Casting – Everything you need to know

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This blog is relevant to adults who are looking to apply for one of our principal performance roles whilst our main casting window is open. For ensemble roles, the same process applies, but please be aware that even though you may apply during the same window, we normally cast our ensemble once our main principal line up is in place due to the need for ensemble to pick up understudy tracks.
 
For children’s casting please click here and for production/creative teams and crew, please click here

 
Our Casting Process

At Imagine Theatre, we welcome applications from everyone. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.

Each year we are fortunate to receive thousands of applications from performers, creatives, stage management and more. To ensure that every CV or Spotlight link is given the time and consideration it deserves, we follow a clear and fair application process.

How and When to Apply

The guidelines on our website explain how and when to apply, and we kindly ask that you follow these carefully. This helps us to give your application the proper attention.

We completely understand that applying for roles can be competitive and that applicants often want to stand out. However, please avoid sending applications via social media messages or phone calls. Applications made outside the advertised casting process may not be considered, and we don’t want that to happen.

We are very active on social media, but these platforms are not practical for processing applications. We cannot move messages, photos, or CVs into our casting database, which means they may be overlooked. By applying through the method stated on our casting page, you can be confident that your application has been received, stored, and considered fairly.

Auditions

Due to the sheer volume of applications, we are only able to contact those we wish to invite to audition. Principal audition dates are usually published on our website; if you have not heard from us by that date, unfortunately you have not been selected on this occasion.

Please don’t be discouraged from applying again in future years. Casting needs vary each season depending on the titles we are producing and the roles already in place. For example, some years we may require more Dames and Comics, while another year we may need more Principal Girls and Father roles. It’s not unheard of for someone to receive an offer or an audition recall from us a few years after their initial audition - we really do pay attention and consider people further down the line too.

A breakdown of the roles we are casting for will always be posted on our website and Spotlight ahead of audition calls.

After Your Audition

If you are invited to audition, we will always let you or your agent know the outcome. However, please note that this may not happen immediately. Casting is often a complex puzzle across multiple productions nationwide, and can sometimes depend on a few key roles or artists confirming before the rest of the cast can be finalised. This may include waiting on a “name” performer, a resident Dame or comic, or an artist deciding between contracts. We promise we will update you as soon as we are able. It’s just not always a quick job to make those puzzle pieces fall into place.

How to Apply for Principal and Ensemble Understudy Roles

All applications for Principal and Ensemble Understudy roles should be sent to: casting@imaginetheatre.co.uk

  • This inbox is monitored only during the casting period stated on our website.

  • Opening and closing dates for applications will also be announced on our social media channels, so please keep an eye on these for updates.

  • If you apply at the correct time and receive an automatic bounce-back reply, your application is being considered.

Important: Please do not send applications to individual emails within the company. Applications sent outside the official casting email may not be considered.

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and we look forward to hearing from you.