County Durham's exciting theatre company, Ensemble '84, is recruiting
Do you have what it takes?
Horden-based theatre company Ensemble ’84 introduced itself in sensational style in 2025 with two brilliant shows – first a production of Mother Courage, adapted by Lee Hall, and then a piece of its own devising rooted in local history, Pits, People and Players.
Remarkably the company largely comprises local people with no professional theatre background.
Under founding artistic director Mark Dornford-May – and with the collaborative guidance in Mother Courage, later revived at Newcastle’s Live Theatre, of seasoned performers from South Africa – audiences could see potential being realised.
A dizzy year for the performers ended with the company picking up no fewer than three North East culture awards.
And now the company is recruiting.
“We are offering an exciting opportunity for four to five performers of all ages (over 18),” states the company website.
“By joining Ensemble ‘84, you will be part of a dynamic ensemble committed to creating bold new theatre for the 21st Century.
“You will have the opportunity to develop your talents, collaborate on groundbreaking projects and contribute to productions that resonate with both local and global audiences.”
Successful applicants will get a training fee equivalent to the national living wage plus performance fees.
The term, from February until July, will comprise 30-hour weeks for training, rising to 40 hours during productions.
The company is looking for people who have a County Durham postcode or live within a 10-mile radius of the former pit village.
Extensive experience of the performing arts is not required, but the company asks that applicants “are passionate about performing” and willing to undertake intensive training with a view to becoming a professional performer within a year.
The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Monday, February 2. Auditions will take place in Horden on February 4, 5 and 6 (10am to 8pm) with recalls on February 9.
The start date for anyone selected will be February 16.
Ensemble ’84 recently changed homes (and religious denominations), giving up its tenancy at Horden Methodist Church and relocating to the former Roman Catholic church, Our Lady, Star of the Sea, on South Terrace.
You’ll find the online application form on the company website or you can email info@ensemble84.com
It's remarkable how Ensemble '84 proved a company built from locals without pro backgrounds can rival polished productions. The jump from Methodist to Catholic church venues is an intriguing shift too, wonder if that'll shapre the kinds of stories they tackle going forward. Either way, building something lasting in Horden while paying living wage feels pretty rare.