Frequently Asked Questions


Are auditions open to everyone?

Absolutely! We welcome people of all levels, ages and experience. Last year our youngest performer was 9 and our oldest was over 70!


How do I find out about auditions?

For those not wishing to join Sedos as a member straight away, we will add you to our Auditions List free of charge so that you will receive audition notices for forthcoming productions. Please send us an e-mail confirming the e-mail address you would like us to use (or postal address if you do not have e-mail) and one other means of contacting you, saying that you wish to join the Sedos audition list. (Don't forget to let us have your new address if it changes afterwards): auditions@sedos.co.uk


How much does it cost to audition for a Sedos show?

You will be required to pay a fee of £5 to audition and, if cast, this will be refunded against the participation fee (£30  for plays and £40 for musicals). All persons cast in Sedos shows will be required to become full members of the company (annual fees currently £30).


What ability/experience is needed?

This depends on the role. For the chorus/ensemble, you must be able to sing in tune and move well, as a minimum. There is high competition for most roles, and the best performer in the role at the audition is picked (regardless of previous Sedos membership). Just to stress this once more – The Best Auditionee for each part will be cast. You don’t have to ‘do your time’ in order to be cast in a Sedos show. We believe in quality. And it shows.


What will be in the audition?

This will depend entirely on the show and the production team, but will probably not vary much from this:


MUSICALS: For musicals, normally the audition starts with a dance workshop where a routine is learnt for the audition. Those auditioning for a principal role will be sent material to prepare in advance for both dialogue and singing. Those auditioning for just the ensemble may need to prepare one of the chorus pieces (which may be sung in a group with the other auditionees) or a piece of their own choice in the style of the musical.

PLAYS: For straight plays the audition will normally be a round table read through of the play with the Director calling on different people for different roles. For recall auditions, auditionees will be asked to perform with other auditionees in the role(s) for which they are being considered. The director will be looking for an awareness of space, and interaction with other auditionees. On-stage chemistry with other performers is vital in the selection process.


How do I find out about the production?

We will send you all the information you need when you register to audition. There is also usually a pre-audition workshop of the show so you can get a taste of what you are getting yourself into!


So if I get cast, what then?

Everyone cast in a Sedos show will need to become a member. In addition to the full membership fee, all persons cast in a Sedos production will be required to pay a participation fee of £30 for plays and £40 for musicals to contribute towards the cost of staging the production. As mentioned above, your audition fee will be credited against this if you are cast.


What types of membership are there, and how much does it cost?

There are two categories of membership, full membership and friend's membership.The current annual fees are:

  • Full membership - £30

  • Friend's membership - £15

Benefits of Full membership:

  • The right to audition for all Sedos productions without payment of the audition fee (normally £5 per show audition).

  • The right to vote at members' meetings (AGMs and Special meetings) to influence the future of the company and to ratify some decisions of the committee.

  • Invitation to Sedos social events (theatre trips, play readings, Christmas parties, quiz and karaoke nights, etc,).

  • Special ticket discount offers.

  • Discounted workshop fees.

  • Receipt of audience notices of forthcoming productions.

  • Access (subject to committee approval) to the Sedos audience list to advertise other productions and events in which the member is involved.

Friend's membership gives all of the above benefits with the exception of the right to audition without payment of a fee (you will have to pay £5 per show audition).

These benefits apply to the named member only. For the avoidance of doubt they are non-transferable, therefore, a member participating in a production may not use their discount to purchase tickets for friends or family.


Can I get involved backstage?

Absolutely! We are always keen to hear from anyone who is interested in getting involved on the production side. From props and set, sound and lighting designers and operators, costumes and makeup to stage managers and those backstage, our shows can only thrive with those willing to volunteer for these roles. All the benefits of being involved without having to learn your lines!

For more information contact: backstage@sedos.co.uk


How long is the rehearsal period?

We prefer a short but intensive rehearsal period of about 8-10 weeks.


When are rehearsals held?

Weekday rehearsals (generally two per week, but not everyone is called to all rehearsals) are usually 6.30-9.30pm. They may be Mon+Wed, or Tues+Thurs, depending on the production team's availability. Weekend rehearsals are generally held on a Sunday from 11am/1pm to 3/5pm. Again, not everyone may be called to all rehearsals or to the whole rehearsal. Rehearsals are scheduled as far as possible around people's availability.


Where are rehearsals held?

Wherever we can find free/cheap rehearsal space within easy reach of central London, and this varies between productions. Ideally we try and keep it in zone 1, but this isn’t always the case.


Is there a participation fee for performing with Sedos?

Yes, for the main productions. It is currently £40.


Where do performances take place?

Currently, most of our productions are at the Bridewell Theatre, just off Fleet Street in London. However, we do perform at a variety of theatres and performance spaces across London, including Wiltons Music Hall, The Union Theatre as well as the Edinburgh Festival!


How long is the performance period?

Either a one or two week production period is usual.


Who are in the audience?

All the friends, family and colleagues that you have sold tickets to! Yes, we do rely on a level of ticket sales from the cast to cover our expenses. However, there are also long-term enthusiastic supporters of Sedos and past performers that come regularly to our shows, there is some interest from talent-spotting agents, and there are even a few general members of the public that have seen our publicity, picked up a flier, or were just passing by (we know about them because they ask to join our mailing list afterwards).

If you want to find out more about Sedos, please email membership@sedos.co.uk for more details, and our membership secretary will be happy to get back to you!