Auditions
Do I need to do dancing, singing and acting auditions?
It depends on what part you are auditioning for. Please see the Character List page.
Will/can I use the backing tracks in the actual audition?
Yes, we will be using the same tracks as those provided on the Singing page.
Casting
Ages
Annie, Named Orphans and Orphan Ensemble: Year 4 - 15
Adult Principals & Ensemble: 16+
How many people will form the company and how will the casting work?
It very much depends on who shows up! We suspect that we’ll attract a lot of interest, and will be casting one adult cast and two under 16 casts.
What happens if I get a part/my child gets a part I/they don’t want?
You should note on the audition form if you or your child is prepared to be considered for other roles – we expect hot competition for the lead parts! We would very much encourage everyone to be open to other opportunities but please do say if it’s that part or nothing as there will be others who may not be cast initially.
Will everyone auditioning be cast?
It depends how many people come to audition! We try to include as many people as possible in our productions.
Rehearsals
When will rehearsals be held?
Rehearsals will begin regularly from February 2nd (under 16s) and February 5th (16+), with a tbc once off rehearsal on January 19th for the under 16s.
Where will rehearsals be held?
We’re planning on holding Wednesdays rehearsals (mostly 16+) from 7:30-10pm at Shottery Memorial Hall, Hathaway Ln, Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9BL, and Sunday rehearsals (mostly under 16s) from 3-6pm at Ettington Community Centre, Rogers Lane, CV37 7SX which is a really spacious venue with lots of parking. Sundays will be for both under 16 casts at the same time to start, when we develop the rehearsal schedule this may split into 2, 2 hour slots to rehearse the casts seperately nearer the show time. The Adult cast will also join Sunday rehearsals later in the rehearsal period.
Please note that whichever two cast members are cast as Annie will have to attend some Wednesday rehearsals, and whoever is cast as Miss Hannigan, Oliver Warbucks and Grace Farrell will have to attend some Sunday rehearsals sooner than other Adult cast.
Is there anything else I need to know about rehearsals?
We have a rehearsal agreement which we'll ask every member of the cast to read and sign before rehearsals begin. You can read it on the links below.
SMTC Rehearsal Agreement (Over 16s)
SMTC Rehearsal Agreement (Parents of U16s)
The Show
What are the show dates?
The run is from Wednesday 21 - Sunday 25 May 2025 at Stratford Play House.
How much are tickets and when will they be on sale?
Ticket prices are to be confirmed. We will get tickets on sale as soon as we can once we know which performances the children will be taking part in as there may be more than one cast.
Will my child need a performing licence?
No – we have a Body of Persons Approval – a BOPA – agreed with Warwickshire County Council which means we have an overall licence for our performances featuring young people. We will need to provide lists of participants at a later date but this is a much less onerous process than licensing each child.
Some children may be an exception to the above, and may require a personal performance licence, this may be if they have performed in another production (with a paid audience) within six months of the Annie performance dates which would mean that Annie takes them over their alloted 4 performance days in a 6 month period for example. For more information on this and other exceptions please see the attached booklet: https://api.warwickshire.gov.uk/documents/WCCC-1145-88
If you have any further question please contact SMTC as per our email at the bottom of this page.
Adult Cast - DBS
After a change in legislation this year, all cast and crew that are 18+ will have to have a DBS check completed before the beginning of the rehearsal period. This is a must, we also must have the paper copy of the DBS on file. Once SMTC have received the paper copy and proof of payment, they will reimburse the cost of the DBS check .
What can I do to help?
What help do you need with the production?
Lots! We have a great production team and committee supporting them but will welcome help from parents or other members as chaperones at rehearsals and during show week, prop providers, set builders, backstage helpers – whatever you have time for or the skills to perform. DBS checks or (even better) chaperone licences are needed to perform chaperoning activities so if you have these, so much the better.
Do you ever look for sponsors?
We’re always interested in speaking to sponsors and will be putting together some packages offering differing levels of recognition and freebies. We’ll definitely be in touch!
Show Fees & SMTC Membership
How much does it cost to be part of the production?
Show fees are £120 and it's £30 to become a member of SMTC (you must be a member to take part). Fees and membership must be paid by the first rehearsal. Should this be unaffordable, we are happy to have a confidential chat with you as we do not want anyone not to be able to participate on the basis of cost.
Please see full information on Show Fees and Membership here: Show Fee & SMTC Membership - Information Sheet
If you have any other questions, you can contact us at stratmusicals@gmail.com