It might be summer, but thoughts are already turning to Reading’s big Christmas pantomime, once again starring Justin Fletcher and Paul Morse … and a talented cast of youngsters.
The junior ensemble forms a vital part of every Hexagon panto, and once again producers Imagine Theatre are inviting children aged between nine and 16 to have a go.
The open auditions for Aladdin will take place at The Hexagon in Queen’s Walk on Sunday, 14 June.
In the morning, there will be an opportunity to learn a short routine, and then perform it in groups.
Imagine Theatre are keen to stress that no experience is required, just confidence, enthusiasm, and plenty of personality.
At lunchtime, the Imagine team will reveal who will be ‘called back’ for an afternoon session. After more group auditions, they will then announce the children who will be asked to join the ensemble cast at Christmas.
There are usually three ensemble troops, plus reserves.
Sarah Cox, General Manager of The Hexagon, is looking forward to the audition day.
“This is such an exciting opportunity for young people in Reading to be part of something truly magical,” she said.
“Every festive season we welcome more than thousands of excited theatregoers 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.”
She continued: “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.”
This was echoed by Steve Boden, Joint CEO and Managing Director of Imagine Theatre, who also directs the Reading pantomime.
“Every year, we’re blown away by the talent we discover at our open auditions,” he says. “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.
“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 Ensmeble 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 only large-scale pantomime producers in the UK to continue offering open auditions for its Junior Ensembles, and this year more than 300 talented young performers will appear in their productions across the UK.
Children who think they have got what it takes to light up the stage this Christmas are invited to take part in the auditions, which start at 9.30am on Sunday, 14 June. They should be in school years 4 to 11, and there is a consent form to sign.
A parent or guardian should stay in The Hexagon while their child is attending the auditions.
Full audition details, including age requirements and attendance information, can be found at whatsonreading.com or www.imaginetheatre.co.uk
Aladdin is on sale now at whatsonreading.com. Visit for tickets and more information.
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