Introducing 'Octagon Connections Company 2027': Our new youth/young performance company

This January, the Octagon Theatre and Westlands Entertainment Venue are launching a new performance company aimed at 13-18 year olds who will perform a production in two south-west theatre locations.

We are delighted to be working with the National Theatre as part of their Connections 2027 programme, an annual nationwide youth theatre festival which celebrates the creativity and talent of young people across the UK.

This exciting project involving directors from the National Theatre, will see the new Octagon Connections Company perform at Westlands Entertainment Venue before taking the production to Exeter Northcott.

Working with our creative team between February to April 2027 across 40 hours of contact time, performers will develop acting technique, character, movement, ensemble work and the discipline of taking a production from first rehearsal to performance.

For our first year we will be developing our own production of Wildfire by Oliver Emanuel and Victoria Beesley.  A bold and topical play in which there are no predefined characters, only text, Wildfire offers a unique opportunity for actors to help create the characters and shape the narrative themselves.

Katherine Beverley, Arts Engagement & Outreach Manager, said: ““Launching our first-ever Octagon Connections Company is a hugely exciting milestone for us. Through our partnership with the National Theatre, young people in and around Yeovil will have the chance to be part of something truly special, working alongside professional theatre-makers and performing as part of a nationally celebrated youth theatre programme. Wildfire offers a unique creative challenge, and we’re looking forward to supporting a new generation of performers as they discover their voices, make lasting friendships and create an unforgettable piece of theatre together.”

How to get involved

We are looking for curious, creative and committed performers who are ready to take on the challenge. If you are aged 13-18, have a passion for theatre and are a budding performer, then NT Connections is for you.

Our free audition session will be held on Saturday 30 January, 2pm - 4pm, so keep the date free. Places will be limited and we are expecting strong interest, so early booking is encouraged.

We will be releasing details of how to sign up for the auditions in the coming weeks, so look out for the details on our social media and website. Alternatively, you can register to be notified of the details by emailing our Arts Engagement & Outreach Team at OctagonOutreach@somerset.gov.uk.

Rehearsal & Performance Schedule & Cost

For those cast in our Octagon Connections Company, we will expect you to be available for all (if not the majority) of rehearsals and both performance dates.

Rehearsals will take place at Westlands Entertainment Venue on Tuesdays & Friday, 4.45pm – 6.45pm. The project will cost a total of £160 per person, but broken down, that’s just £4 per hour over the 40 hours of contact time – the price of a coffee!

Rehearsals:

• Tuesday 2 February 2027, 4:45-6:45pm
• Friday 5 February 2027, 4:45-6:45pm
• Tuesday 9 February 2027, 4:45-6:45pm
• Friday 12 February 2027, 4:45-6:45pm
• Tuesday 16 February 2027, 4:45-6:45pm
• Friday 19 February 2027, 4:45-6:45pm
• Tuesday 23 February 2027, 4:45-6:45pm
• Friday 26 February 2027, 4:45-6:45pm
• Tuesday 2 March 2027, 4:45-6:45pm
• Friday 5 March 2027, 4:45-6:45pm
• Tuesday 9 March 2027, 4:45-6:45pm
• Tuesday 16 March 2027, 4:45-6:45pm
• Friday 19 March 2027, 4:45-6:45pm
• Tuesday 30 March 2027, 4:45-6:45pm
• Friday 2 April 2027, 4:45-6:45pm
• Tuesday 6 April 2027, 4:45-6:45pm
• Friday 9 April 2027, 4:45-6:45pm
• Friday 16 April 2027, 4:45-6:45pm
• Tuesday 20 April 2027, 4:45-6:45pm
• Friday 23 April 2027, 4:45-6:45pm

Home Performance (Westlands Entertainment Venue (Studio)) - Saturday 3 April 2027

Exeter Northcott Performance - Sunday 25 April 2027

As we approach our Home Performance and Exeter Northcott performance, additional rehearsals may be required depending on the needs of the production and the confirmed festival schedule. Where additional sessions fall outside the 20 sessions included within the programme, a minimal additional fee may be required to contribute towards venue and staffing costs. Any additional dates and costs will be communicated in advance.

Whether you are considering drama school, professional training or simply want to push yourself further as an actor, we would love to hear from you. We are interested in hearing from people from all backgrounds and with all levels of experience.