Auditions underway

Auditions for WEK: UK and registrations for the WEK: Training Workshop (both taking place in August) are now well underway, and I have been delighted with the response - especially from those young performers who are keen to become West End Kids from outside of London.

We promised that we would keep details on file for when the day came that we were able to reach out to those looking for real challenges who were outside of the M25 bubble - and as someone born and bred in North Wales - I have a particular empathy with those outside of London who are looking for challenging, rewarding and high quality coaching and performance experiences.

We are also in full flow with WEK: Management - which is the free casting service for WEKs, and now it’s open to any former members who wish to go on the books. If you are a former WEK and want a little free help with castings and audition notices, then I always try my best to look after former WEKs. Send me an email or contact the WEK office and we'll get you signed up.

My attentions turn towards the April review performance now and music and theatre arrangements take priority. We have some great numbers lined up for the review this time around including plenty of hilarity as we do a number of comic songs. I'm sure it's going to be a fantastic review for all WEKs and we're really looking forward to it.

Audition registrations for all projects are now open with audition slots now being scheduled for the main session in April. There will be quite a few spaces available in the main WEK next term, just in time for our really exciting round of performances at Dreamflight, MADD and West End Live, not to mention our review and possibly an album recording. Busy times!

New project coming up

We have been busy in the WEK office putting together plans for a very exciting new project set to be announced formally soon. I can tell all of our loyal blog readers first that, this will be "WEK: UK" a residential course for West End Kids and other aspiring WEK's from all over the UK to be held for a 6 day period in August.

The facilities that we have secured are stunning and we are just putting the finishing touches on the package which will be published in more detail later next week. Entry into WEK: UK will be by audition and will be available to all those in the main WEK Company. We will be holding auditions throughout the UK and look forward to spreading our wings to be able to finally provide opportunities to those outside of the M25!

We also had a nice success for one of our WEK: Training members this week, Francesca Gard who was promoted to the main WEK Company after one of the main WEKs quit as they were finding the going a bit tough. West End Kids IS tough, but we make no apologies for that and know that those who put the work, effort and dedication that are required in will always reap the rewards in the end.

Preparations for our April review are still ongoing with an eye on fitness and stamina going into next term. "We'll Take A Glass Together" from the musical "Grand Hotel" is particularly hard work and I know all WEK's have been working hard on that this week as it is an extremely challenging number to sing and dance too. We hope that you will enjoy that in April!

Speak soon,

Martin.