Auditions announced for hit musical Cats in Telford
Young performers have been cuddling up to their feline friends as they call on dancers across the Midlands to bid for a starring role in the hit musical Cats.
Members of The Arts Centre Telford brought their pet cats to drama school as they prepare for auditions for the forthcoming show.
The production, the biggest of the year for TACT, is planned for January, with show bosses now looking for a cast of around 50 to bring the Andrew Lloyd Webber hit to life.
Ross Doodson, founder and musical director at TACT, said the show was a popular one for dancers but most performers were keen to star in Cats.
The company will be bringing in a professional orchestra for the show which is to be staged at Oakengates Theatre, Telford, on January 28 and 29.
Auditions will be held at TACT in Ketley next Saturday (9) from noon until 6pm.
Mr Doodson said: “This is a dance-heavy show and we are very excited about taking it on.
"Many young dancers across the Midlands may not get a chance to star in a show like this with the backing of a professional production including music, wardrobe and choreography so we want to let everyone know the auditions are open to all."
Those who are chosen for roles will join TACT and take part in Saturday rehearsals between now and January with a full team of professional and experienced tutors.
Mr Doodson said he was keen to encourage as many young people as possible to get involved.
He said: “This is a big show with a widespread fan base and we believe here at TACT in giving those kinds of shows the dedication and commitment they deserve.
"The cast and crew will be working extremely hard between now and January to bring together a show which will rival any of those the West End has to offer.
"But that also means that this is great experience and training for any young performer taking part.”
TACT, which also runs a weekly timetable of arts classes, is producing this musical as a joint junior and senior youth theatre project, combining some of the group’s most experienced young performers with those new to the musical theatre stage.
The age range for performers is seven to age 21.
Based on T S Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the show is set amongst a larger-than- life junkyard playground and is alive with feline characters including Rum Tum Tugger, Mr Mistoffelees, Macavity, Grizabella and Skimbleshanks.
For more information, email admin@theartscentretelford.com
