Who Can Join CAST Academy?

CAST Academy is open to young people from the age of 10 years, through to 18 years. although youngsters beyond school leaving age are also able to join the full CAST group but they can remain with Academy until the age of 18 - (visit www.cast-online.org.uk for further information on the adult group)

Who runs CAST Academy?

Unlike many other Youth Theatre Groups/Schools, CAST Academy is essentially run by volunteers from the long established 'CAST' Theatre Group who between them have many years experience within the world of theatre. This means that our fees are considerably lower than these other groups, as we are not set-up to make a profit. All revenue received through fees and ticket sales is invested into hire of performance space, staging of our productions and engagement (where necessary) of experienced teachers/musicians to complement the skills of our regular team during workshops and/or performances.

Where/when do CAST Academy meet?

CAST Academy meet at Colnbrook Village Hall in Vicarage Way, Colnbrook, SL3 0RA. Sessions are currently every Thursday evening from 6.30pm to 8pm, with additional rehearsals arranged on Monday evenings closer to productions as well as additional nights during show weeks for technical and dress rehearsals.

How much does it cost?

Membership of CAST Academy involves payment of a one-off membership fee of £10 (to cover insurance), followed by a season fee** to cover the costs of rehearsals and other activities related to the show being performed at the time. Whilst parents are encouraged to pay full fees in advance, a payment plan is available to spread payment over a longer period if required.

** The season fee for 2011/12 was £150.

Those members wishing to continue with the adult CAST group when eligible, will need to pay an additional payment once they finish full-time education. (This additional payment is currently £5, but is subject to change) 

How long is the CAST Academy season?

The Academy season commences after Easter and runs until February, culminating in a full-scale Musical production.

Do I need a CAST Academy Uniform?

All CAST Academy members will be provided with a group polo shirt to be worn at each session and other CA events. These polo shirts remain the property of CA, and will be recycled to other members as people grow out of them - we therefore expect them to be kept in good condition, particularly as you will be a ambassador for CA whenever you are wearing them!

If you grow out of your shirt, return it to a CA leader in good condition (ie. clean and pressed) and you will be provided with a larger size. (We reserve the right to charge for a replacement if shirts are returned in a damaged or soiled condition).

If you wish to buy a polo shirt to keep, extras are available at a cost of £14. Order forms and size charts are available from Kim or Rob.

Members are also required to wear black jazz shoes to all rehearsals. Trainers are not acceptable. For stockists please see Kim.

Do I need to audition to join CAST Academy?

NO! We are not expecting all prospective members to necessarily exhibit existing talent. What we are looking for is commitment and potential, along with a desire to learn and develop.

Is CAST Academy a youth club?

NO. The Academy is aimed at youngsters that genuinely want to learn about drama and the theatre. If you are not committed to working hard and developing yourself in this area, then CA may not be for you.

Can I try out CAST Academy before I join?

You are welcome to join us for a week to see what it is like before joining our waiting list. Guest visits MUST be arranged in advance with the group leaders by contacting kim@cast-academy.org.uk

You will need to pay a session fee of £2.50, but you will not need to pay membership and full subscription until you are able to join.

How can parents get involved?

CAST Academy welcomes and encourages the involvment of parents and family members, both with contributing to our sessions, and most importantly helping out behind the scenes during our productions. As stated earlier, CAST Academy relies on the work of many volunteers to keep fees down.

To comply with Child Protection regulations, we require licensed Chaperones to look after our youngsters during every performance and dress/technical rehearsal during show week.  

If every parent offered to help-out for one performance, it would be a great help and free up our own personnel to focus other areas of the production. Please see Kim for details of how to apply for a Chaperone license, we encourage everyone to apply, (particularly if your child is involved with other performing arts activities outside CA, where your support may also be requested).

Additionally, parents with skills within the arts who would like to share them are encouraged to join our leadership team, or offer to stage a workshop focussing on their own area of expertise. (Anyone wishing to get involved in this way may need to undergo a CRB disclosure before engagement)