Octagon Theatre Bolton - Casting Policy

The Octagon produces a minimum of eight productions over two seasons (mid September to early July). David Thacker, the Octagon's Artistic Director, directs approximately five of these. The rest are directed by freelance directors.

The casting of each Octagon season is an ongoing process. We try and see as much work as possible, so it is always worth letting us know if you are performing, especially if it is within traveling distance of the Octagon. Please be aware, however, that whilst the Octagon is a thriving and vibrant theatre, we have a relatively small number of staff and cannot always attend a performance. Due to the large number of requests we receive of this nature, it is not always possible to reply to every single letter.

We have various channels for receiving casting submissions. Briefly, these channels are as follows. Click on the links below in order to get more information:

• Direct submissions
• Submission via agents
• Partnership submissions

• Auditions

Direct submission

• For a casting enquiries for each production please contact Vicky Gashe (see address below)
• Please send your CV to Vicky Gashe, Octagon Theatre, Howell Croft South, Bolton, BL1 1SB or email vicky.gashe@octagonbolton.co.uk marking the envelope/message ‘Casting Submission’.
• If you supply a head shot these will only be returned if you supply a SAE
• We request you indicate which role you think you would be best suited for.
• Our casting team will make a judgment on your suitability for this season and you will be contacted and notified should we like to meet with you or your CV will be kept on file for the duration of the season.
• If we feel you are not suitable at this time you will be notified by letter.

Agent submission

• We welcome submissions from agents. We prefer that agents indicate the character their clients are most suited to.
• You can find more information on the current roles we are looking for by clicking here.

Partnership submission

• We also are forging strong partnerships with local organisations including Actors Centre North
• In partnership with Actors Centre North, we will be holding a series of Actors Workshops that provides an opportunity for actors to meet and work with the Octagon’s Artistic Director, David Thacker.
• At the end of these sessions there will be opportunity for actors to put themselves forward for roles.
• For more information on workshop dates visit the Actors Centre North website: www.actorsentrenorth.com

Auditions

If you receive an audition, please make sure that you have taken the time to read the play so that the director can have a dialogue with you about it. If you have only been called for an audition at short notice this may not be possible and will of course be taken into account. If the production is a new play, we will endeavour to send you the relevant scenes and, on occasion, the full script.

Be in good time for your audition and if you have to cancel or are going to be late please let us know. 'Gate-crashing' auditions is not a good idea as it puts unfair pressure on the people who are casting.

If you have been auditioned we will always let you know if you have or have not been successful. We will try to be as clear as possible as to when we are able to make a decision, however don't always assume that if you have not heard for a week that you have not got the part - putting the right cast together is like a complicated jigsaw and can take a long time.

We have an integrated casting policy. We seek to cast actors from all cultural groups and of all ethnicities. We also seek to provide opportunities for actors with disabilities or physical impairments to be cast in any of our productions.

For further casting enquiries, please contact Vicky Gashe: