Calendar Girls Community Chorus

We’d love to hear from you if you:

• Are 18 or over (playing age 16–18)
• Are an aspiring actor and have not completed professional training
• Are a confident singer
• Are interested in performing in a professional production

We’d love applications from people of all backgrounds, and encourage applications from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds, those who identify as disabled, neurodivergent people, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
If you need us to make any adjustments to allow you to fully participate, would like an informal and confidential discussion about the position please contact rhall@wolseytheatre.co.uk

About the show:

Calendar Girls the Musical tells the true story of a group of women in a Yorkshire Women’s Institute who create a calendar to raise money for charity after the death of a loved one. The story is funny, moving and uplifting. It became a global phenomenon, inspiring a film, a play and this award-winning musical written by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth.

Content note: includes strong language, brief nudity, and themes of illness, grief and death.

This is a co-production between New Wolsey Theatre, Stephen Joseph Theatre, Theatre by the Lake and Octagon Theatre Bolton. This casting is for performances at the New Wolsey Theatre only.

Key information:

• You must live in or near Ipswich
• Performances at NWT are 10th – 26th September 2026
• Some rehearsals will take place in August and September
• Audition date: Sunday 12th July 2026

This is a voluntary (unpaid) opportunity. Travel expenses will be reimbursed and meals will be provided during technical rehearsals where needed.

Time commitment:

Rehearsals:

• Some online and in-person rehearsals in August (dates to be confirmed)
• One full-day rehearsal on either Saturday 5th or Sunday 6th September (10am–5pm)

Technical rehearsals (you must be available):

• Monday 7th September 2026 (daytime)
• Tuesday 8th September 2026 (daytime)
• Wednesday 9th September 2026 (daytime)
• Thursday 10th September 2026 (daytime)

Performances:

From 10th to 26th September 2026, including evening shows and weekday and weekend matinees. There will be two teams of three actors, so you will not be required to perform in every show but you must have good availability for this period.

How to apply:

Step 1 – Click the button at the top of this page to complete the online application google form – deadline is 10am on Mon 22 June. If you need help completing the form, please email rhall@wolseytheatre.co.uk.

Step 2 – Send a headshot to rhall@wolseytheatre.co.uk. A headshot is a recent photo of you, framed from the head and shoulders. It should be clear, well-lit. and in focus. A simple photo is absolutely fine — it does not need to be professionally taken.

Step 3 – Send a self-tape (methods of sending this to us below). A self-tape is a video you record yourself – this can be done on a phone or tablet. It should be clear and easy to see and hear you. Your self-tape should include:

1. A short introduction – tell us your name and a little about yourself.
2. Deliver the audition monologue (see the end of this call out for the monologue and some notes from the Community Director of the show).
3. Singing – perform one verse and one chorus from a musical theatre song of your choice.

Tips for filming your self-tape:

• Record in a quiet space with minimal background noise
• Make sure your face is clearly visible (head and shoulders in frame)
• Film in good lighting (natural light in front of you works well)
• Check your sound- we should be able to hear you clearly
• Keep the camera steady (prop your phone up if possible)
• Look towards the camera when speaking
• Do a quick test recording first to check everything works

It does not need to be perfect- we just want to see you and hear you clearly.

Please send your self-tape either as a:

• YouTube link
• Google Drive link
• Tagmin link

If you need advice or support to create or send your self-tape, email rhall@wolseytheatre.co.uk

Data protection:

The information you provide will only be used for the application process and will be shared with relevant staff at New Wolsey Theatre, Stephen Joseph Theatre, and the creative team. If you’ve never applied for something like this before, you are very welcome – we are keen to hear from people with a wide range of experiences.

Click here to download the audition monologue

If you need this document in a different format, please email rhall@wolseytheatre.co.uk