Of course we’re always thinking about upcoming shows, but this open round is about sparking new connections without specific projects or roles in mind. We want to meet the bold, brilliant people from across the region – and for you to meet us. 

Since 2021, we’ve held three rounds of open auditions, meeting more than 218 actors. We brought colleagues from across the region –and beyond, together to chat with actors they hadn’t met, and to get a sense of what they can do. 

On the back of our Open Auditions, some actors secured an agent, some were invited to audition for specific shows, some have made their debut at Northern Stage and at venues across England, and others are on lists and on our minds as we wait for the right project for them. 

As well as our Artistic Director, plus the director and casting team for our Autumn production of Beauty and the Beast, we’re inviting colleagues from across the region to join us on the panel. These could be directors, producers, casting directors, agents – anyone who employs actors or whose business is the employment of performers.  

Read more about what it’s like to be on the panel in this blog post by Ed Cole, Artistic Director of Alphabetti and 2024 Panellist.

Applications for places will be accepted via an online form, one for each event. 

ACTORS – To apply for a slot please complete the form here by 10am on Tuesday 27th May.

CREATIVES – To apply for a slot please complete the form here by 10am on Tuesday 27th May.

PANELISTS – To apply to be on the panel, please complete the form here by 10am on Tuesday 27th May.

Please contact producer@northernstage.co.uk with any questions.

Places will then be allocated in advance and with a specific time slot. In the application, applicants will be able to indicate what day and what time of day they will be available, and we’ll try our best to accommodate this. Due to high demand, we can’t accommodate requests for a different time than the one allocated, and we will be unable to see people on a walk-up basis. 

We’re committed to local talent, so this opportunity will give priority to those living in postcodes beginning NE, SR, DH, DL or TS; and to acknowledge systematic exclusion and in line with our efforts to build a more diverse and representative theatre industry, we will give priority to: 

• Those who are living with a disability or a long-term health condition,
• Global Majority artists
• Actors and creatives without the representation of an agent

Thereafter, slots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.