Belgrade Ensemble 24/25

The Belgrade Ensemble is a free 11-month training programme for early career performance artists looking to develop their craft alongside our creative leadership team.

This is a training opportunity for local performers interested in developing and honing their practice. Participants will train together as an ensemble and work on 2 exciting major projects to be performed on the Belgrade’s stages; the first being the opportunity to be in the ensemble cast for the Belgrade’s production of Romeo and Juliet, directed by Corey Campbell in February/March 2025, followed by a text-based/scripted performance project as part of our See it First programme in July 2025.

We are looking to work with local artists from Coventry and the Midlands. The training programme is completely free for participants and will offer the following development opportunities:

• Technical skill in performance craft (acting, singing/rap, movement)
• Performing on both of our stages B1 (Romeo & Juliet) & B2 (Scripted performance)
• Training and mentoring from the Creative Director & Associate Director
• Bespoke one to one mentoring with the Associate Director
• Skill-specific masterclasses from a range of practitioners including visiting facilitators and directors
• Learn, experience and be part of a professional rehearsal room and technical rehearsals in a supported environment

Outline Schedule

The Belgrade Ensemble will run from October 2024 – July 2025.

Regular rehearsals will be at the Belgrade Theatre on Tuesday evenings, 6.30-9.30pm. There will also be 2 intensive periods towards Romeo and Juliet in B1 (February-March 2025) and the Ensemble’s show in B2 (July 2025).

Term 1: Tuesday 1 October – Tuesday 17 December 2024

Term 2: Tuesday 7 January – Saturday 8 March 2025

Term 3: Tuesday 25 March – Tuesday 22 July 2025

Financial Support

We acknowledge that the commitment to the Romeo and Juliet production is quite large. There will be a bursary available to cover things such as access and expenses to support participants’ engagement in the production.

Who is the programme for?

To participate in the Belgrade Ensemble, you must be:

• Aged 19-30 years old
• Living in Coventry or the Midlands (max 35-minute drive time / 35-mile radius from the Belgrade)
• Are not currently in training or have not had formal drama school training (BA Hons +)
• Committed to pursuing a career in the arts as a performer, actor, theatre maker
• Looking to develop and deepen your performance craft with regards to acting, movement and singing

What we are looking for

We will base selection on the following criteria:

• Performance ability (acting, singing, movement)
• Potential for growth and willingness to invest in yourself.
• Commitment to learning about yourself, a commitment to learning about others, and a commitment to exploring future forms of theatre.

We are particularly interested to hear from you if you:

• Have not been able to access formal higher education.
• Are interested in learning about classical theatre such as Shakespeare, Greek text (No experience required).

How to apply

Please submit the following:

• Online Application Form: (you will be prompted to sign in using a Google account)
• Self-tape – this should include a monologue (max 1 minute in length) and a song or Rap (max 1 minute in length). There is space provided in the form to upload your file. Please see below for more guidance on the self-tape.
• CV (Curriculum Vitae) detailing your performance history and any education or training you have done.

Alternatively, if you prefer, you are welcome to complete the offline application form (downloadable below) and submit by email to communityadmin@belgrade.co.uk. Please make sure you also include your Self-tape and CV in your email.

Deadline for applications: Wednesday 18 September, 8am.

We’ll contact you with the outcome of your application by the end of the day on: As soon as possible.

Successful applicants will be invited to an informal group workshop audition on Saturday 21 September. This will take place at the Belgrade Theatre with Creative Director Corey Campbell and Associate Director Jay Zorenti-Nakhid.

As a theatre we are always learning and growing. 50% of applications that came in for the Belgrade Ensemble came in after our original deadline. This tells us our internal timeline wasn’t the right timing for our community, so we are offering an extension for applications until 8am on Wednesday 18 September. Successful applications will go through to audition to be held on Saturday 21 September.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please refer to the FAQ sheet (downloadable below) if you have any questions or need any guidance on your application.

Guidance for the self-tape

The self-tape should be a video file and should include the following:

• A monologue – within your playing age that resonates with you, and you find interesting to perform. It can be a monologue from any play or a film script.
• A song or Rap (maximum 1 minute in length) – whichever shows off your skillset best.

Please make sure you:

• State your name at the beginning of the video
• State the name of the material and name of the writer before you perform your monologue and your song/rap
• Please name your file in the following format: ‘Firstname_Surname_Selftape’ (e.g. ‘Bob_Smith_Selftape’)

Please note, unfortunately we are not able to accept show reels.

Please don’t worry too much – we’re just looking to see you and your performance ability.

Top tips for making a self-tape

• State your name, name of material and writer (before both the monologue and song/Rap)
• Use a smartphone, tablet, or video camera for the best quality.
• Choose a plain background.
• Find a quiet room with no distractions or noise.
• Use natural light if possible.
• Make sure you re-watch your self-tape before submitting.
• It doesn’t need to be perfect, there is no such thing as the perfect take.
• Relax and have fun!