UPSTAGE
JUNIORS
UpStage Juniors (USJ) is a fun, vibrant and engaging club that offers children
and young people aged 7-15 years the chance to build confidence, learn theatre skills, and perform in the Loughton Pantomime alongside our adult cast.
over 16 years old? Head over to UpStage Theatre Company
We offer a free trial session to all new juniors. If you decide you'd like to continue with the show, cast members must become a Junior Member of the company.
Read more about what to expect from USJ's rehearsals, membership and our exciting show week below, or you can jump straight to our audition application
REHEARSAL &
SHOW DATES.
Rehearsals
Membership
Show Time!
WHO ARE USJ?
Rehearsals will begin again in September, and take place on Mondays 6-7pm at Lopping Hall (IG10 4LF). We also schedule a couple of Sunday rehearsals nearer to the show.
During rehearsals we play drama games and help our Juniors build a range of performance skills, as well as rehearse musical numbers and scenes for the show.
Membership to USJ costs £100 p/a (which works out to just under £5 per rehearsal!). Read more about becoming a member here.
We aim to get our Juniors on stage as much as possible, including them in group numbers with the adults, as well as in their own songs and scenes. There are also occasionally lines and smaller parts that will go to some of our Juniors.
We've found that the shows work best when ALL our cast are in them! So please do check that your child will be available for all shows and dress rehearsals before applying. Details of these dates can be found in the Rehearsal/Show Dates pdf above.
Show week is always busy, but so much fun. So feel free to send us any questions you have about the week.
TEAM MEMBERS.
Jessie Ford
Jessie trained at East 15 Acting School and has been teaching musical theatre for over 12 years. She is passionate about giving young people the opportunity to perform in a safe and engaging way. Over the years she has worked with hundreds of children on many different projects, ranging from large scale musicals, to smaller child-led devised pieces.
She has many years experience performing in both stage and television work, and is so thrilled to be a Director of UpStageTC and bring that experience to her local community.
She has achieved her Paediatric First Aid certificate, Lvl 2 Safeguarding, Level 2 Child Counselling, and is a licensed Chaperone.
Michelle Shortland
Alexandra Collins
Coming soon...
DTA A.B, A.T, A.MJ, ABATD (Stage)
Alex started her dance training at the tender age of 3 years old. She has a successful track record of improving a student’s knowledge and understanding of dance. Alex holds dance teaching qualifications, has experience of teaching all age groups and not only fully understands the needs of students, but also has the ability to quickly engage with them.
During her career she has worked with various different companies and schools such as TheatreTrain, Noda Youth, Park Resorts, Arbor Academy and many more. She has also choreographed and directed musicals, pantomimes and entertainment shows. Alex has been performing for many years but her true love is teaching.