More Than One Production

For many years, we approached each production through separate open auditions. As the company has continued to grow, we've taken some time to think carefully about what we want the next chapter of Anything Goes Theatre Company to look like.

Rather than bringing together a completely new group for every production, we want to build a committed company of performers who can grow together, support one another and create work they are genuinely proud of.

Our company auditions are the first step towards becoming part of that journey.

Successful applicants will become members of Anything Goes Theatre Company and will have the opportunity to apply or audition for future productions, showcases and company events.

Joining the company does not guarantee a role in every production, but it does mean becoming part of a company where you'll have opportunities to perform, develop and create theatre alongside a group of like-minded people.

What Kind of Company Are We Building?

We want Anything Goes Theatre Company to be a place where people feel supported, challenged and excited to create.

Storytelling is at the heart of everything we do. We are not simply looking for the biggest voices, the strongest dancers or the longest list of credits. We are looking for performers who want to tell stories honestly, explore characters with curiosity and work together to create productions that truly connect with an audience.

We believe every member of a production matters. Whether someone is playing a leading role, working within the ensemble or supporting behind the scenes, every contribution helps bring the story to life.

We value collaboration over competition and strive to create rehearsal rooms where people celebrate one another's successes, support each other through challenges, share ideas and continue learning together.

Talent is important, but so are commitment, preparation, reliability, kindness and the way you contribute to the people around you.

Who Are We Looking For?

We are looking for performers aged 18 and over who are excited by the idea of joining an ambitious and supportive theatre company.

Previous stage experience is helpful, and these auditions may be particularly suited to performers who already have some experience in acting, singing or musical theatre and are ready to continue developing their skills.

However, we are not expecting everyone to arrive with the same training, experience or strengths.

Some performers may be exceptional actors. Others may be confident singers, strong dancers, brilliant storytellers or bring completely different skills and perspectives to the rehearsal room. We don't believe a great company is built by finding lots of people who offer the same thing. We believe it's built by bringing together individuals with different strengths, experiences and personalities who are all working towards the same goal.

What matters most is that you are:

• Passionate about creating theatre.

• Excited by truthful storytelling.

• Open to direction and continued development.

• Reliable and prepared to commit to the rehearsal process.

• Supportive of other performers.

• Willing to contribute positively to the wider company.

• Excited to work as part of an ensemble.

We want people to bring their individuality into the room. We are not looking for one particular personality, appearance or casting type. The strongest companies are built from people who complement one another, challenge one another and each bring something unique.

What's Coming Next?

The Grinning Man

Our next major musical production will be The Grinning Man.

Dark, theatrical and filled with extraordinary characters, puppetry and powerful storytelling, this is unlike anything we've produced before.

The Grinning Man will be cast internally from within Anything Goes Theatre Company. Rather than holding separate public auditions, we'll spend time getting to know our company members before casting the production, allowing us to make thoughtful casting decisions based on the story we want to tell and the strengths each individual brings.

Company members will receive further information about the casting process nearer the time.

Spotlight Night

We're also launching Spotlight Night, our brand new annual showcase event.

Each company member will perform a solo song that they feel best represents them as a performer. It doesn't have to be the biggest song they can sing or the most technically demanding. Instead, it's an opportunity to celebrate individuality, personality and the stories that mean something to each performer.

As the company continues to grow, members will also have opportunities to take part in future productions, workshops, concerts and special events.

What Will the Audition Involve?

Our company auditions are designed to help us get to know you as both a performer and a potential company member.

Throughout the day you'll have the opportunity to demonstrate:

• A prepared solo song

• An optional monologue (if you wish)

• Movement and learning choreography

• Acting and storytelling

• Working as part of an ensemble

• Taking direction

• Collaboration, creativity and communication

We're not only interested in the finished performance. We want to see how you respond to direction, support others, work within a group and approach the creative process.

You don't need to arrive with all the answers. We'd much rather see someone who is prepared, open-minded, generous and willing to explore than someone who feels they have to be perfect.

Full audition requirements and preparation information will be sent after applications close.

What Do I Need to Prepare?

Our auditions are designed to give you the opportunity to showcase your strengths while also allowing us to see how you work as part of a company.

🎵 Prepare a Song

Please prepare one song of your choice, lasting up to 90 seconds, and bring a backing track to perform with.

Choose a song that allows you to demonstrate not only your vocal ability, but also your storytelling. We're just as interested in your ability to communicate character, emotion and intention through song as we are in your vocal technique.

If you'd like to prepare a second contrasting song, you're very welcome to do so. If time allows, we'll be delighted to hear it, but there is absolutely no expectation or pressure to prepare more than one piece.

🎭 Optional Monologue

If you consider yourself primarily a straight actor, you're welcome to prepare an optional monologue lasting around 60–90 seconds.

This is completely optional and simply provides another opportunity for you to showcase your strengths.

💃 Movement

During the audition, you'll be taught a short section of choreography.

We're not looking for perfect dancers or polished choreography. Instead, we'll be looking at how you approach learning something new, how you respond to direction and your willingness to give things a go.

🎬 Rehearsal Workshop

You'll also take part in a short rehearsal style workshop with the other applicants and some existing members.

This gives us the opportunity to see how you work as part of an ensemble, respond to direction, collaborate with others and approach the rehearsal process.

Creating great theatre is about far more than individual performances. We're interested in how you listen, communicate, support those around you and contribute to a positive rehearsal room. We believe the strongest companies are built on collaboration, generosity and a shared commitment to telling the story.

Audition Details

Application Deadline: Thursday 1st October

Audition Date: Sunday 18th October, 2:30pm-5pm

Location: South Street Arts Centre

Applicants must be 18 years or older.

Places are limited, so we encourage applications as early as possible.

The Application Form

Before attending the audition, you'll be asked to complete a short application form.

This is your opportunity to tell us about yourself, your experience, what you enjoy about creating theatre, what you'd like to develop and why you'd like to become part of Anything Goes Theatre Company.

We'll also ask you about your dream role. This doesn't need to be a role you would traditionally be cast as. It could be a different age, gender, vocal range or completely outside your usual casting type.

We're far more interested in why that role inspires you than whether you could realistically play it.

There are no perfect answers. We simply want to begin getting to know the person behind the audition.

Accessibility

We are committed to making our auditions and rehearsal process as accessible and inclusive as possible.

The application form includes space for you to let us know if there is anything that would help you have the best possible audition experience.

This could include communication preferences, mobility requirements, sensory considerations or anything else you feel would be helpful for us to know.

You do not need to disclose anything you are uncomfortable sharing. We simply want to understand how we can best support you.

What Happens Next?

Following the audition, every applicant will hear from us with the outcome.

Successful applicants will be invited to become members of Anything Goes Theatre Company before receiving information about upcoming productions and company opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this an audition for The Grinning Man?

No.

This is an audition to become a member of Anything Goes Theatre Company.

Once you're a company member, you'll be eligible for internal casting opportunities, including The Grinning Man, as well as future productions and events.

Does joining the company guarantee me a role?

No.

Company membership does not guarantee casting in every production.

Each production is cast according to the needs of the story, the production and the company as a whole.

Do I need lots of experience?

Previous performance experience is helpful, but we understand that everyone has taken different paths into theatre.

We value potential, storytelling, attitude, preparation and a willingness to learn just as highly as experience.

Do I need to be equally strong at acting, singing and dancing?

Not at all.

Everyone has different strengths, and that's exactly what we're looking for. Some performers may excel in acting, others in singing, movement, comedy, character work or ensemble performance.

We aren't looking for everyone to be the same. We want to build a company where each person brings something different, allowing us to create richer, more varied and more exciting theatre together.

Where do rehearsals take place?

Most rehearsals take place in Earley, Reading, or surrounding areas, with performance venues varying depending on the production.

Is there a membership fee?

There is no annual membership fee.

Members only pay production fees when they accept a place in a specific production or company event.

What age do I need to be?

Applicants must be 18 years or older at the time of the audition.

Be Part of the Next Chapter

We aren't simply looking to cast our next production.

We're building a company.

A company of performers who care about storytelling, support one another, continue learning and are excited to create exceptional theatre together.

If that sounds like the kind of company you've been looking for, we'd love to meet you.

Apply by Thursday 1st October and take the first step towards becoming part of the next chapter of Anything Goes Theatre Company.

Advance application is essential. We cannot accept walk-ins.