OT 18-25 Young Company: 2026 and beyond
We will, however, be running two performance projects suitable for 18-25 year olds in 2026. Applications are currently open for the first (see below for details) and more information for the second will be released later in the year.
To be on the mailing list for opportunities for 18-25 year olds, please email community@orangetreetheatre.co.uk, specifying which mailing list you would like to be on.
What is the OT 18-25 Young Company?
The group is an ensemble for people aged 18 to 25 to begin or further their skillset in the performing arts. It nurtures individual voices and skills within the Company whilst participants work collaboratively with like-minded people.
The OT 18-25 Young Company are forming once again in 2026 to perform as part of our Richmond Myths Festival.
Richmond Myths is a weekend-long festival co-produced by the Orange Tree Theatre and Richmond Council, celebrating culture and creativity in Richmond. For three days, the town centre will be taken over by myths and monsters, fates and fiends, gods and heroes, with performances happening across the town.
At the centre will be the 18-25 Young Company’s performance written by Alexandra Wood and directed by Jess Haygarth. It will take place be in the middle of Richmond high street, which will be closed to traffic but bustling with activity. It will be a fun, colourful, outlandish piece of street theatre introducing the twelve Olympian gods.
Who is it for?
The Company is open to those aged 18 to 25 who have had some performing experience but have not had significant training (e.g. a BA/MA from a drama school). Maybe you’re a very experienced performer or maybe this is an early opportunity for you – that’s ok. Most importantly, you are ambitious for the company and thrive in a creative, playful rehearsal room.
For Richmond Myths, we are looking for those who are interested in devised theatre and street performance. This doesn’t mean you need to be experienced at all in either, but you must be interested in these forms of theatre.
What’s the commitment?
The Young Company rehearses Monday and Tuesday evenings 7:30pm – 10pm and Sundays 10am – 6pm. The performance is on the weekend of the 17/18th of July. You must be available for these rehearsals and for the performance dates.
Sunday 24th May- 10-6pm
Monday 25th 19.30- 10pm
Tuesday 26th 19.30- 10pm
Sunday 31st May- 10-6
Monday 1st, 19.30- 10pm
Tuesday 2nd 19.30- 10pm
Sunday 7th June 10-6
Break
Monday 22nd, 19.30- 10pm
Tuesday 23rd 19.30- 10pm
Sunday 28th June 10-6
Monday 29th 19.30- 10pm
Tuesday 30th June 19.30- 10pm
Sunday 5th July 10-6
Monday 6th, 19.30- 10pm
Tuesday 7th 19.30- 10pm
Sunday 12th July 10-6
Monday 13th 19.30- 10pm
Tuesday 14th July 19.30- 10pm
Tech Friday 17th July (timing TBC)
Performance Saturday 18th July all day
How do I get involved?
1st Stage: please apply to audition via this form by 10pm Tuesday 5th May 2026. Please note when you’re applying your availability for the above dates.
2nd Stage: we will invite selected participants to a 45 minute group workshop audition at the Orange Tree rehearsal rooms on Tuesday 12th May. We will select the 8 participants from the auditions.
This is a free project – you do not need to pay to take part.
Previous 18-25 Young Company projects:
The 2025 Young Company formed for a ten-month period, which spanned three projects:
- Spring showcase (March-April): A five-week masterclass on working with text and building character for performance, led by OT Resident Assistant Director Rosie Tricks and culminating in a sharing of scenes in the Orange Tree Theatre.
- Devised piece (April-July): Directed by OT Associate Jess Haygarth, the company will create an original piece of theatre in response to Poor Clare, performed at the OT in July 2025.
- Alice in Wonderland (September-December): The Young Company presented the OT’s family Christmas show, in a new version of the classic story by Chinonyerem Odimba, for a week-long run at the OT.
Reviews for the 2024 Young Company’s Treasure Island:
“A company of polished actors across the board, full of exuberance, pace, mischief and fun. It is an extraordinary achievement.” **** The Guardian
“Radiated energy and vigour” Twickenham Nub News
“An outstanding way of launching young actors” Fringe Review
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