A THEATRE COMPANY KEEPING PERFORMERS PERFORMING, IN BETWEEN CONTRACTS

An idea from a performer who wanted the opportunity to perform while continuing to train.

The Actory was founded by Charlotte Oetegenn, an LGBTQ+ performer and creative who trained at MTA and AMT and has since worked across a range of performance disciplines, from circus to performing arts. Alongside performing, Charlotte has developed a passion for creating opportunities for other professionally trained performers to continue developing their craft, gain meaningful stage experience and connect with the wider industry.

The Actory is a diverse community of professionally trained actors and creatives, striving to foster both performing and production excellence. We are committed to creating an environment that respects access needs, embraces individuality and celebrates the full spectrum of protected characteristics.

At the heart of The Actory is a simple idea: talented performers need opportunities to perform.

We aim to bridge the gap between training and the professional industry by producing ambitious, high-quality theatre that gives performers the opportunity to work alongside other talented creatives, develop their experience and put themselves in front of industry professionals.

Our recent production of RENT at the Phoenix Arts Club demonstrated what The Actory can achieve. The production sold out all eight performances and attracted a range of industry professionals, including talent agencies, casting directors, theatre company representatives and West End performers.

The production received multiple four-star reviews, while several members of the company went on to secure representation with leading talent agencies.

For us, this is exactly what The Actory is about: creating exceptional theatre while creating genuine opportunities for the people making it.

We want The Actory to be a place where performers can keep learning, keep working and keep pushing themselves — while building a community that celebrates individuality, collaboration and artistic ambition.

The Vision

“When I first started putting  this program together I thought: a lot of performers, after doing their end of year show at drama school don’t get to be in a full musical again, and if they do, then potentially not for a while.

During our time in training we are all told the work never ends. Continuously working on our craft is one of the many things that makes our industry so special. We can always push ourselves to be more!

To continue with our training there are so many options of classes and workshops out there, which is fantastic! However there are so few  opportunities to be in a full musical production!

And sometimes it’s hard to keep the passion alive. Keep going until we hear that first ‘YES!’

That’s where The Actory comes in!

I want this program to be a chance for people to keep (maybe even rediscover) their love for musical theatre. To have the opportunity to work on things that you might not be able to get from a one hour dance class. “ - Charlotte Oetegenn - Founder.

The Program

Learn a full musical and challenge yourself

There will be opportunities for people to learn how to be an understudy and/or how to be a swing. Maybe you want to learn a bit more about tech? choreographing a show? Or even directing? we can help you out so you can reach your full potential! By arranging the possibility to shadow our current team and then be that team member in our next production?

If you are interested in any of these please let us know in the Audition Application form.

Rehearse every Sunday for four hours

We’re going to rehearse for 4/7 hours every week as a full company. There might also be an extra weekday evening rehearsal for smaller groups (no extra cost don’t worry).

During that time you will learn the score, work on scenes and choreography.

Get a credit and experience

This show will be a fully licensed production so you will be able to add it as a credit on your CV.

You will also be able to invite agents and we will do our best to invite as many industry professionals as possible.