Drum roll please: this year’s GATEHOUSE SUMMER SCHOOL production can now be revealed as . . . PETER PAN!
The magical tale of the boy who never grew up will be performed in our Main Auditorium on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd August with auditions taking place at the Gatehouse on 10th May.
No theatre or performing experience is required, just a passion to take part and give it your best shot on stage.
It’s a chance to have fun, gain confidence, make friends and get your first taste of being on stage, under the guidance of a professional team with West End theatre and TV experience.
And this year, there’s a NEW element as we are running a TECHNICAL STAGE SCHOOL for people aged 16-24, running alongside the Summer School production. This is a chance to step into the wings and master the art of backstage craft.
From the precision of lighting and sound to the fast-paced world of stage management, you won’t just be watching from the side lines – you’ll be training with the pros.
Please read the following information carefully, complete the online application at the bottom of this page and send to charlotte.homer@freedom-leisure.co.uk
No worries if you can’t fill the form in online – applications will also be accepted in person on the day.
Production Information
Venue – Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
Rehearsals – Two week rehearsal period (Monday to Friday) from Monday 3rd August 2026
Technical Rehearsals – Begin Monday 17th August 2026
Performance Dates – Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd August Please note any applicant must be available for all rehearsals, technical rehearsals and performances.
Audition Day Information
– Registration will take place from 9.30am at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
– Please bring a passport-sized photograph with you to the audition
– Auditions run from 10am -1pm.
Call backs will take place at 2:30pm
– Please arrive promptly for registration
– Only auditionees between the ages 9- 18 years at the time of rehearsals will be accepted upon successful audition.
Audition Guidelines
Wear comfortable clothing and suitable shoes (ideally suitable for dance please).
Make sure your child has water with them.
Should your child be asthmatic, have allergies, or any other condition which requires medication, please ensure they have this with them, and let a member of the team know.
How the audition day works
– Places are offered on the basis of a successful audition. The auditions are a relaxed group based audition covering singing, dance and movement, script reading and improvisation. The outcome is based solely on our assessment of each individual’s ability and behaviour, as shown on the day.
Please note and respect that our decision is final. The sessions will last approximately 45 minutes each with the full audition lasting 3 hours. Call backs may be required and the auditionee will be advised of this in the morning session.
What we are looking for
We are looking for a group participants aged between 9-18 years with a passion for musical theatre to join us for a summer of singing and dancing as part of our cast for this year’s Summer school:
Big Commitment
Being in a Summer School production is a big commitment and takes up a lot of your time during the summer. Participants taking part in Summer School must be available for all rehearsals and performances as NO REHEARSALS OR PERFORMANCES CAN BE MISSED (Imagine Peter Pan with no Peter!)
Production Dates and Times
Rehearsal week 1: Monday 3rd August – Friday 7th August 9.30am – 4.30pm
Rehearsal week 2: Monday 10th August – Friday 14th August 9.30am -4.30pm
Cast members may be asked to stay until 6pm for extra rehearsals but you will be notified 24 hours beforehand.
Performance week: 17th August -22nd August Times to be advised
*Times may be subject to alterations.
Fee
The fee is £400 for three weeks tuition in a professional theatre. The fee is payable in advance and must be received by Friday 3rd July 2026. No payment by this date will forfeit the place.
A 50 per cent or 100 per cent Gatehouse bursary is available for those eligible, for more information and to apply please email charlotte.homer@freedom-leisure.co.uk
Other Information
You may be requested to provide elements of your own costume for the production.
There is an in-house behaviour policy, which all our applicants are expected to follow.
For any further details regarding this audition and production please do not hesitate to contact Charlotte Homer, Head Chaperone for Stafford Gatehouse Theatre on 01785 619080 or
Charlotte.homer@freedom-leisure.co.uk
More information and application forms are available from the links below and we hope to see you soon!
SUMMER SCHOOL APPLICATION FORM
SUMMER SCHOOL 2026 AUDITION INFORMATION