JOIN OUR
CAST
We love welcoming new members to our Loughton Panto family! Read more below about our audition process, and how our company works.
HOW WE WORK.
REHEARSAL
DATES
CHARACTER LIST
Want to be the newest member of UpStage Theatre Company, and be a part of the Loughton Pantomime in January 2025?
If you're aged 16 or over, then we'd love to hear from you!
aged 7-16 years? Head over to UpStage Juniors
Click here for more details on becoming an UpStage TC member, pricing and the benefits we offer!
Read more about what to expect at auditions, rehearsals and our exciting show week below, or you can jump straight to our audition application
Audition Day
We'll be looking to cast named characters as well as add to our wonderful chorus, so there will be plenty of roles to suit all types of performer.
Depending on the role you're auditioning for we may ask you to read part of a scene, sing a verse/chorus of a song of your choice, or dance some simple steps. We will never ask you to do anything you're not comfortable with (so no triple pirouettes on the first day!) but we would like to see what you can do.
Rehearsals
Regular rehearsals run from September until the shows in late January. They take place on Mondays 7-10pm at Lopping Hall (IG10 4LF).
Although you're welcome to stay for the full 3 hours, you won't be required to stay for the full night most weeks. A detailed rehearsal schedule will be given out ahead of time. We also schedule a couple of Sunday rehearsals nearer to the show.
Show Time!
We've found that the shows work best when ALL our cast are in them! So please do check that you will be available for all shows and dress rehearsals before applying to audition. Details of these dates can be found in the Rehearsal/Show Dates pdf above.
Show week is always busy, but so much fun. Especially when you add in our opening night meal and wrap party!
Auditions will take place at Lopping Hall, IG10 4LF. A £2 audition deposit will be requested upon completion of your audition form. You can book a slot from 7pm on Monday 10th June 2019.Clicking on the link below will open our audition form in a new window. Before you apply though, take a look at the Character List and rehearsal/show dates in the PDFs below, and read more about us too.
Character List
Rehearsal/Show Dates
I WANT TO BE INVOLVED BUT...
I'm too busy
Rehearsals run Mondays 7-10pm, and whilst you're welcome to come for the whole three hours, you won't be required to. Given enough notice, we will be able to adjust your call times around your availability. Only around after 8pm? We'll only schedule you for that time. Can't make every second Monday of the month? Let us know!
I don't have any experience
The short answer; you don't need any! UpStageTC is filled with performers and backstage crew, some of whom have never worked in a theatre in their life! Others were practically born into it...so no matter what level of experience you have, we want to invite you to join us and learn as you go!
I've missed the audition date
Admittedly if we're two weeks out from show day then it may be too late to be in the show this year! BUT we still want to hear from you at any time of the year. We still invite new members to join the chorus for a short while after rehearsals have started. Plus we'd love to add you to our audition mailing list too. Contact us for more info.
I can't make the performance dates
Whilst we do require all cast and tech crew to be available for the show dates, we still need volunteers to join the team before show week. Costume making, set building, choreography and marketing all happen pre-show! Or you could volunteer some time through the year to help with our fundraisers? Click to learn more on how to Support Us or join our Backstage Crew.
I don't have childcare
If your children are aged 7+, get them involved too! UpStage Juniors is an amazing opportunity for budding performers to be in the show and learn new skills, whilst making friends along the way! Head to our UpStage Juniors page for more info.
I can't afford show fees/company membership
Haven't you heard? UpstageTC is free! We're committed to giving everyone the chance to join us, regardless of your budget. We don't charge mandatory fees, however if you would like to support us financially, we offer membership for just £40 per year. Take a look at our Support Us page for more info, or contact us for more answers.