Youngsters can audition for Jack’s junior ensemble
BUDDING young actors are being invited to audition for roles in this year’s Hexagon pantomime.
The team from Imagine
Theatre will be holding an open casting session for anyone aged nine to 16. Those selected will appear alongside CBeebies megastar Justin Fletcher and dame Paul Morse in Jack and the Beanstalk across December.
This is the first time in three years that the talent search will be taking place. This year, it will be held on Sunday, June 26, at the Queen’s Walk theatre.
Producer Steve Boden and his team will welcome the youngsters, teach them a short dance routine, and encourage them to perform it. He is determined that the session is open to everyone, not just those who attend dance schools.
“We’re delighted to have our junior ensemble back,” he says.
“I can’t quite believe it was actually in 2019 that we last held junior auditions for the pantomime.
“We’re looking for youngsters who don’t necessarily have to have had formal training in performance, they just need to have an energy and enthusiasm.
“We’ll teach them a little routine as a group, and they’ll perform that back to us.
“We just want to see their characters, ability to move, and have a sense of fun.”
The auditions are hugely popular and places are coveted by those taking part. There will be three dance teams of eight people, plus eight reserves.
“It’s really important that we provide these opportunities for young people to come and take part in panto,” Steve adds.
“I can’t wait to see who turns up.”
And because the shows are open to everyone, Steve says the teams at Imagine and The Hexagon work hard to ensure it is a safe environment for children.
“At the start, we will explain very clearly how it works,” he explains.
“All the children are professionally licenced and have chaperones, so they are looked after.”
And there is a festive bonus for all those selected, as Steve explains with a smile: “The bit they love the most is they do have to miss a little bit of school.”
The Hexagon’s doors open at 9.30am on Sunday, June 26.
Participants will need to complete a consent form that can be downloaded from Imagine Theatre’s website, where there is also information about the day and how it works. This can be found at: www.imaginetheatre.co.uk/ pantomime/jack-and-the-beanstalkreading-2022
Tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk are now on sale, and prices start at £14. For more details, log on to www. whatsonreading.com or call the box office on 0118 960 6060.