Aspiring actors will be auditioning this week to join a new theatre company set up for young people with a passion for the theatre.

The Shoebox Theatre, based in Swindon, is auditioning for actors, aged between 15-18 years, to join the youth company.

For their first project, the cast will work with Luke Marquez, Artistic Director of Wrong Shoes Theatre Company, to create an original contemporary performance.

“We wanted to give young people the opportunity to explore contemporary theatre practices and develop their skills whilst working towards a performance. Our upcoming project will develop a piece for FUSE Festival, which has helped to support emerging theatre companies from all over the country. It will be a great opportunity for our young company to gain experience in a festival environment and to learn about the industry.” said Luke.

THere will also be a chance for those becoming members to have a say and take a role in managing the new company. There will also be opportunities to learn the ropes in other roles such as directing, producing and writing.

Wrong Shoes is a professional touring theatre company, whose work is supported and funded by the Arts Council England. The company manage the Shoebox Theatre, which recently moved into the Health Hydro on Milton Road.

Swindon's Billie Piper, became the patron of the Shoebox Theatre, when it officially launched in February 2017.

“Venues like the Shoebox are really wonderful and important. When I was growing up in Swindon, I came through the traditional drama training routes, which are great, but the Shoebox Theatre offers alternative ways of developing skills and gaining experience, which is really, really exciting.” said Billie.

Auditions will be held at the Shoebox Theatre on March 4, from 7.15pm-9.15pm. Rehearsals will take place every Monday evening and the performanc will be on Friday, July 5 at FUSE Festival. The project fee is £120 (to be paid in two installments of £60). To find out more and book an audition visit www.shoeboxtheatre.org.uk/yt.