothing and suitable footwear are strongly advised. However, the traditional black, baggy clothes often attributed to budding thespians were not stipulated.

Those chosen to form the ensemble cast will be involved in a seven-week-long rehearsal process, including weekly workshops led by professional theatre practitioners. There will be three rehearsals a week: every Tuesday, Friday evening, and Saturday day time, commencing Saturday 17 October, concluding Friday 27 November.

Sheffield Theatres is evidently keen to make these rehearsals as productive as possible, and has expressed the expectation of “strong commitment” from those who make up the ensemble. It is set to be a challenging, and rewarding experience for the lucky cast members.

For more details on the audition process, visit the Creative Development webpage at www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk or contact Administration Assistant Adele Towey 0114 249 5999, forms can also be collected from Lyceum Stage Door.

– Vicky Ellis