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Claire Cassidy and Nahel Tzegai |
Making a bid for theatre in the round
Budding actors stake their claims to places on prestigious Roundhouse drama course
PRETENDING to be a tree is pretty standard fare during drama lessons. But things were a little more sophisticated on Tuesday when a batch of hopefuls auditioned for a place in Camden’s newest and highly prestigious theatre group.
The youngsters, aged between 16 and 25, turned up to audition at the Roundhouse in Chalk Farm, keen to be one of those selected for the ambitious group.
With more than 60 auditioning – and just 10-15 places – getting in is not easy, but for those who succeed it will be more than just a rewarding way to spend an evening a week.
In fact, because of the Roundhouse’s many friends in high places, the group already has two top industry names working on it and organisers are in the process of lining up a show at next year’s Edinburgh Festival.
The group will also perform alongside leading actors in the venue’s many top productions.
Josie Bamford, performing arts programme co-ordinator at the Roundhouse, said she saw the project as unique.
“We will use our links and really give these young people a chance to work with very professional artists,” she said.
“We want them to be quite well known and seen as a respected young theatre company.”
Anyone who has missed the boat this year shouldn’t worry as auditions will be held annually, with some turnover expected as older members leave for university and work.
One of those crossing her fingers at the auditions was Claire Cassidy, 19, from Kentish Town.
The former Camden School for Girls pupil said: “It would be an amazing opportunity to be involved in something as creative as this.”
Like fellow hopefuls Camden Town university student Hahel Tzegai, 22, and Karim Kherba, 17, also from Camden Town, Claire expected to find out today (Thursday) whether she would be recalled for a second round of selection.
“At first it was quite nerve-wracking but after the first 15 minutes everyone relaxed,” she said of round one.
The final line-up will be decided by the panel today. |
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