National Theatre launch exclusive casting meetings for pandemic graduates

The National Theatre (NT) has announced a new series of general meetings with their Casting Department for professional actors who have graduated, or started their careers, during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Applications for meetings will also be open to those who have started their careers from alternative routes, with or without classical training, and began working professionally after January 2020.

The casting team state they wish to hear only from actors who have interest in stage performance, and performing a classical text. Applicants are asked to prepare a 2–3 minute classical monologue from Shakespeare or one of Shakespeare’s contemporaries. 

NT head of casting, Alastair Coomer, told D&T: ‘We were terribly aware of how disruptive the last 18 months has been for all actors, and in particular for anyone who has graduated or started their first jobs in the pandemic.

‘As a department we really missed meeting the graduating actors so we wanted to offer up auditions across the country. We’re excited about seeing who is out there, and hopefully inviting some of them to join us at the National Theatre next year.’

The deadline for applications is 18 October; the casting team actively encourage applications from D/deaf, disables and neurodivergent actors, and those of all ethnicities, gender identities and backgrounds to apply. 

To apply for a general meeting email casting@nationaltheatre.org.uk with the headline ‘GENERAL MEETING 2021’. For more information on the opportunity visit NT’s website. 

www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/blog/meetings-national-theatre-casting-department-recent-graduates