Auditions: Arts North Studios based in Sunderland

 The search is on for Sunderland's next stage stars

Young performers from across the North East are being invited to audition for two major musical productions, as one of the region's leading performing arts colleges expands its training programme.

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Arts North Studios, based in Sunderland, has launched a casting call for High School Musical and Finding Nemo The Musical, with auditions taking place at The Fire Station on Saturday 12 September.

The productions form part of a wider expansion for the college, which is launching a new Saturday academy in September to sit alongside its Sunday academy, already running at full capacity. The move will create further opportunities for young people to train in singing, dancing and acting alongside industry professionals.

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Those cast in the shows will rehearse as part of their weekly Weekend Academy classes in the run-up to each performance. Finding Nemo The Musical is scheduled for the Easter holidays on 3 and 4 April 2027, followed by High School Musical on 26 and 27 July 2027.

Auditions are open to performers of all ages, and junior members will also take part in a Christmas concert at The Fire Station in December. Organisers say anyone with an interest in musical theatre, singing, dancing or acting is welcome to apply.

Annie Guy, Principal of Arts North Studios, said the response to the college's existing Sunday academy had encouraged the expansion. "There is so much talent in the North East, and these auditions are about giving young performers and those with a passion for musical theatre the opportunity to develop, perform and push themselves in a professional environment," she said. "Whether you're taking your very first step onto the stage or already dreaming of the West End, we want to hear from you."

Arts North Studios has built a reputation as one of the region's leading training grounds for young performers, offering professional-level tuition in singing, acting and dance with a focus on confidence, creativity and personal development.

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The college also has a busy summer ahead, running its ArtsEd x Arts North Studios Musical Theatre Summer School, which gives aspiring performers the chance to train alongside tutors from Arts Educational Schools London, one of the UK's leading drama schools. Alongside this, a Musical Theatre Summer Camp will offer performers aged three and up a five-day course developing their singing, dancing and acting skills, culminating in a live performance at The Fire Station for family and friends.

Guy added that with the new auditions, the academy expansion and a packed summer schedule, Arts North Studios was heading into one of its busiest seasons yet as it continues its work nurturing the next generation of performers.

To register for auditions, contact academy@artsnorthstudios.com.