READING’S talented young dancers are being invited to audition for roles in this year’s Hexagon panto – and star alongside CBeebies legend Justin Fletcher and favourite dame Paul Morse.
Cinderella is to be the festive show at Christmas, and producers Imagine Theatre will be holding an open casting call for children aged between nine and 16 to find their stars.
Those taking part must be in school years 4 to 11, and will be asked to take part in group workshop at The Hexagon on Sunday, June 23, starting at 9.30am.
Some of the children will then be recalled after a lunch break, with the final selection made on the day. The chosen dancers will be parts of ensemble groups and reserve performers who will all take part in the show, which runs across the festive season.
And Imagine Theatre and The Hexagon are keen for anyone to have a go – children auditioning do not need to be in a dance or theatre school to take part and no experience is necessary.
Steve Boden, managing director of Imagine Theatre, said: “Ahead of each pantomime season we host open auditions across the UK to find talented youngsters to join our professional cast on stage to bring the panto magic alive.
“As much as the participants dancing ability what we really look for is that ‘something’ that brings an extra bit of sparkle to the performance, so welcome people of any ability to come along and give it a go.
“We remain one of the few UK-wide panto producers who hold these open auditions as we firmly believe in offering youngsters from every background and with all levels of experience the chance to be part of pantomime and the opportunity to work in a professional company, maybe for the first time.”
He continued: “Many of the stars we work with tell us that performing in the Junior Ensemble in their local pantomimes was what sparked their love of theatre and led them in their career choices.
“We have also worked with some wonderful young people in our pantomimes and have seen many go on to do wonderful things in theatre and it is our aim to continue to nurture this talent every year.”
For more details, or to download the permission forms, log on to: whatsonreading.com/cinders or www.imaginetheatre.co.uk.
Tickets for the pantomime, which runs from December 7 to January 5, are already on sale. For more details, log on to: whatsonreading.com/cinders or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060.
