Audition for Lancaster Footlights

Lancaster Footlights Family Pantomime: 

Robin Hood Audition Information

It’s that time of year again, oh yes it is, Panto Auditions are here! Below is information about the Principal roles, Chorus and Dancers and some frequently asked questions. Please also see the attached comprehensive document explaining the Audition process and information about the performances. You are also free to email me if you have further queries. Really hope to see you there to come and join the fun!

Can I audition if I have never done Panto before?

Absolutely YES! Both new and experienced people are all very welcome. No roles have been given/cast before the auditions and new faces are always welcome. Those who perform the best at auditions, and fit the roles, will be cast.

Do I have to be available for all 21 performances?

Yes, please do not audition if you know you are not free for the entire run as our audiences deserve our best performances and the cast need consistency.

What’s the rehearsal schedule like?

We start rehearsing on 4th September. Schedules are given out in the first rehearsal. We rarely add additional dates as we know people need to plan their lives. This means it’s important that people attend rehearsals so we can cover and set the whole show well. The magic of panto is created by people bouncing off each other and creating chemistry. When people are missing it has a big impact on everyone else and creates delays when things have to be re-done. We know life also carries on, so very special one-off occasions can lead to missing a rehearsal but please let us know this at the auditions. Rehearsals are on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons for Chorus and for Principals. Dancers’ rehearsals are on Sunday mornings (and they need to attend many of the other rehearsals too). Principal roles also have a rehearsal mid-week on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings. The schedule will tell you who needs to attend when.

I work and am not sure if I have time?

Don’t worry, lots of the cast and crew work (as we are all volunteers) and find if they are organised there is time to fit panto in. There is only one show date which may require those who work typical 9-5 hours to book leave, which is Christmas Eve as this is a matinee (2.30pm curtain up). The rest of the shows are on evenings or weekends or bank holidays.

I don’t think I will be good enough at dancing and singing, can I still audition?

Yes please do come along, most people just need to show some potential and be willing to learn and work at their dancing. You need to be able to sing well enough to follow a tune and the key principal roles will need to sing well.

I can’t attend one of the audition dates, can I come to one of the other dates?

For Chorus and Principals, yes you can, just please email in advance to let me know. Dancers however need to attend on 8th July and apologies but cannot audition on the other dates. If any dancers are not able to come, then contact me and if we have not cast all the dancers on 8th July we may hold an extra audition date if this is possible, but unfortunately this cannot be guaranteed.

How much does it cost?

All those who are in the Cast have to join/be members of Footlights (adults £20/year; students £10; juniors free). There is no charge to audition. For the shows, Cast provide their own footwear, base layer, makeup and hair stuff. All costumes and accessories will be provided.

Will I have fun?

Definitely! We have so much fun in rehearsals and during the show run, whilst also working hard. Cast and Crew become one big panto family, so kindness, care and consideration for each other are the most important things.

Principal roles

Panto Audition Dates at Lancaster Grand Theatre:

Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes you can move in and bring a drink. Enter via the side door in the car park up the ramp. Please arrive a few minutes early to allow time to register.

Tuesday 30th June 7pm – Principal roles (theatre open from 6.10pm to allow time to read script exerts if required)

Tuesday 7th July 7pm – Chorus roles (theatre open from 6.15pm to allow time to read script exerts if auditioning for principal role as not free the previous day)

Wednesday 8th July 7pm – Dancers (please wear appropriate clothes for dancing, bring your dance shoes and a drink)

Auditions generally encompass a warm-up activity, learning a small dance sequence, singing an exert from a song (Chorus of A Million Dreams from The Greatest Showman - singing solo for principals, in groups of 3 for chorus/dancer roles) and then reading exerts of script for principal role auditions. Dancers will warm up and learn and perform 2 short dance sequences (ballet and modern) and demonstrate a small amount of tap.

Hope to see you there!

Questions? Please email: Cheryl@lancastergrand.co.uk