The Arden Theatre Company are holding public auditions on the 22nd of August for their fifth production: Twelfth Night.

We are looking for committed males aged between 15 and 21, who will be available to rehearse between now and the show which will be performed in Arc, Stockton, on the 12th - 16th of September.

The auditions will take place in Arc's Studio theatre.
Click here for directions

Please contact us at mail@arden-theatre.com if you have any questions Auditionees should prepare one speech from a recognised playwright, preferably Shakespeare. The atmosphere is informal, and we really are very nice to everyone.

* * * * *
In the auditions...

Do...

  • Choose a speech that plays to your strengths, and not your weaknesses. Don't worry about showing off a massive range, just show us how good you are.
  • Understand every word and every line you say - we might question you. If you're not sure, check up or ASK. You can even ask us if you like.
  • Relax. Be friendly. Smile. If you're nice to us, we'll be nice to you. And a bit of humour goes a long way.
  • Ask us questions (either in the audition or before via e-mail). Chat to us about your past theatre experience, if we ask.
  • Read the play you're auditioning for, and tell us which parts you think would suit you. When you're choosing your speech, do something from the play itself - or something similar to the part you want us to cast you in. If it's a comic part, perhaps doing King Lear for your audition isn't sensible.
  • Think about appropriate style of movement and inflection.
  • Be believable. Make us respond (e.g. laugh if it's supposed to be funny) to your brilliance.

Don't...

  • Make the speech up yourself. You are not a recognised playwright (apologies if David Hare or Tom Stoppard wants to audition, but you're too old!)
  • Speak so quickly we can't understand you, or adopt an odd voice or accent.
  • Paraphrase the speech. Please bother learning it the way it's been written - chances are we'll realise if you change it round.
  • Move around crazily and incessantly. Every good actor knows that the text comes first.
  • Choose inappropriate speeches. We'd advise strongly against speeches that are much older or much younger than you, or that aren't from a play (no nursery rhymes, please!).
  • Be nervous! We want to see you at your best, and are very nice, honest. It's not that big a deal!