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    1 Oct 2025

    National Theatre Connections Festival 2026 Auditions

    Gulbenkian Arts Centre Actor Call Out:

    We are looking for performers aged 13-19 to be part of the cast for this year’s National Theatre Connections play. This is an exciting project involving directors from the National Theatre, which will lead to performances next year at both the Gulbenkian Theatre and Trinity Theatre. We are interested in hearing from people from all backgrounds and with all levels of experience.

    Rehearsals:
    We hope to plan rehearsal times and dates to suit the cast. We expect to have weekly rehearsals from November.  They key dates are as follows:

    • 9th November (First Whole Cast Rehearsal)
    • 8th February (Preview)
    • 14th March (Dress Rehearsal)
    • 15th March (Gulbenkian Performance)
    • 16th March (Gulbenkian Performance)  (Will only be required for the evening)
    • 12th April (Trinity Theatre Performance)

    It is really important you are free on these dates.

     

    Auditions:
    You will get an email telling you when to come to the audition once you have told us when you are free. If you have not been given an audition time by Monday 27th October please let us know. Check your junk emails too in case our email went there.Auditions will be on Sat 1st and Sunday 2nd November  at the University of Kent and will last approximately 75 minutes. The auditions will be done in groups and they will be very relaxed. There will be nothing to prepare for these auditions and you will be sent further information about where to come in the email with your time slot. If you cannot make these dates, we will try and find another option. To book an audition slot please complete this online form. If you have any questions please email creativeengagement@kent.ac.uk

    Accessibility:
    We want to make auditions and rehearsals accessible for all so if you need help or support to fill out the application form, if you have any specific access needs, or if you need any support to attend the audition please let us know by contacting creativeengagement@kent.ac.uk.

    Play Description:
    This year’s play, Fishville by Afsaneh Gray is a mystery based in a crumbling seaside town. The story starts when Jared walks into the sea and never comes back. Days later, a severed foot washes up – and weird messages from “Jared” start appearing online. As a myth about an underwater community starts gaining traction, two girls team up to uncover the truth before anyone else is lost to a vengeful ocean.

    Roles:

    There are 9 names human roles, including one character that only appears in one scene (a great role for those who want/need to attend fewer rehearsals) between the ages of 13-19. There is also the ever-present character of The Sea, which will be shared between a few actors. These will all need to be strong performers, as we need to ensure we are telling the twists and turns of the story as clearly as possible.

    Please apply by Monday 27th October 2025

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    ART31

    ART31 takes its name from Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child, which states that ‘Children have the right to relax and play, and to join in a wide range of cultural, artistic and other recreational activities’.

    ART31 is a vision created with, by, and for young people in Kent, championing the belief that all children and young people have an entitlement to access high quality arts and culture, to empower them to achieve their creative potential, and to genuinely engage young people as equal partners in any decision making that affects them.

    The ART31 Youth Board is made up of young people from across Kent aged 13-25 who steer its governance, and influence policy and practice across the county and beyond, challenging the creative sector to examine existing ways of working and integrate young people into the core of their practice.

    Our projects with young people

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    Providing workshops, support, and performance opportunities, Generate is where creativity gives voice to young perspectives whether in theatre making, film media, music, visual arts and more!

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    Fantastic and fun sessions for ages 13-18 years, encouraging creativity and theatre-making skills.

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    Screen31 is a group for young people aged 15-25 interested in developing their film-making skills.
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    TECH31

    TECH31 provides free practical training in technical theatre for ages 13 - 25

    National Theatre Connections – Gulbenkian Young Company

    NT Connections is the National Theatre’s nationwide youth theatre festival. Each year it offers a unique opportunity for youth theatres and school theatre groups to stage new plays written for young people by some of theatre’s most exciting playwrights, and to perform in leading theatres across the UK.
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    Gulbenkian Uncovered

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    Square Pegs Arts are an award winning charity who provide drama groups, music projects and other accessible Arts opportunities for children and young adults who have learning disabilities and autism, and produce original, inspiring, challenging Theatre. Difference is celebrated and everyone is supported to shine in their own way.
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    ARTY31

    Gulbenkian’s ARTY31 group is for young people aged 8-12 with a wide variety of arts interests.

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