The Headgate Young Company is inviting young people in Colchester to join its upcoming production of the dark comedy The Hothouse, with open auditions taking place later this month at the Headgate Theatre.
The auditions are open to anyone aged 16 to 21, including those currently in Year 11 who will be 16 by the time of the production. The sessions will be held on Saturday 23 May 2026 from 2pm to 4:30pm and Sunday 24 May 2026 from 10am to 12:30pm. Participants only need to attend one of these sessions.
No prior acting experience is required, as the auditions are workshop-based and do not require performers to prepare any specific pieces. Those interested must register by 7pm on Friday 22 May 2026. Anyone unable to attend the in-person sessions can submit a self-tape by contacting the group at [email protected] to receive the necessary materials.
The production will be co-directed by George Deadman and Maddy Smith, both former members of the young company who have gone on to gain professional experience and training. Both directors have been recognised for their work by the North Essex Theatre Guild, with award nominations for their previous stage performances.
Written by Nobel Prize-winning author Harold Pinter, The Hothouse is a dark comedy set within a government-run rest home. Rehearsals will take place every Tuesday evening (7-10pm) and some all-day Sundays, with the first rehearsal on Sunday 7 June 2026. The final performances will run from Wednesday 2 September to Saturday 5 September 2026, with five shows in total. The Theatre Arts Action Trust manages the theatre, which has operated in its historic location in the Colchester town centre since 2002.
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