Young performers across Kent are being given the chance to step into the spotlight this Christmas as The Orchard Theatre announces open auditions for this year’s magical family pantomime, Cinderella.
Youngsters aged 9–16 (school years 4–11) are invited to audition for the show’s Junior Ensemble, offering talented local performers the opportunity to appear alongside panto legend Joe Pasquale in this year’s spectacular festive production.
Auditions will take place on Saturday 11th July at Orchard West where hopefuls will learn a short routine before performing in groups for the audition panel. No professional experience is required, just confidence, enthusiasm, and plenty of personality.
Theatre Director, Tal Rosen, said: “This is such an exciting opportunity for young people in Dartford to be part of something truly magical. Every festive season, we welcome more than 30,000 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 pantomime legend Joe Pasquale!
Being part of our Junior Ensemble is about so much more than performing. It’s an opportunity to build confidence, make new friends, learn from an experienced professional company, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
This year is even more special as Cinderella marks the first pantomime – and the first production – to take to the stage following the Orchard Theatre’s three-year closure for refurbishment. We can’t wait to discover this year’s local stars and welcome them to be part of this landmark moment in the theatre’s history.”
Steve Boden, Joint CEO and Managing Director of Imagine Theatre, added: “Every year, we’re blown away by the talent we discover at our open auditions. 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.
Cinderella will open the newly refurbished Orchard Theatre.
If you think you’ve got what it takes to light up the stage this Christmas? Full audition details, including age requirements and attendance information, can be found at orchardtheatre.co.uk or www.imaginetheatre.co.uk .
Cinderella is on sale now at orchardtheatre.co.uk Visit for tickets and more information.