Nottingham Playhouse has issued an open call-out for auditions for its Homegrown Performers 2026 programme. Auditions will take place on Tuesday 17 February and Tuesday 3 March and are open to young adults aged 18-30, who are keen to work professionally in the theatre industry.

Homegrown Performers is a pre-professional theatre programme, designed to support young people passionate about performing in theatre. Weekly rehearsals over the spring and summer terms, run by a professional director, will lead up to a Studio theatre performance in July.

Homegrown offers a unique entry route to the theatre industry; for those leaving further education, it provides experience of a professional process directed by practicing artists; for those returning from drama school or university, the chance to build professional relationships whilst gaining acting credits; and for those considering a career in performance, an inclusive and welcoming environment in which to explore their options.

Andy Reeves, Head of Participation (maternity cover) at Nottingham Playhouse, said:

“Nottingham is one of the most deprived cities in England, and so pursuing acting as a career can seem out of reach. Homegrown offers a pragmatic training ground for those who want to explore a career in theatre without committing to the cost and time of further education. And it suits some people to work in a less academic way. We have fabulous success stories from our Homegrown programme and are excited to see what talent will be revealed in our next auditions.”

Alec Boaden, who performed his first professional stage role in James Graham’s Punch at Nottingham Playhouse, at the Young Vic and in the West End, is an alumni of Homegrown, and said:

“In terms of professional development, it was massively useful to meet real directors and writers and try to understand their ideologies. If you can do that in a rehearsal room, it allows you to open up to new ways of working and not be pigeon-holed. It taught me to genuinely be myself.”

A limited number of bursary places are available for Homegrown for those for whom cost might be a barrier to taking part. Find out more on the Nottingham Playhouse website.