Local youngsters are getting the chance to fight pirates and fly with feisty fairies this Christmas as the New Vic launch a search to find Lost Boys and girls for a spectacular new adaptation of J M Barrie’s Peter Pan.
The theatre is offering children from the region a rare chance to star alongside a professional cast in the magical production, receiving its world premiere at the theatre this Christmas.
Celebrating the 150th birthday of author J M Barrie, the North Staffordshire theatre is sprinkling fairy dust over the timeless tale of the boy who never grew up with a brand new adaptation penned by Artistic Director and BBC writer, Theresa Heskins.
The New Vic is looking for boys and girls aged 10-14 with oodles of energy to take part in a summer school, at the end of which 15 top talents will be offered parts in the swashbuckling show. Roles on offer include members of Peter Pan’s famous gang, the Lost Boys, as well as heroine Wendy’s daughter, Jane.
Pictured are Amber Johnson, aged 10, and Zac Hughes, aged 12, getting into character. Image courtesy of The Sentinel newspaper
The summer school will give children the chance to shine in front of top professionals including one of the UK’s brightest young directors, James Dacre, whose production The Mountaintop won a surprise Olivier Award this year, as well as learning swashbuckling sword fights with a professional fight director.
The jam-packed sessions will explore the magical world of feisty fairies, swaggering pirates and ticking crocodiles with the week culminating in a performance for friends and family.
Heskins, who also wrote and directed last year’s record-breaking production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, added: “Like almost every child that has ever heard the story, I was fascinated by the adventures of Peter Pan, Wendy and the Lost Boys, of Tinker Bell and the dastardly Captain Hook. So we are thrilled to have young members of the community involved in our magical adventure this Christmas.”
“And this year is very special. Our youngsters will not only get to fly to Never Never Land, but also take part in the first ever production of this brand new adaptation. It will be excellent experience for budding performers – and phenomenal fun!”
The summer school runs from Tues 24 – Fri 27 August and costs £50, with concessions available. Auditions for places will be held on 12 & 19 June. To try out for a place you need to read a short piece (which will be provided) and be prepared to take part in a group activity. Children cast in the show will need to be available for the rehearsal and performance periods.
For more details, please contact Mark Carter on 01782 717954 or download an application form.
Are you talented, hard working and positive? Are you playful, inventive and possess a big imagination? Will you be aged 10-14 in December? Do you like to work as part of an ensemble cast to tell a story? Do you have oodles of stamina and energy? Do you want to work and learn as part of a professional team?
We are looking for 15 children to take part in our spectacular Christmas production, Peter Pan!
Children will be split into three teams of five:
4 x “lost boys”
1 x “Jane” (Wendy’s daughter)
Peter Pan Summer School
(at the end of which, 15 children will be cast in our professional production)
Dates: 24 - 27 August
Cost: £50 (concessions £40)
Times: 10 am – 4 pm
Performance for friends and family on Friday 3.15pm
Ages: 10 – 14 (upper age limit is those who are due to be in Year 9 in Sept, so now in Years 5-8)
Our summer school will be led by New Vic professionals including one of the UK’s brightest young directors, James Dacre, professional actors and, for the very first time, a Fight Director!
Children will be chaperoned at all times.
When are the auditions?
Saturday 12 & Saturday 19 June
What will happen?
Auditions will last about 45 minutes and will involve physical theatre games, improvisation exercises, and children will be given a short piece to read. There will be no singing – but get your swords at the ready! Fighting pirates is essential!
What are we looking for?
Children should have energy, a good attitude and possess the ability to combine action with speaking a line.
I want to audition – what should I do?
For further information or an application form, contact Mark Carter on 01782 717954, or you can download an application form here.
Other things to remember:
Children who audition should be available for rehearsals and performance dates
(you may need permission from your school). |
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