Camp notes

THE AUDITION

Open Audition Day: Sunday 11th January 2026
Call backs: Sunday 18th January 2026

This is an open audition for both members and non members of First Impressions Theatre.

Where: St Nicholas Church, Suttcliffe Avenue, Earley, RG6 7JN
When: Between 10.30am and 5pm. You will allocated a 90 minute time slot closer to the time.

There is a £12 audition fee to secure your slot.

Children taking part must be 6 years old by show weekend and cannot have turned 19.

ATTENDING THE AUDITION DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT YOUR CHILD WILL BE CAST IN THE SHOW.

What will happen in the audition:

1. Dance call
All auditionees will take part in a group dance call. They will learn the choreography from part of the show and perform it in small groups.

2. Singing
All auditionees should choose one or two characters to prepare for. Please note the version of the song may differ from the original, so please use the music provided.

They should prepare for their first and second choice character, which they will be asked to perform one or both on the day:
Annie (ages 8+ at the time of the show) - Tomorrow and Maybe
Oliver Warbucks (12+) - NYC
Miss Hannigan (12+) - Little Girls
Grace (12+) - I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here
Drake (8+) - I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here
Rooster (12+) - Easy Street
Lily St Regis (10+) - Easy Street
Lead Orphans (7+) - Hard Knock Life Reprise
Supporting Roles and Ensemble - Hard Knock Life Reprise

Audition music: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1B_QtXt4uQw9u5yUABPOuFV7XcqRjEjuo?usp=share_link

3. Acting
We expect auditionees to show us their character through their singing performance, however we may ask for them to familarise themselves with acting scenes if called back the following week.

FAQs

Q: What should my child wear?
A: Members: First Impressions uniform
Non Members: Comfy clothing (leggings or joggers). Trainers or dance shoes.
All long hair should be tied back.

Q: What should my child bring?
A: A water bottle.

Q: Could my child be cast in a role they haven’t auditioned for?
A: Yes, we may think that a child is more suitable for another role and cast them accordingly.

Q: When will we find out if my child has been successful?
A: An email will be sent to let your child know if they have been successful no later than Tuesday 20th January 2026.

Q: What if my child doesn’t want the part they have been offered?
A: If after the cast list has been issued, your child does not want to take part in the show, you must let us know as soon as possible and by Thursday 22nd January at the very latest so the role can be offered out to the next child.

Q: What does it mean to be double or triple cast?
A: This means a child will share a role with another and they will do one or two performances each as their character and will be in the show as ensemble in the other performances.

Q: Will I know exactly how much my child will be in when seeing the cast list?
A: Not exactly. During the casting process we will cast all the lead roles and decide who will be in the ensemble. However, putting on a show is fluid, things change depending on a whole host of things! There are a number of smaller parts for all ages within the script that we will give out during the rehearsal process, so there’s always an opportunity for more if a child is working hard and showing commitment in the rehearsal space.

Q: If they aren’t brought in for a callback, does that mean they haven’t got a part?
A: No! Definitely not. It may be that we’ve already decided which part we would like to give them and they have already done enough to secure it.

THE SHOW!

If your child auditions successfully you will be notified by email on or before Tuesday 20th January. Then...

Wahoo - you’re in!

Please read all information below very carefully before committing.

Important show dates:
When: Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May 2026
Where: Harriet Walter Theatre, Bearwood Rd, Sindlesham, Wokingham, RG41 5BG
You must be available for the entire weekend.

Important rehearsal dates:
When: Every Sunday from 1st February - 17th May - 10.30am-3.30pm
(excluding Easter Sunday & Mother’s Day, but inclusive other school holiday weekends)
This is 14 weeks of rehearsal in total.
Where: St Nicholas Church, Suttcliffe Avenue, Earley, RG6 7JN

Not all children will be needed for every rehearsal. A full schedule will be sent out once casting is complete. Principal roles will be expected to be available for all rehearsals. Please note, the schedule is subject to change.

Show Fee:
There will be a show fee of £210 per child to be paid on or before Wednesday 28th January. There will be an option to pay in 3 payments through Stripe and Klarna of £70 over 3 months if that is more convenient for you.

This covers all rehearsals, costumes, time at the theatre and all performances.
Please note that all fees are NON REFUNDABLE.

Additional costs:
If your child is cast in a speaking role, you will be able to purchase a script to keep for £10. Ensemble will not need a script.

Although the majority of costumes will be provided by us, you may be asked to provide small items such as tights/socks or shoes. This will be confirmed nearer the time.

Filming:
Photos and videos will be taken during the rehearsal process. We may use these for marketing and social media. If you do not want your child to appear on social media, please make sure you mark this on your audition booking.

Commitment:
Taking part in a production like this is immensely rewarding, but also a big commitment of time and energy. If your child has been cast in the show and has accepted their role, we expect exemplary levels of commitment. They must be available for all rehearsals where they are called unless previously stated on their audition form and agreed with the production team. Absence could result in dismissal.

In the words of our lovable Orphans:
“You’re never fully dressed without a smile”

We can’t wait to get started!