Audition call for Brassed Off

It can be seen at Derby Theatre from Friday, September 18, until Saturday, October 10.

Auditions will be held in groups on Saturday, May 16, at the theatre’s rehearsal space on Green Lane. Young people will take part in a range of drama exercises and games and will be asked to prepare short excerpts from the script.

Previous acting experience is preferred but not essential, just lots of energy and commitment. Please wear comfortable clothes and footwear and bring along a bottle of water for refreshment.

The theatre is inviting boys between the ages of 8-14, and girls between the ages of 8-10, to audition.

The characters the production is casting for are:

n Shane (to be played by a boy with a playing age between 11 and 14 years of age). There are a significant number of lines to learn for this role. He is a working class Northern lad trying to understand the adult world from his young perspective. He introduces the adult characters within the play.

n Craig and Melody, who are Shane’s younger brother and sister (to be played by a boy and girl with a playing age between 8-11 years of age). They are always fighting with each other and oblivious to what’s happening in the adult world.

Audition slots will be at: 10am–12.30pm for boys aged between 11 and 14, for the roles of Shane and Craig- 2 x 1-hour audition slots (one at 1.30pm–2.30pm and one at 2.40pm–3.40pm). These will be mixed groups, for girls and boys, for the roles of Melody and Craig.

For those successful in securing an audition slot, relevant scenes of the script will then be sent out in advance of the audition date, so that they can be prepared. Producers will cast three teams of three young actors. Each team will perform on a rotational basis during the run. The main rehearsals, with the professional company of actors, will commence on Monday, August 24.

The young actors need to be available on this date and the young person playing Shane will be expected to be available for a large part of the rehearsal period (Monday, August 24 until Thursday, September 17) i.e. in the day time during the school holidays and on evenings and weekends during term time.

The young people playing Craig and Melody will not be required as often (exact days and times required to be confirmed closer to the run). In addition to the indicated days/dates above, the young company members will have to be available – for Shane: Monday, August 24, and Tuesday, September 15 – Thursday, September 17 – and for Melody and Craig: Monday, August 24, and Thursday, September 17. Sarah Brigham, artistic director at Derby Theatre, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to gain audition experience and to perform alongside a professional company of actors. Brassed Off is going to be a big, bold and ‘brassy’ production which will also see a performance from local brass band, Derwent Brass, at every performance.

“I am looking forward immensely to a young company of local actors being an integral part of our big show for the autumn. So, if you are enthusiastic, eager to perform and showcase your talent, then we look forward to hopefully seeing you at the auditions”

To book an audition slot, call 01332 593939 or visit www.derbytheatre.co.uk to book an audition/time slot. Once you have registered your details, you will then be sent more information via email.

For any questions, email [email protected]. Please note that the audition slot needs to be booked in the name of the young person and the age of the young person will be required.

Brassed Off, adapted by Paul Allen, is a much-loved tale, full of heart and humour is made in Derby by the team who brought you Kes, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, and Solace of the Road. Balancing grit and wit with a poignant look at recent history, the performance also features live music.