Talented youngsters are invited to an open audition to perform in the Kilmarnock Pantomime this Christmas

This year the children have a truly unique opportunity as, due to the ongoing renovation of the Palace Theatre, the pantomime has been moved to a spectacular circus tent.

The open auditions will take place on Saturday 24 August at St Joseph's Leisure Centre.

Eric Potts, Artistic Director of Imagine Theatre, said: “Performing in a pantomime is always an exciting opportunity for children, but this year it is even more exciting as it is a rare opportunity for children to have the experience of performing in one of the iconic Chipperfield Big Top.”

“The tent will be fully heated, as will the dressing rooms, so it will feel like we are working in a real building rather than a tent. It will be very comfortable and very exciting for both the cast and the audience.”

During the auditions, the young people learn a routine and perform as a group in front of a jury. Any child of the right age can take part in the audition show, regardless of their experience.

Steve Boden, Managing Director of Imagine Theatre, the award-winning pantomime producer, said: “Before each pantomime season, we hold open auditions across the UK to find talented young people to join our professional cast on stage to bring the pantomime magic to life. As well as the dancing talent of the participants, we are particularly looking for that ‘something extra’ that will give the show that little something extra, so people of all abilities are welcome to come along and have a go!”

“We remain one of the few pantomime producers across the UK to hold these open auditions as we strongly believe in offering young people from all backgrounds and levels of experience the chance to be part of a pantomime and work – perhaps for the first time – in a professional troupe.

“Many of the stars we work with tell us that their love of theatre was sparked by performing in the junior ensemble of their local pantomimes and led them to their career choice. We have also worked with some wonderful young people in our pantomimes and many have gone on to do wonderful things in the theatre. Our aim is to continue to nurture this talent every year.”

If you think you have what it takes to add that little something extra to this year's pantomime, you can find out more about the auditions, including further information on age and entry requirements, here on the East Leisure website or here at Imagine Theatre.

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