Auditions General Information

The Norwich Players

Here at the Maddermarket we produce a significant number of amateur productions each year, under our in-house company name The Norwich Players. We stage everything from Shakespeare to new writing, and the varied programme means there are opportunities for all tastes and talents to get involved.

The Norwich Players has a long history of producing theatre that strives for a professional standard. Today our productions continue to offer actors the chance to reap the rewards of making ambitious work. We offer the chance to develop as an actor and create something to be proud of with like-minded people. This experience is open to everyone and we offer a warm welcome and a supportive environment in which to pursue your passion for acting.

What is the commitment?

The Norwich Players productions rehearse over a 7-8-week period with rehearsals 4-5 nights a week for the first 6 weeks and then 5 nights a week thereafter. Once casting is complete the director will create a rehearsal schedule. Smaller size roles may only be required once or twice a week during the early stages of rehearsals. Larger size roles may be required at almost all rehearsals.

The majority of rehearsals take place on weekday evenings between 7pm and 10pm. Sometimes these may be replaced by rehearsals during the daytime on weekends. The majority of rehearsals take place at The Maddermarket in the Emmerson Studio. Any other rehearsal sites will always be city centre locations.

Who can audition?

Anyone. To be in a Norwich Players production there is no membership to join or subscription to pay. Auditions are open to all, and whilst there are a number of actors who choose to regularly audition for our productions, we are always keen to welcome new interest.

DID YOU KNOW: Each year around 100 different actors appear in our productions and around 40% are making their Maddermarket debut!

How do auditions work?

Each production may have a slightly different auditions process depending on the needs of the play and the approach of the director. The following however will always be the case:

  • Auditions will be held approximately three months before rehearsals begin, to enable actors to plan ahead and prepare themselves for the commitment of being in a production.
  • There will two rounds of auditioning. The first round is open to all, the second round or ‘recall’ is the opportunity for the director to invite back actors they are strongly considering casting. They will often want to try out different combinations of actors in order to find the right balance for the play.
  • A number of dates will be offered in the first round. Actors get the choice of when best suits their availability.
  • Any text used in auditions – usually in the form of selected extracts from the play – is always available before the audition. Actors will never be expected to sight-read in an audition.

Ready to audition?

Check out all the latest Audition Notices which include all the details on the production, dates, casting and characters here.

All Audition Notices are also posted to our social media pages and mentioned in our monthly newsletter so keep your eyes peeled and sign up to our mailing list now!

Not an actor?

You can still be involved in our in-house productions because we are always looking for directors, stage managers, lighting operators, stage crew and more.  If you’re interested in directing or being part of the production team, email tony.fullwood@maddermarket.org

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