Rising Stars Wanted

Young people aged 6–18 from across Sussex are being invited to audition for the Sussex Youth Theatre Rising Star 2026

Auditions take place in Worthing on Saturday 17th October - and previous acting experience is not essential. For Sussex Youth Theatre founder and Artistic Director Mitch Jenkins, the search isn’t necessarily about finding the most polished young performer.

“We’re not looking for perfect. We’re looking for passion. Technique can be taught and skills can be developed. Sometimes a young person just needs to find the place where they shine.”

Mitch didn’t discover drama until he was 14. He had struggled at mainstream school, wasn’t particularly academic and had no idea that performing might become his future. It was his grandfather who found his first drama school. “It completely and utterly changed my life. I walked into a world I didn’t really know existed and suddenly found something that made sense to me.”

Now 53, Mitch has spent his adult working life in the arts as a professional actor, director, vocal coach and teacher, with more than 35 years’ experience in the industry.

One young performer will become the Sussex Youth Theatre Rising Star 2026, receiving an extensive package of acting and voice training, LAMDA tuition, workshops and masterclasses, together with opportunities tailored to the individual performer. The panel may also present a selected number of Sparkler Awards to auditionees who demonstrate particular passion or potential.   Felix Bowler, the 2025 Rising Star, says winning has had an impact both on and off stage. “I have learnt and grown so much thanks to the Rising Star Awards. It has helped me to become much more confident, in daily life as well as on stage, and taught me invaluable lessons in acting, script work, stagecraft and improvisation.”

Auditions are in Worthing on Saturday 17th October 2026, for ages 6 - 18. Applications close on Thursday 15th October 2026 For more details visit www.sussexyouththeatre.co.uk