Absolutely anyone can get involved with Pembroke Players shows as an actor. You can be from any Cambridge college, and don’t have to have any previous experience in acting or theatre at all. We encourage as many people to try out theatre with us as possible, and acting is a great way to get involved with student theatre. Pembroke Players put on multiple shows every term both in Pembroke New Cellars, and other student theatre venues across Cambridge and beyond, so there are always plenty of opportunities to get involved. These can range from low-commitment roles in smaller venues to roles you can really sink your teeth into in shows running at the Edinburgh Fringe—there’s something for everyone!

Audition information for all Cambridge student theatre, including Pembroke Players shows, can be found on Camdram (the portal website for Cambridge amateur theatre) in the ‘Vacancies’ section, and Facebook, both on the Pembroke Players Facebook page and the group Cambridge Theatre, which any Cambridge student can join. This is where different shows will advertise for actors throughout the year. Audition packs will include information about the director’s vision for the show, how to apply for an audition, and extracts from the play which the director would like to see actors audition with. 

The audition process for Cambridge student theatre can have a pretty quick turnaround, so don’t be worried about feeling like you haven't got much time to prepare. An audition panel will consist of the production’s director/s and often assistant director/s, who will understand how busy student life can be, and will make sure any actor feels welcome. You won’t be expected to memorise anything or research the show you are auditioning for, but you may be given some redirection, as directors are just looking for people they can work well with. If the audition is for a musical you may be asked to prepare a song, or if the audition is for a comedy or improv show you may be asked to do some exercises without preparation, to see how much you can think on your feet!

After your audition, you may be asked to attend a recall audition where the director may ask you to show them some different material, potentially with another actor. However, not every show requires recalls, and not being recalled for a show does not mean that the director didn’t like your audition or that you will not be cast. Don’t stress too much about the process of auditions and recalls—you can never know what the audition panel is thinking, and the Pembroke Players put on so many shows that there’s always plenty of opportunities to get involved. 

Once you have been cast in a show, the production team will work out a rehearsal schedule across the weeks until performances begin. Depending on how long the rehearsal period is, and the level of commitment required for your role, rehearsals can range from happening weekly to happening multiple times in a week, and the rehearsal schedule will become more busy as the show approaches!