What is the Orange Tree 15-18 Young Company?

The Orange Tree 15-18 Young Company is an opportunity for young people interested in performing and theatre-making to have fun, be creatively challenged and collaborate with like-minded people. You will be taught by an experienced director to be bold, creative and passionate in your work during engaging weekly sessions.

From November 2026 – May 2027, the 15-18 Young Company is forming once again to take part in the National Theatre’s Connections festival. Over the course of 7 months, the company will rehearse Wildfire by Oliver Emanuel and Victoria Beasley and perform it twice: first on the Orange Tree stage, then in a celebration with other Youth Theatres at the Lyric Hammersmith.  A small number of companies are finally chosen to perform at the National Theatre.

15-18 Young Company members meet 1-2 times a week and will:

• Take part in a rehearsal process with Madi Mahoney, director and Community Manager at the OT
• Develop technique in voice, movement, character building and text work
• Meet and create a show with likeminded people
• Explore creative expression in a safe and supportive environment
• Perform a new play at the Orange Tree Theatre and Lyric Hammersmith, with the potential to perform as part of the National Theatre Festival in July
• Work alongside the 15-18 Young Creatives, who will be the creative team and technicians for the show (applications for 15-18 Young Creatives also open now!)

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for 15-18 year olds who thrive in a creative, playful rehearsal room. Maybe you’re an experienced actor or maybe this is your first time on a stage – that’s ok!  Most importantly you are ambitious for the company and excited to build a fantastic show alongside other cast members.

How do I get involved?

Applications for our 15-18 Young Company are now open! The deadline for applications is Friday 30^th October at 10am.

If you’re looking to take part in the Young Creatives, please click here for more information.

TO APPLY:

1. Read the rest of the page to make sure you are available for rehearsals and performances, and to familiarise yourself with costs and bursaries
2. Please fill out this form, telling us a little bit about yourself and why you want to be part of the 15-18 Young Company.
3. We will then invite everyone to audition at the Orange Tree Theatre on either Sunday 1^st November afternoon or Thursday 5^th November evening. We will run a workshop audition process, with some ensemble-building activities and some script work. This allows us to meet everyone, and for you to make sure you like the way we work.

We’re so excited to meet you!

Cost and bursaries

The cost is £295 per person for the whole project. To ensure that the Young Company is accessible and open to everyone, we have full and partial bursary places available. Please get in contact with Community Director Francesca, at francesca.ellis@orangetreetheatre.co.uk for more information.

15-18 Young Company key dates

Click here for the schedule

It is essential that you are available for the dress rehearsals and the two performance days, most of the Thursdays and for the February Half Term intensive days.