Posted By: Editor
October 8, 2025
The Babbacombe Theatre in Torquay is once again searching for talented young performers to join the professional cast for its 2026 season. This production will be a particularly special celebration, as the theatre’s owner and producer/director, Colin Matthews, marks his 40th year at the helm of the venue.
Auditions will take place at the theatre on Sunday 2nd November. The production team is inviting applications from junior performers aged six and above who can sing and dance, as well as senior female dancers aged 15 and over with a strong background in Ballet, Modern, Jazz and Tap.
Junior auditions will begin at 10.30am, with doors opening at 10.00am. The minimum age is six, and while there is no upper age limit, there is a maximum height restriction of 4ft 9ins (144.5cm). All children will be required to sing first using a backing track provided by the production team, followed by a short dance routine taught on the day. Children should arrive dressed to dance, with jazz shoes or trainers.
The show will feature four teams of children, who will alternate performances between 17th February and 14th October 2026. Each team will perform up to 18 shows on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings. While some children may have other commitments such as holidays or school activities, the production team will work to accommodate known unavailable dates. Parents or guardians are encouraged to bring any confirmed absence dates to the audition.
Senior dancers should arrive at the theatre for 11.30am. Applicants must be aged 15 or older and be between 5ft 3ins (160cm) and 5ft 10ins (178cm). All dancers must be confident across all dance genres, with routines on the day set in commercial dance and lyrical ballet. Ballet and jazz shoes or trainers will be needed. Singing is not required for senior dancers, but those who would like to be heard, time permitting, may audition vocally if they bring their own backing track.
All applicants will need to complete a registration form. Seniors must pre-register before the audition date. Registration forms and all relevant materials, including the juniors audition tracks, are available to download directly from the theatre’s website at www.babbacombe-theatre.com/news. Additionally, paperwork is available from the Box Office, or can be emailed on request
Successful candidates will need to be available for all scheduled rehearsals, some of which will take place during term time for senior performers. Seniors currently in full-time education must check in advance that authorised absence can be granted. All cast members will also need to be available for a photocall taking place later in November, outside school hours.
For enquiries regarding the junior audition song and lyrics, please contact Sharon Waring via email at sharon@matpro-show.biz. Further details, registration paperwork and audition materials are also available online.
This is a unique opportunity for young performers to work within a professional production, and to be part of a landmark season celebrating four decades of Devons No.1 Theatre (TripAdvisor) under Colin Matthews’ direction.
