Chance to audition for Wolverhampton panto Snow White

There's exciting news for young actors in the area this week! Pantomime has officially arrived in Wolverhampton – even though it is only summertime,

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At 11am on August 13, Sam Kane and Jonathan Kiley, the executive producer of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre's 2011/2012 pantomime, will be holding an open audition at the theatre, to find children to appear as the magnificent seven.

This really is a once in a lifetime chance for youngsters to be part of the city's great panto tradition, starring alongside Mr Showbiz, Sam Kane, and his lovely wife Linda Lusardi who is appearing as The Wicked Queen.

No previous stage experience is needed. Youngsters just need to come along and perform their party piece – perhaps a poem, a monologue or simply tell a joke!

The only stipulation is that you must be between 4ft 1 and 4ft 8 tall and aged eight years or over.

If you wish to audition, you must register first via www.grandtheatre.co.uk and be prepared to stay all day.

Oh, and I know it's boring, but you must bring an adult with you.

A chance to appear in a professional pantomime and gather experience from some of the best panto performers in the business – it doesn't get much better than that kids!

On a serious note, taking part in theatre from an early age can really help to develop life skills.

Whether it is via a local dancing school, holiday club, drama group or school productions, adult amateur companies often reap the benefits of the experience gained by youngsters when they decide to spread their wings a little.

Theatre not only builds confidence, but exposes young people to all sorts of different aspects of life, helps them to make friends, can assist with public speaking and presenting skills which are often used in the workplace and even helps with their deportment and general appearance.

Any parent would have to admit, that's got to be good!

For little ones, school holiday groups where the kids get to perform a show at the end of the course are a good introduction to theatre.

From August 1-5, Stage 2 Performing Arts Academy, based in Shrewsbury, is running summer holiday workshops, for youngsters aged 5-16 years. The course runs from 10am – 4pm daily and participants will need to bring a packed lunch.

Stage 2 offer children the opportunity to learn acting techniques and mime, work off excess energy by taking part in dance routines and learn to sing a variety of pieces, including musical theatre favourites and chart topping hits.

At the end of the week, the group will show off their newly-acquired skills to friends and family, when on Friday evening they perform a show at Severndale School Theatre. There are only 30 places available, so if your child is interested, please contact 01743 232211 or email studio@stagetwo.co.uk quickly.

Later in August, the Stage 2 group based at Millennium Point in Birmingham is running three different summer school projects too. More about those nearer the time.

For teenagers, theatre can also be a great way of expressing pent up feelings and dispel teenage angst.

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre is presenting a production entitled Rough Diamondz from August 3-4, bringing together a group of young people from Wolverhampton, who come from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Presented by the city-wide collaborative organisation, E.Y.E.S, (Engage Youth Empowerment Service) who provide programmes especially designed for young people, Rough Diamondz is an expression of feelings through creative dance and urban music, by youngsters, who against all odds have avoided the temptations, tension and sometimes heartache they face in everyday life.

The show is suitable for age 15 and above and tickets can be obtained from the Grand Theatre box office on 01902 429212.

Now here's some news of local auditions.

Pink Productions, who perform at The Mill Theatre, Sedgley, are holding auditions on August 28 for their next musical production, entitled Muvicals (music from movies/musicals – not a typing error!) which they will perform in December.

More about the show later in the year, but for now, if you would like to audition to appear in it, the auditions are being held at Holy Trinity Church, Farrington Road, Ettingshall Park Estate at 1pm for under 12 year olds and 2.30pm for older children.

For further information, contact Jodie Richards at jodierichards@talktalk.net or call 01902 682087.

That's all for this week.

Email me at a.norton@expressandstar.co.uk or call 01902 319662 with all your news and photographs.

Break a leg!