Summer on Stage
Overview
Summer on Stage applications are now open for our 2026 production of Legally Blonde The Musical Jr.
During the 1960-80’s, Cambridge Corn Exchange produced summer youth productions with casts of hundreds of local young people. Building off the legacy of our 150 Anniversary, we are relaunching this historic project. Our summer youth theatre production is open to anyone aged 9 - 18 who can commit two weeks of their summer holiday to staging a musical.
This project is a unique opportunity to make new friends, hone your skills in a fast-paced theatre environment and experience what it is like to take part in a large-scale production complete with set, costume, lighting, and sound, on one of the most iconic stages in the region, working with an industry professional creative team.
Important Information
Summer on Stage runs from Monday 10 – Saturday 22 August 2026.
Rehearsals: Monday 10 – Friday 14 August and Monday 17 – Friday 21 August, 9.30am–4.30pm each day.
Performances: Saturday 22 August, 2.30-3.30pm and 7-8pm.
Criteria
- You must be aged 9-18 on both Monday 10 August and Saturday 22 August 2026.
- You must be available to audition on Wednesday 8 April 2026 during the Easter holidays.
- You must be available to attend a recall on Sunday 12 April 2026 if requested, if you wish to be considered for a leading role.
- You must be prepared to sing, dance and act at your audition in front of the panel and other people auditioning.
- You must be available for all dates between Monday 10 – Saturday 22 August.
- You must be able to get yourself to and from Cambridge Corn Exchange for all rehearsals and performances.
Audition Information
Auditions will take place on Wednesday 8 April 2026 at Cambridge Corn Exchange. Please do not be afraid of the audition process; this is an opportunity for you to meet the creative team, likeminded friends, and showcase your passion in a risk-free, inclusive, and supportive environment. You will not need to prepare anything in advance for audition, everything will be taught in the space on the day.
9–13-year-olds: Auditions at 9.30am-12.30pm
14–18-year-olds: Auditions at 1.30pm-4.30pm
End times are approximate and will depend on the number of auditionees.
You will be notified on the day if we require you to return for a recall audition on Sunday 12 April 2026, 10am-1pm. If you are not asked to attend a recall audition, this does not mean you have been unsuccessful and may still be offered a role as a named character or chorus.
If you are successful at audition and cast in the show you will be notified during the week commencing 20 April 2026.
Fees
Auditions are free to attend. If you are successful at your audition the fee to take part in Summer on Stage is £240. There will be a discount for siblings of £40 each.
We believe every young person should have the opportunity to explore their creativity and develop their performing arts skills, regardless of financial circumstances. To help reduce barriers to access, we are offering a limited number of bursary-funded places for Summer on Stage 2026. These bursaries may cover full or partial fees and are available to families who would benefit from financial support. If cost has previously prevented participation, we warmly encourage you to apply. For more information on how to apply for a bursary place, please contact artsandculture@cambridge.gov.uk.
How to register
Please complete the application form by Sunday 5 April 2026. We aim to offer everyone who registers their interest an audition.
Credit
Cambridge Corn Exchange’s Production of
Music and Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin Book by Heather Hach
Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion picture
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.mtishows.co.uk.