From application to stage, the road to becoming a member of the renowned Potters Theatre Company is a rigorous one, while for the creative team at Potters, it’s all about discovering the top 1%.
Following a nationwide recruitment drive in the autumn, Creative Producer Roxy Yarnold received over 1,500 applications, something that isn’t a surprise when it comes to the PTC.
“Joining our theatre company is certainly aspirational. For the successful applicants, they’ll get to perform in some of the best theatres in the UK that benefit from constant reinvestment. They also have a highly-skilled technical team overseeing every performance.”
Those applications had to be whittled down to around 200, well before auditions took place across two full-on days in December. Roxy, along with Shane Balls, Katie Green, and Saskia Dean, put those that made the cut through their paces at Danceworks, London – a venue that the Potters Theatre Company has used year after year, in the heart of London’s West End.
Roxy continues: “We’ve retained a number of favourite faces in the Potters Theatre Company for 2025 so, having received applications from 1,500 hopefuls, it’s our job to discover the best twelve with the skills and personalities to complement them.
“During the auditions, we’ll each make notes on those that catch our eye. Often they’ll match up when we chat at the end of each audition, but having recorded every session too, we can revert back to footage if we need to take a second look, either right away or when back on Resort.”
The team saw 70 vocalists during auditionsDay one at the studio was all about vocals, with just 70 making it to the audition stage. Those who impressed were called back later for a dance call, testing their versatility. Day two then focused on the dancers, with 120 to see, and various routines for them to perform.
Roxy continues: “We’re looking at both their level, but also how quickly they pick things up given the variety of productions they’ll perform on our stages.”
Putting the dancers through their paces!With auditions complete, there are several definite offers. However, some final places require further discussion on the train back to Hopton-on-Sea.
“This year, we have a really short timeframe between auditions and getting them on stage in March. The standard was, once again, exceptional. That always sounds like a cliché, but the reality is, the level of applications improves every year. That makes our job difficult, but ultimately creates an increasingly brilliant experience for our guests.”
Dancers were given a variety of routines to learn and performHaving offered contracts to the successful applicants, an intense period of rehearsal follows throughout the winter. As well as debuting in the new Totally 80s show, they will also need to learn Spotlight and Simply the Best ready for the spring.
“Yes, it’s a big challenge for them. If they were performing in the West End, chances are they’d only be getting to grips with one show. At Potters it’s three, with new shows on the horizon too.
“To the guest eye, it’s a seamless process, but behind the scenes, they’re hugely talented and will benefit from the tremendous support and experience of the existing team, and all the creatives involved.”
We can’t wait to meet the new Potters Theatre Company cast members, and see them take to the stage from March!
