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SPRING 2026 UK SCHOOLS & THEATRE TOUR

A co-production between Theatre Centre, Sheffield Theatres and National Youth Theatre. Directed by Eleanor Manners.


We’re casting two performers for My Brother’s a Genius, an explosive new play combining poetry, grime and movement. Written by Debris Stevenson (Poet in da Corner, Royal Court) and developed from conversations with young people across the UK, the play explores neurodiversity, sibling bonds, and the pressure to succeed. 

This will be Theatre Centre’s flagship Spring 2026 tour, reaching schools and theatres nationwide. We’re looking for actors who can hold a room, connect powerfully with young audiences, bring skills in grime or equivalent musical forms, movement, and spoken word. 

Touring to schools and theatres across the UK, this show is high-energy, bold, and made with and for young people

NEURODIVERGENCE, CASTING, REHEARSAL & TOURING

Neurodivergence is when your brain functions differently from what is considered typical or normal. This might mean a formal diagnosis of ADHD, Autism, Dyspraxia etc., or self-diagnosis, or simply a lifelong feeling that your brain works differently. We encourage any actors or creatives who resonate with any of these definitions to apply for these roles. We are committed to creating a flexible, inclusive and supportive rehearsal process and touring environment, and we’ll work closely with artists to meet access needs wherever possible. 

ROLES

DAISYFemale-presenting. Playing Age: 16-25 with understanding they have to play 8 yr old child 
Brave, funny, and often underestimated. She calls herself “the idiot” but sees the world with fascinating clarity. Embraces failure as a means to learn. Curious, full of feeling and always reaching. The play spans from childhood to adulthood and will require the actor to perform with range and nuance. Movement/dance experience and strong vocal skills (spoken word/grime/rap) essential. 

LUKEMale-presenting. Playing Age: 16-25 with understanding that they have to play 8 yr old child Smart, sharp, and driven. A “genius” carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. Protective of Daisy but also underestimates her ability to protect him. Scared of failure. The play spans from childhood to adulthood and will require the actor to perform with range and nuance. Movement/dance experience and strong vocal skills (spoken word/grime/rap) essential. 

CONTRACTUAL TERMS 

  • Contract Type: Independent Theatre Council (ITC) / Equity Fair Work Approved Contract Performers & Stage Management (formerly ITC Ethical Manager) 

  • Rates of Pay: Salary and any allowances are paid in line with ITC/Equity rates on a weekly basis, as well as all relevant travel. We also pay Equity Pension Scheme contributions throughout the contract. 

  • Touring: This is a national UK tour, we open in Sheffield and will tour to schools and venues.  

ACCESS SUPPORT:

  • Access support will be available and subject to discussion of your needs. 

EXPENSES:

  • Second round auditions will be in-person and travel expenses will be paid, based on advance off-peak train fares. 

ELIGIBILITY & INCLUSION  

We strongly encourage applications from performers of all backgrounds. If you have access needs, care responsibilities, or require support in any part of the process, please let us know; we’re committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment. If you wish to share your access rider, we would be very pleased to see it. Email us at admin@theatre-centre.co.uk.

ABOUT THEATRE CENTRE

We are a national touring new writing theatre company making bold, relevant work with and for young people. At the core of our work is Future Makers, year-round creative activity for young people in schools and in the community. You can find out more about us and how we work here and across our website.

Casting Call: My Brother’s a Genius


KEY DATES

Rehearsals 
Monday 5 January 2026 – Saturday 24 January 2026 

Technical Rehearsals (Tech Week) 
Monday 26 January – Wednesday 28 January 2026 

Touring Performances 
First performance Wednesday 28 January 

Final performance Saturday 28 March OR Saturday 4th April 2026 

NB/ We will confirm the end of contract date asap. If it is still unconfirmed at point of offer, we will operate a two-week notice clause on the contract and will aim to confirm the end date by the end of September 2025 at the latest. 

The tour includes a paid holiday week w/c 16 February 2026.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, use our expression of interest portal HERE. The portal will ask you for: 

  • your personal details 

  • availability for rehearsals & tour

  • a spotlight link or other supporting material

  • a headshot

Deadline to submit your EOI: Monday 11th August at 10am.

PROCESS

First round

  • EOIs will be filtered and all eligible candidates will be asked to submit a pre-recorded or live self-tape (recorded zoom call).  Full instructions on how to do this and the submission deadline will be sent out by Wednesday 13th August

Second round

  • All self-tapes will be reviewed by at least two people and shortlisted candidates will be invited to second round auditions. 

    Second round auditions will be held in-person in London in September.

    These auditions will be held as group workshops. 

    Candidates will hear whether they have been shortlisted by 29th August at the latest. 

    Access provision will be available and travel expenses will be paid. 


We are an ITC Ethical Employer and use ITC Equity Ethical Manager Contracts. We are also a disability confident employer.