The Encore Theatre Company (etc) want to provide a place for new theatre talent to grow and flourish in the West Midlands.

etc was formed late last year by a group of six people who, between them, have more than fifty years experience in theatre and film.

"The aim of the company is to act as a hothouse for new talent. We intend to put on a variety of productions each year, from classical works revisited with a fresh eye, to new and specially commissioned plays.

"etc will be working with established artists and also fostering new talent. We are always on the lookout for anyone who has that spark even if they don't have the experience.

Training is part of Encore

"etc is a professional company but recognise that there are enormously talented people out there who have never acted professionally - our aim is to help them do that.

"We were formed last year by a group of people who wanted to take artistic control of their work and who, having worked together for some time, decided to make the association a formal one and bring others in to share abilities and enthusiasm.

"We also provide actors for training purposes (for example for role-play work) as well as for read-throughs and other similar activities."

etc recently held open auditions for new members of the acting company - who (along with the technical and managerial staff) will initially be paid on a profit-share basis.

The Importance of Being Earnest

The six founder members bring a combination of acting, production, direction, marketing, business, design, and management expertise.

They are already busy working on their first production for the Spring of 2004 which will be a vibrant new version of Oscar Wilde's "The Importance Of Being Earnest".

Casting is nearing completion for the production but there are still some roles available.

If you'd like more details about Encore check out their website at: www.encoretheatre.co.uk.

If you're part of a local theatre group, then we'd like to hear from you. Just e-mail: [email protected]