This coming weekend (September 3 and 4), local theatre group The Talentz is hosting auditions for its new pantomime, Dick Whittington. Open to all young people aged 4 to 21 years, it promises to be a fun event and a great springboard for talented young performers. Eileen Leahy discovers more…
On saturday and Sunday (September 3 and 4) The Talentz, one of Kent’s leading musical theatre companies, is hosting auditions for its pantomime, Dick Whittington, which it will be staged at the beginning of January 2023.
Debbie King, who runs The Talentz, told the Times: “The reason we are starting the audition process so early is simply because we know that rehearsing for a pantomime in the festive season can be a challenge for performers and parents/ carers alike.
“For this reason we’ll be sticking to a Sundayonly rehearsal programme, and perform in January to enable families to be together over the Christmas period,” she said.
Ms King founded The Talentz in 2009, and since then the group has won several awards. The company is made up of specialists in the teaching and development of children and young adults who tutor them in the skills and attributes of the performing arts.
“The Talentz gives students unique opportunities to grow and develop their life skills, creativity and character using performance, singing, dancing and acting,” explained Ms King.
“Many of our students have gone on to esteemed specialist colleges, including Mountview, Urdang, Bird, Rose Bruford and many other top musical theatre and drama schools.
“Uniquely, The Talentz pantomime only uses youth performers aged 4 to 21 years, giving young people opportunities to take major roles.” The series of auditions will take place at the EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge this weekend, including Babes (4 to 8 years) from 2.15 to 3pm; Intermediates (9 to 13 years) from 3.15 to 4pm; and Seniors (14 to 21 years) from 4.30 to 5.45pm.
Ms King went on to say that ensemble workshop auditions will take place between 3 and 4pm or 4.30 and 5.30pm on Saturday (September 3), with the principal auditions taking place on Sunday between 10am and 5pm.
‘The Talentz gives students unique opportunities to grow and develop their life skills, creativity and character using performance, singing, dancing and acting’
Potential performers need to bring a prepared song with sheet music for the Musical Director, and scripts will be sent in advance of auditions. She added: “I am so delighted to be bringing Dick Whittington to the beautiful EM Forster Theatre in January 2023.
“What makes The Talentz performance so unusual is that we have a professional creative team providing expertise to our cast, from Olivia Zacharia, our hugely talented Musical Director, to Jamie Rickers, our Assistant Director and one of our patrons – who is known as the face of Nickelodeon.
“Jamie has also worked on many pantomimes across the country as well as multiple shows for children’s television. I love that the entire ensemble, including principals, gives the stage over to emerging talent through our brilliant youth performers.
“We believe passionately in opening these opportunities up to ALL young people, so the cast do not have to be members of The Talentz – anyone can audition.”
Those interested in auditioning need to book a slot by emailing: debbie@thetalentz.com For more information, please visit: www.thetalentz.com You can also follow @TheTalentz on Facebook or @thetalentz on Instagram.
