National Theatre Connections Festival 2027

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.
The key dates are as follows:
7th or 8th November (first whole cast rehearsal)
6th Feb (Preview)
6th March (Dress Rehearsal)
7th March (Gulbenkian Performance)
8th March (Gulbenkian Performance) – will only be required for the evening.
2nd May (Trinity Theatre Performance).

It is imperative that you are free on the Feb/March/May dates. 

Other whole cast rehearsal dates are likely to be:

Sun 20th Dec
Sat 27th Feb
Tues 2nd March

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 26th October please let us know. Check your junk emails too in case our email went there.
Auditions will be on Sat 31st October and Sun 1st November at the University of Kent (Canterbury) 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 our play is The Manhattan Project, by Rasmus Lindberg, translated by Edward Buffalo Bromberg. Katya’s home life is dominated by the sound of her parents’ endless arguments. One night, she escapes into an extraordinary dream where she becomes a hard-boiled private detective in 1940s New York. Recruited by the French Resistance, Katya must rescue Albert Einstein before the Nazis can force him to help build the atomic bomb. Blending wartime adventure, detective noir and surreal comedy, The Manhattan Project is a thrilling exploration of courage, family and the impossible choices people face in times of conflict.

Please apply by Monday 26th October 2026.