West End kids workshop audition

[charliem12345]

Hi this is the first time I am posting on here so I hope this is in the right place (apologies if not!)

My daughter has been keen to audition for something in the West End for a while now ideally matilda but I finally said yes and she's just about to be too tall bad mum!
Anyway we looked a little bit and I have seen that West End kids are auditioning in September this year. It looks great.......she is really keen to audition. We don't live in London, but are only about an hour an a half away and if she did get a place (not placing any expectations on her) we would work it out to travel there.

I have talked to her about it and she is aware there will be stiff competition. Currently she does lots of dance and is a great little singer but does not have any formal singing training or doesn't attend stage school. It was a dance teacher who also recommended she audition for this.

Does anyone have any thoughts/information/feedback on WEK as we would like to go in to the audition process with our eyes open and with as much info as possible. I also don't want to raise my daughters hopes whilst still trying to encourage her!

Sorry for long post and any information offered will be greatfully received!

[BattlingPeanut]

Hi. The audition day is fun - my daughter auditionned last year. There's nothing to prepare beforehand. They teach the kids a dance routine and they get to sing too. A few days later you get an email to say if they were successful. There are four different training teams - blue red yellow & purple. They then have the main "westend kids" team. Most kids work their way through the training teams before gaining a place in the main team I believe. They train on a Saturday morning or afternoon depending on which group they get in to. Good luck to your daughter. I'm sure she will have a great time.

[charliem12345]

Hi thanks so much for the reply, it's great to hear it's fun for the children auditioning is your daughter currently a WEK?

Any tips of what my daughter could write for her audition statement, not really sure what they are looking for and she has written what she thinks which I suppose Is the main thing!

Thanks

[notapushyfather]

Also consider finding a local youth musical theatre group. If you can find a good one there will be lots of opportunity to have fun and learn. West End ambition is great but getting on a stage especially with a well run group is not only more accessible it can be very rewarding. Most also run audition processes which is good experience to.

[BattlingPeanut]

I can't remember what we wrote on the statement (sorry!) But I don't imagine it will make too much difference. I hope she enjoys it. Please let us know how she gets on! My daughter was offered a place in the yellow training group (she had just turned 12 at the time) but we had to turn it down in the end as she had committed to a show and rehearsals were on a Saturday. She really enjoyed the workshop/audition though and would definitely do it again. Good luck! X

[Barton285]

My daughter went for 2 1/2 years and really enjoyed it, they teach at a very fast peace so can take some adjusting to at the beginning. If you get into WEK company they perform at some amazing venues. If any one needs more detail just send me a pm.

[amo185]

Hi
This is my first post too but my dd insisted I reply to your post. She is currently in the main WEK troupe. She began in training and worked her way up into the company. It is the most demanding thing she does - but also the best. There is nothing like it anywhere. They are tough but they aim to get the best out of everyone who can stand the pace. They teach the kids what it is like to train full time. Training is on Saturdays but the kids have to practise during the week at home. The audition is fun and will give your dd a taste of what WEK is like. She has nothing to lose and possibly a lot to gain. She will learn a dance routine and will probably have to sing a section of a lesser known musical theatre song which she will be taught. Age is immaterial to them so the company groups are based on talent and hard work - not age. Those who show potential for the troupe are usually recalled later that day. Performance opportunities are fantastic including some that involve the training groups.
My dd wishes your dd all the best! Go for it! Good luck!