Audition Workshops
Annual Membership Audition Workshops 2026
We are looking for young people with enthusiasm, energy and creativity in school year 3 up to the age of 21 who love theatre and performing! We encourage everyone to apply, no matter previous experience.
Each audition is a fun 2-hour group workshop led by our creative team. You’ll participate in a warm-up and take part in a group dance. Then you’ll learn a song and sing in groups.
We’ll also look at your acting skills through a short improvisation game. Try not to get too caught up in
‘getting it right’ – our creative team are looking to see the effort you put in.
We are not looking for perfection, we are looking for potential!
If successful, you will be invited to join us for our one-year Theatre Company Membership.
(September 2026 – July 2027).
Our Theatre Company Membership includes rehearsing and performing in two large-scale shows across East Suffolk’s top venues. You’ll also receive specialised performance training alongside these rehearsals.
You can find out more about our Theatre Company Membership below.
Please note: You will need to register beforehand for one of our audition workshops via the form below.
Audition dates
Saturday 11 July 10:00-12:00
Session 1: School years 3 & 4
Saturday 11 July 13:00-15:00
Session 2: School years 5 & 6
Sunday 12 July 10:00-12:00
Session 3: School years 7, 8 & 9
Sunday 12 July 13:00-15:00
Session 4: School years 10, 11 & 12+ (or equivalent to age 21)
Scroll to see photos from our previous productions.
Want to find out more? We’d encourage you to see our company in action and experience our productions of SHREK JR and FROZEN this June & July. More details here.
Theatre Company Membership
Theatre Company Shows
Our company is comprised of two casts: Junior Cast (school year 4-7) and Senior Cast (school year 8+).
Both casts come together to create our December production Magic of Christmas at Snape Maltings Concert Hall.
Magic of Christmas is an original ensemble-led musical theatre show. Packed full of dance, singing, soloist opportunities and huge group numbers, is one of the
largets youth Christmas productions in the UK and an unmissable experience for young performers.
Magic of Christmas 2026 key dates:
- Tue 15 Dec – Technical rehearsal
- Wed 16 Dec – Dress rehearsal 1
- Thu 17 Dec – Dress rehearsal 2
- Fri 18 Dec – Performances 1 & 2
- Sat 19 Dec – Performances 3 & 4
- Sun 20 Dec – Performances 5 & 6
- Tue 22 Dec – Performances 7 & 8
- Wed 23 Dec – Performances 9 & 10
In the second half of the membership year, our two casts perform in exciting summer musical productions, which we announce later on in the year (much to everyone’s anticipation!). They are led by our creative team, who always deliver a contemporary and unexpected new take on musicals you think you know well!
Past senior summer productions include:
FROZEN, RENT, Les Misérables, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Phantom of the Opera.
Past Junior Summer Productions:
SHREK JR, Disney Moana JR, Matilda JR, Oliver! JR
and Disney The Little Mermaid JR.
We cast character roles at Casting Workshops once the membership year has started in September, so all our members have an equal opportunity; inevitably, some people receive larger roles than others, but everyone is part of a close ensemble. Creating a strong, cohesive
company is one of the most important parts of the Co-op Juniors Theatre Company, as it is an important skill that lies at the centre of the professional industry and is a crucial part of any young performer’s education. It also gives everyone plenty to take part in and is lots of fun!
Rehearsals and technique classes
As a theatre company member, you will attend weekly rehearsals.
Junior Cast rehearse twice a week on Thursday evenings 18:00-20:00 and Sunday mornings 10:00-13:00.
Senior Cast rehearse up to three times a week on Thursday & Friday evenings 18:00-21:00/21:30 and Sundays 10:00-16:00.
This may seem like a lot, but not everyone is called to every single rehearsal. For example, one week you could be called to attend only one rehearsal, and another week you could be called to attend two rehearsals.
We let you know which rehearsals you are called for in advance via an online rehearsal calendar. We also keep your half terms and school holidays free of any rehearsals.Â
Included during the membership year are specialist Technique Classes. These classes are designed to develop core skills across all aspects of musical theatre performance and to be adaptable to support ongoing rehearsals. These classes may include drama, singing, dance, body conditioning & flexibility and audition technique… all delivered by our experienced creative team.
Fees and Financial Support
Membership Fee
The membership fee will be updated here soon. Last year’s fee was £355. (Financial support is available for some students – see below).
We enable all members to spread the cost of membership over three months, from July auditions through the end of September.
Additional costs
Uniform, dance footwear, show make-up, some costume elements & accessories, production photography and recordings.
Financial support
As a charity, we aim to make our performing arts opportunities financially accessible to as many young people as possible. The following outlines the support
we can offer.
- We operate a bursary scheme that offers bursaries of up to 75% of the membership fee (you
can apply shortly after a successful audition). - The membership fee can be broken down into smaller instalments across 6 months, from July
to December. - We always seek to help with the provision of uniform or rehearsal footwear where possible.
Once membership offers are sent out in July, you will need to complete the Financial Support Application Form (details will be included in your offer email) and return it to us by the specified deadline.
We examine each case individually to ensure we are being as fair as possible, and there is a section on the form to note down any additional details you feel may be relevant to your case.
Audition Workshop Information
Audition Workshop information
Do I need to prepare anything?
No, you don’t have to prepare any material beforehand. Just come with a willingness to give everything a go, remember we are not looking for perfection, we are looking for potential!
The only thing to prepare is what to bring; please wear loose, comfortable clothing, trainers or jazz shoes, long hair tied up, no jewellery and bring a bottle of water. (Please, no jeans).
Where are the audition workshops?
The audition workshops will take place at our Warehouse Studios.
The Warehouse, Paul’s Road, Ipswich, IP2 0AN (parking available).
Arrival and collection
Simply head towards our main gate which leads into our car park and main entrance.
Please arrive 10-15 minutes in advance. You’ll then be shown to the studio where we’ll sign you in.
Parents/carers are welcome to wait in our Green Room, on the second floor.
We ask that young people under the age of 16 be collected in person from our main entrance, where our chaperones will ensure that everyone is picked up safely.
Do you support people with a disability or additional needs?
We welcome all young people, including those with disabilities and additional needs.
The audition workshops are held at our Warehouse Studios, a converted warehouse with some limited access.
Register for an audition workshop
Please register your interest in the form below and you will receive an email confirmation of your submission. Please check your junk mail as well. Registration closes on 6 July at 17:00.
Example headshot
Please take head and shoulders only and preferably facing the camera. Photos taken on your phone are fine.
FAQs
What will the audition workshop experience be like?
Each audition is a fun 2-hour group workshop led by our creative team. They will be looking to gauge your skills and enthusiasm in dance, singing and acting.
Please arrive 10-15 minutes in advance. At the beginning of the audition workshop you will meet the team, and they will talk you through what to expect. You will be asked to participate in a warm up, take part in some fun dance exercises and finally, you’ll learn a short routine.
You’ll then perform the routine you have just learned in groups. We’ll then look at your acting skills through a short improvisation game.
In the second half of the workshop you’ll learn a song together and sing the song in smaller groups. You will also have the opportunity to sing part of the song on your own if you wish. We encourage everyone to give this a go!
Everyone has different levels of experience, and our audition workshops are designed to support that. Try not to get too caught up in ‘getting it right’ – our creative team are looking to see the effort you put in. We are not looking for perfection; we are looking for potential!
All three disciplines, singing, dancing and acting, are taken equally into consideration when casting our membership, so give everything a really good go even if it’s something you’ve never tried before. Come forward, make sure you have space, and throw yourself into the session.
The most important thing is commitment and enthusiasm.
We promise you’ll have fun!
How much is the Audition Workshop?
Completely FREE of charge.
When is the deadline to register?
Registration will close at 17:00 on Monday 6 July.
What will happen after the Audition Workshop?
After your audition workshop, the creative team meet for a casting session to match the most suitable performers to the skills required for our productions.
We’ll then prepare offer packs and emails to go out to everyone by the end of July. Please bear with us during this time and we will be in touch as soon as we can.
You may be successful and receive an offer to join the Co-op Juniors Theatre Company or you may not make it this time. Please don’t be disheartened if you don’t receive an offer, there are plenty of other opportunities to get involved with the Co-op Juniors, especially through our Theatre Academy and half-term workshops!
These are a great way to develop technique, build confidence and enhance your performance skills, ready for the auditions next year.
We are also very happy to provide specific feedback and advice from your audition workshop so you know the areas to work on.
How will I receive the outcome of my audition?
We will always send results via email, so please make sure you register with your correct contact details and keep an eye on your email, including your junk folder!
How can I support my child?
We know that any audition can be a challenging experience for young people and parents/carers, but there are some places you can go to for support.
Please also let us know is there is anything else we can do to support you and your child.
I'm unable to attend the Audition Workshops?
Your chances of success are much greater if we see you perform at the audition workshop in person.
However, we’d still love to hear from you if you’re unable to attend an audition workshop due to a prior commitment.
If you can’t make one of our audition workshops then you’ll still need to register for the age appropriate workshop so we have your contact information. You’ll then need to email us a 1-2 minute video of you performing a song of your choice (anything from a musical is great!) along with any other videos showcasing dance or performance ability.
We’re a musical theatre company so we’re looking for ability or the potential to sing, dance and act.
Please remember to include your full name, age and current school year (if applicable) in your email. Don’t worry, if we encounter any difficulties when downloading your videos, we’ll be in touch.
Videos can be sent to our Artistic Director, Oliver Brett. Email: oliver.brett@coopjuniors.co.uk
The deadline for video submissions is 17:00 on Monday, 6 July 2026.
Have further questions?
If you would like any further information, please get in touch with our Artistic Director, Oliver Brett.
About Co-op Juniors
We work with young people from any and every background to produce vibrant, innovative and original theatre across Suffolk’s top venues.
Our mission is simple: to give young people the opportunity to learn new skills, express themselves, build confidence and shine on stage – all while having fun and being part of something special. Many of our alumni have gone on to successful careers in the performing arts, and we’re proud to have played a role in their journey.
After our triumphant productions of LES MISÉRABLES & RENT SCHOOL EDITION, we’re returning to the New Wolsey Theatre with FROZEN, our most ambitious production to date.
Our production will feature an original set design, unique staging and more. Most importantly, you’ll be able to develop your performance skills as you rehearse and perform in one of the biggest mega musicals ever created… a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
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Young Performers