Introducing StageAbility’s NEW Audition Coaching Workshop
We’ve been producing our annual StageAbility pantomime since 2013, and over the years we’ve watched hundreds of young performers audition for roles. And we’ve noticed something.
Some children are capable of so much more than they show us in an audition.
We see them in drama classes. We know how funny they can be. We’ve seen their confidence, characterisation and stage presence. But when audition day arrives, something changes.
They haven’t learnt the script properly. They stand still. They speak too quietly. They give us very little character. Or they simply haven’t prepared enough.
Often, it isn’t a lack of ability. They genuinely don’t know what a great audition looks like.
That’s why, for the first time, we’re introducing a Children’s Audition Coaching Workshop in Lower Earley on Sunday 30th August 2026.
What are directors looking for in a children’s audition?
One of the biggest misconceptions young performers have is that an audition is simply about learning some words and saying them to the audition panel.
We want children to understand that their five-minute audition is their opportunity to give us a performance.
We want to see preparation, energy and character. We want them to make choices. We want to see how they move as the character, hear a confident voice and watch them bring the words on the page to life.
Most importantly, we want them to walk out knowing they showed us what they can really do.
What will happen at our Audition Coaching Workshop?
During this practical 90-minute audition workshop for children aged 7-16, our young performers will work with the director of our 2026 pantomime and a former StageAbility student who successfully auditioned for principal roles herself.
Rather than simply talking about auditions, we’re going to show them.
Students will discover the difference between an audition that is under-prepared and one that makes the panel sit up and take notice. We’ll look at learning audition material, making strong character choices, using movement and facial expression, bringing energy to a performance and performing a song confidently to a backing track.
They’ll also receive practical coaching and feedback that they can put into action when preparing at home.
Who is the Audition Coaching Workshop for?
The workshop is ideal for a child who is considering auditioning for a principal role for the first time and isn’t quite sure what will be expected.
It’s equally valuable for a young performer who has auditioned before and wondered afterwards:
“Why didn’t I get the part I wanted?”
Our aim isn’t to promise anyone a particular role. Casting depends on many different factors. What we can do is give children a much clearer understanding of the level of preparation and performance we are looking for, so they can give themselves the best possible chance.
And these are skills that will be useful for future youth theatre auditions, drama auditions and musical theatre auditions, not only Snow White.
Snow White pantomime auditions in Lower Earley
Our Snow White principal auditions take place on Sunday 6th September, with our relaxed group audition on Sunday 13th September for children who would prefer to join the company without auditioning for a named role.
You don’t need to attend StageAbility drama classes to take part in our pantomime. The production is a completely separate, optional opportunity and is open to young performers aged 7-18.
Our auditions, coaching workshop and rehearsals all take place in Lower Earley, near Reading, providing a central meeting point for young performers from Reading, Wokingham and the surrounding Berkshire area.
NEW Audition Coaching Workshop
Sunday 30th August 2026
Lower Earley
Ages 7-18
90 minutes of practical audition coaching
Just £9
Places are deliberately limited because we want every young performer to have time to participate and receive useful coaching and feedback.
If your child is planning to audition for a principal role in Snow White 2026, this is their chance to discover what happens on the other side of the audition table and learn how to walk into that room ready to perform.
Find out more and book your Audition Coaching Workshop place here:
https://calendly.com/jackie-stageability/panto-audition-workshop
Find out everything you need to know about Snow White 2026, including auditions and rehearsals:
https://stageability.eo.page/panto-info-pack