Jack and the Beanstalk

Sunday 6th September 2026 – Ensemble Auditions

We are looking for talented performers from Year 2 through to adults to join our ensemble. Ensemble auditions are dance-focused, but will also include some singing and acting.

The ensemble will be split into five groups:

• Movers & Groovers (Both groups, Year 2 to Year 6)
• Shakers (Years 7, 8 & 9)
• Senior Chorus (Years 10 & 11)
• Senior Dancers (School year 12 to adult)

These will be group auditions, with provisional timings as follows. We may need to shuffle them if we have particularly large numbers. Please register online in advance. Unfortunately, we’re unlikely to be able to accommodate people who simply turn up on the day.

• 10:00am - Movers & Groovers 1 (45 mins) School years 2-6, Surname beginning A-H
• 11:00am - Movers & Groovers 2 (45 mins) School years 2-6, Surname beginning I-Z
• 12.15pm - Shakers 1 (45 mins) School years 7-9, Surname beginning A-H
• 1:15pm -   Shakers 2 (45 mins) School years 7-9, surname beginning I-Z
• 2:15pm -   Senior Chorus (45 mins) School years 10-11
• 3:30pm -   Senior Dancers (60 mins) School years 12 and above

Principal Auditions - Date to be confirmed (September 2026)

There are usually around seven principal roles, although the exact number varies from year to year. As our script is currently being written, full character descriptions will be published here as soon as they’re available.

Ages 14+

Please prepare a song that suits the character you’re auditioning for (see tips below). Script excerpts will be provided in advance.


Who performs when in the shows?

Movers, Groovers and Shakers are each split into two teams, who perform in alternate shows. These younger groups appear in Act 1 only, allowing them to finish earlier in the evening. Wherever possible, we’ll keep siblings in the same team.

Senior Chorus perform in every performance, appearing in Act 2.

Senior Dancers perform throughout the show (all shows, both acts), while principals will perform according to the requirements of their individual role.

The show fee is £55, which includes performers' insurance and an official show T-shirt.

Sibling discounts will be available.

Principals

Choose a song that suits your character. For example, if you’re auditioning for the villain, an upbeat happy tune probably isn’t the best choice – show us your sinister flair!


Ensemble

Wear clothes you’re comfortable moving in and bring a drink. Most importantly, enjoy yourself! We’re looking for enthusiasm, commitment and performers who love being part of a team.


All auditionees

Don’t be nervous – we know auditions can feel scary, but they’re actually really fun! The audition panel is friendly and rooting for you to succeed. Take a breath, smile, and show us what you’ve got!

Do you charge an audition fee?
No. We don’t charge audition fees. If you’re offered a place in the cast, there is a £55 show fee, which includes insurance and an official show T-shirt. You may also be asked to provide certain costume items, such as shoes, underwear and tights.

Do I have to be a member of Upstagers or Upstagers Academy to audition?
No. Our auditions are open to everyone who meets the age requirements. You don’t need to be an existing member of Upstagers or Upstagers Academy.

I meet the age requirements for both the ensemble and principal auditions. Can I audition for both?
Absolutely! We’d encourage you to. Simply register for both auditions and attend both.

What happens at the ensemble auditions?
Ensemble auditions are primarily dance-based, but will also include some singing and acting. We’re looking for enthusiastic performers who can help bring the world of the pantomime to life.

Do I need to prepare anything?
For principal auditions, please prepare a song that suits the character you’re hoping to play. Script extracts will be provided in advance.

For ensemble auditions, no preparation is necessary—just come ready to dance, sing, act and have fun!

Am I guaranteed a role if I audition?
Much as we’d love to include everyone, that isn’t possible. Casting decisions are made according to the needs of the production, the requirements of each role and the overall balance of the company.

When will I hear the outcome of my audition?
We aim to email every auditionee within one week of their audition to let them know the outcome. We receive a large number of auditionees, so we really appreciate your patience while we carefully consider every casting decision.

My child has a brother or sister auditioning. If they are both cast, will they be in the same team?
Wherever possible, yes. We’ve always managed to keep siblings together and will do our very best to do so again.

What if I can’t attend my audition?
Please contact us as soon as possible at panto@upstagers.org.uk. We’ll always do our best to help, although we can’t guarantee an alternative audition slot.

Will I need to attend every rehearsal?
No. You’ll only be called for rehearsals that involve your role or group. Once casting is complete, we’ll publish a detailed rehearsal schedule.

If you have any other questions, please email panto@upstagers.org.uk and we’ll do our best to help.

We can’t wait to see you at auditions – break a leg! 🌟

Sundays (group timings to be confirmed – morning or afternoon)

Tuesdays (19:00–21:30)
Thursdays (19:30-22:00)
Sundays (times vary)

Please note that not all principals will be required at every rehearsal – a detailed schedule will be shared after casting.

The show will be performed at Ilkley's beautiful King's Hall & Winter Garden. The venue is in the heart of Ilkley town centre, directly opposite the railway station.

Friday 22nd January 2027, 19:00
Saturday 23rd January 2027, 13:30
Saturday 23rd January 2027, 18:30
Sunday 24th January 2027, 13:30
Tuesday 26th January 2027, 19:00
Wednesday 27th January 2027, 19:00
Thursday 28th January 2027, 19:00
Friday 29th January 2027, 19:00
Saturday 30th January 2027, 13:30
Saturday 30th January 2027, 18:30

Tickets are already on sale and are available at our online box office.