GET INVOLVED
Find out more about our Community Engagement Programme and how local residents can get involved
Community Cast
ELSF Community Cast is an exciting and free performance opportunity open to all local residents (14yrs+), whether you are an aspiring actor or simply want to give it a go!
The Community Cast take part in workshops and rehearsals, led by professional directors and cast
Learn short sections of the show, songs and movement sequences & dance routines - some Community Cast will allocated speaking lines
Perform alongside professional actors in productions at your local venue
No previous performance experience required
Travel expenses covered
Inclusive & accessible
Community Cast Feedback & Legacy
Community Cast Alumni
2022-2025 Zora Duric-Speare studying at Bodens Performing Arts College & ongoing employment with ELSF partner organisations
2022 Tasmiyah Rahman joined NYT Rep Company
2022 Caitlin Stevenson became our 2023 Apprentice Actor, now studying at LAMDA
2025 Feedback, Michelle, age 54
"I got to meet new people, do something fantastic and out of my comfort zone, it has allowed me to kick start my acting career, which is something I have wanted to do but did not know how to get into, I have learnt the practise does make perfect in regards to learning my lines, enjoyed working with a very diverse team"
2023 Feedback, Greg Madden & Ruby Madden (father/daughter)
"Hi Rosie and Ursula, just a quick note to say thank you for welcoming Ruby and I into the show. It was a great experience for us both. Please pass on our thanks to all the cast and crew. It was a genuine privilege to watch you all work and to see the life affirming impact your performances had on the audiences time after time. Thank you. All the best."
Community Cast Participant Feedback
Apprentice Scheme
ELSF runs an extensive Apprentice Scheme for young people aged 18-24 years olds, offering paid, professional opportunities to aspiring actors and creatives.
Apprentice Actor Scheme, running since 2021
Open to young actors (aged 18-24) with aspirations to audition for drama school and/or pursue acting professionally.
Apprentice Actors are full cast members and rehearse alongside the professional cast, obtaining a professional credit.
ELSF provides free tutoring/mentoring/training/audition prep to support their aspirations i.e. applying/auditioning to drama school, securing an agent, professional auditions.
Stage Management & Production Apprentice, running since 2025
Open to young people (aged 18-24) with aspirations to pursue a career in Stage Management /Theatre Company Management.
Stage Management & Production Apprentices are full company members, rehearsing and touring with professional cast & creatives, obtaining a professional credit.
ELSF provides free tutoring/mentoring/training/audition prep to support their aspirations i.e. applying for drama school, securing work, professional connections.
All Apprentice roles are paid in line with Statutory Apprentice Rates.
Work alongside professional creative team and cast
Gain professional credit, paid at statutory apprentice rates
Mentoring from experienced team, and creative partners
Apprentice Scheme Feedback & Legacy
Apprentice Feedback
Volunteer Usher Scheme
We use a team of Volunteer Ushers at all our shows.
Ushers help during arrival & departure of the audience & the interval, at our performances in local parks.
Meet the cast, get a behind the scene glimpse at a professional show & enjoy the performance for free.
Flexible role - volunteers select dates/venues that suit them
Travel expenses covered
Craft Workshops for Children
ELSF run pre-show craft workshops for 4-11 year olds, facilitated by cast members.
These can be booked when booking tickets.
Engaging children and families
Fostering an early connection with Shakespeare
Engaging young audiences and an opportunity to meet the cast