The Manningtree Witches Community Chorus
Exciting Opportunity! The Mercury is looking for people based in Essex to form a community chorus as part of world premiere The Manningtree Witches.
The Mercury Theatre are seeking a community chorus for our forthcoming production of The Manningtree Witches adapted by Ava Pickett based on the novel by AK Blakemore for performances from Saturday 28 February – Saturday 14 March 2026.
The community chorus will consist of 2 teams (of 10 people) who will perform on a rotation basis. Chorus members may also be asked to participate in additional shows, if required, in the event of illness etc.
Auditions will be held on Wednesday 24th September 2025 at the Mercury Theatre, Colchester attended by the shows director, Natasha Rickman. All applicants must be over 18 years of age and be able to commit to rehearsals and performances outlined as follows:
REHEARSALS
Rehearsals are to be held at the Mercury Theatre, Colchester on Wednesday evenings and Saturdays during the rehearsal period. Attendance is required for all sessions:
Weds 28 January 7pm – 9pm
Sat 31 January 10am – 1.30pm
Weds 4 February 7pm – 9pm
Sat 7 February 10am – 6pm
Weds 11 February 7pm – 9pm
Sat 14 February 10am – 6pm
Weds 18 February 7pm – 9pm
Friday 20th February 2pm to 6pm
Sat 21 February 10am – 6pm
TECHNICAL REHEARSALS
To be held in costume on stage at the Mercury Theatre, Colchester
Tues 24 February 6pm – 10pm (to include H&S Briefing / set orientation)
Weds 25 February 6pm – 10pm
Thurs 26 February 6pm – 10pm
Fri 27 February 1pm – 5pm / 6pm – 10pm
Tues 3 March 2026 2pm – 5pm (plus show depending on team)
Weds 4 March 2026 2pm – 5pm (plus show depending on team)
PERFORMANCES
Team A
Saturday 28 February 7:30pm
Tuesday 3 March 7:30pm
Wednesday 4 March 7pm
Thursday 5 March 7:30pm
Saturday 7 March 7:30pm
Wednesday 11 March 7:30pm
Thursday 12 March 7:30pm
Friday 13 March 7:30pm
Saturday 14 March 2:30pm
Team B
Saturday 28 February 2.30pm
Sunday 1 March 3pm
Thursday 5 March 2:30pm
Friday 6 March 7:30pm
Saturday 7 March 2:30pm
Sunday 8 March 3pm
Tuesday 10 March 7:30pm
Thursday 12 March 2:30pm
Saturday 14 March 7:30pm
Please note that this is an opportunity for non-professional performers (in this instance we would define a professional performer as anyone who has had one, or more, credits for paid work). Please ensure you meet the required criteria and are able to commit to the production dates before you apply.
You will not be required to prepare anything in advance of the audition but may be asked to engage in some movement and text work on the day. Taking part in the production will offer an opportunity to grow your skills, make new friends and to appear on the Mercury’s main stage.
Auditions will be held in groups, and there is an opportunity to state your preferred audition time slot for our consideration (1 hour slots from 4pm – 8pm). These will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and you will be contacted in the event that we need to allocate you to a different time slot subject to capacity.
For performances, please make it clear whether you can commit to Team A shows, Team B shows or have flexibility to commit to either. We will take this all into consideration, however please be aware that we may not be able to guarantee all requests. All candidates will be contacted after the auditions and notified as to whether or not they have been successful.
To sign up to audition, please submit your application via the button below.
For any further enquiries please contact [email protected].
Newer Blog Post Older Blog Post Back to Blog