Headgate Theatre Productions

Headgate Theatre Productions (HTP) was established to ensure that the theatre programme included a wide range of drama to complement the plays produced by our hirers. It is also a means of generating revenue to help run the building.

HTP is rightly proud of its growing reputation which is reflected in positive audience feedback and extensive nominations and awards, as seen at the recent North Essex Theatre Guild Awards.

We aim to attract a diverse and talented range of directors and as a minimum the annual programme will always include a ‘classic’ , a contemporary play, a comedy, and a pantomime.

HTP cast from open auditions, and more details can be found on the specific audition notice for each production. All productions are licensed for amateur performance.

HTP welcome expressions of interest from those who might want to take on backstage, costume or technical roles, act as rehearsal prompts or be involved in prop making/scenic painting.

Upcoming Auditions

Open Auditions: The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time

Director Heather Davis is excited to direct this inventive piece of ensemble theatre assisted by NETG award-winning actress Leanne Howard,…

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Our Forthcoming HTP Programme

Goldilocks and the Three Bears by Tom Whalley

Wed 3rd – Sun 7th December 2025

Directed by Dawn King

Further information about Goldilocks and the Three Bears

On Golden Pond by Ernest Thompson

Wed 25th – Sat 28th February 2025

Directed by Liz Mullen

Further information about On Golden Pond

On Golden Pond synopsis

On Golden Pond character/skills descriptions

The Dumb Waiter by Harold Pinter

Sat 17th January 2025

Directed by Nate Drury

Further information about The Dumb Waiter

The Dumb Waiter synopsis

The Dumb Waiter character/skills descriptions

The Invincibles by Amanda Whittington

Wed 22nd – Sat 25th April 2025

Directed by Paul T Davies

Further information about The Invincibles

The Invincibles synopsis

The Invincibles character descriptions

The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-time.

A play by Simon Stephens based on the novel by Mark Haddon.

Wed 16th – Sat 21st June 2026

Directed by Heather Davis

Further information about The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-time

The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-time synopsis

The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-time character descriptions

Check our social media and the News pages on the website for information about auditions coming up for all productions yet to cast.

Performing

We run open auditions for most Headgate Theatre Productions and tend to audition around 6-9 months in advance of a planned production. All auditions are advertised on our Facebook page, and in our What’s On monthly newsletter, with detailed information – character requirements/rehearsal plan etc. made available on this website.

We endeavour to make the auditions as non-threatening as possible. In certain circumstances we reserve the right to limit the numbers auditioning.

Directing

We welcome expressions of interest from new and experienced directors. Our programme of plays is usually developed from May – October of each year.

Following consideration of proposals by a small sub-committee, directors are allocated a “champion” to ensure that there is good communication, a budget is developed (over which the director exercises significant control) a rehearsal programme is agreed, and technical support is identified.

Technical Support

The technical support for Headgate Theatre Productions is drawn from our team of volunteers.

We always welcome new people with an interest or skills in lighting, sound, scenic design/painting, costume making or stage management (including making or sourcing props). Preparation for our annual pantomime requires lots of input and usually starts in the late summer. We are open to discussion with students (16+) who need to produce props or items as part of their studies.