Get Involved - Auditions
Whether you fancy yourself onstage, backstage or offstage, Progress Theatre offers a variety of ways for you to get involved.
We’re all volunteers here, learning on the job and from each other. There’s always room for more though, so if you want to pick up a new skill, perfect an old one, or share your expertise with us, we’d love to have you.
Open Auditions
Progress auditions are open to everyone: members, ex-members, and non-members. Unless the audition notice states otherwise, auditionees must be over 18.
If you are cast for a show, you will need to become a member, this is for legal and safety reasons.
Inclusion
Progress Theatre is committed to the principles of inclusion, and roles are open to all, including any gender identity, disability or ethnicity. Although some characters may be historical figures, auditionees of different ethnicities, disabilities and gender identities are encouraged to audition. We are committed to improving our access to all and would love to welcome you to the Progress community.
Please get in touch at [email protected]
Upcoming Auditions
What's Wrong With Angry
by Patrick Wilde
A heartfelt, rebellious, and defiantly joyful story of young gay love in a world that isn’t ready for it.
The play is set in Basingstoke, Hampshire where, although only forty miles away from London, the political and cultural landscape is very different. It takes place in the early 90’s and the age of consent for gay men is twenty-one. Section 28 is on the statute book, which specifically forbids local councils and schools from promoting homosexuality as a positive lifestyle, leaving young gay and lesbian teenagers isolated with no-one to talk to about their sexuality and their feelings.
This is a joint adult group and Progress Youth Theatre production.
Directed by Ali Carroll
Produced by Liz Carroll
Assistant Directed by Olly Swinyard
Contact details for any questions: [email protected]
Content warnings:
- Explicit descriptions of sexual activity
- Teenage gay relationships
- Adult gay relationships
- Homophobia
- Mysogony
- Bullying
- Mental illness, Isolation, Suicidal thoughts
There will be opportunities for discussions around these issues in the rehearsal process and for individuals to talk through any concerns. We will use an Intimacy Coordinator.
Steven and John will be played by actors who are over 16.
If you are 16 - 18 please discuss this content with your parents/guardians.
If you are 14 – 16 we will need written consent for you to be cast in the play.
Important dates:
Performance dates: 16-21 November 2026
Please contact Ali, Liz & Olly on [email protected] for further information or to arrange an audition.
This is a joint adult/youth show and we have cast the adult parts and some youth parts, so are keen to cast these roles as soon as possible.
Characters:
Steven Carter (playing age 16) – Brave, funny and very bright, he is gay at a time when the age of consent for gay men was 21. He’s known he is gay for a while and is personally comfortable with it, having discovered sex through cottaging, but is terrified of anyone finding out, especially his Catholic parents. He attends an all-boys’ Catholic school in ultra conservative Basingstoke where he is bullied.
John Westhead (playing age 18) – The school captain, very bright and heading for Oxford University. He’s also stunningly handsome and a superb sportsman. He’s perfect, except he has secret feelings for other lads, and falls for Steven. Tortured by his secret love and passions, he is terrified of anyone finding out.
Kevin Granger (playing age 18) – A bully. He’s part of John’s crowd and idolises him. He particularly picks on Steven, but as with most bullies it’s all bravado. He thinks he’s God’s gift to women but is actually a virgin and very sexually awkward.
Dave (playing age 18) – 18 year old Dave is one of John’s school mates. He’s cooler than Kevin, and joins in the bullying of Steven less willingly.
Ensemble – School children – boys aged 14 – 18; girls aged 15 – 18 for disco; funeral relatives. Few or no lines and are in only 1 or 2 scenes so will not be required at as many rehearsals.