We are looking for exceptionally versatile comedy actor/singers to join Illyria as company members in this ensemble outdoor touring production.

Performances continue regardless of the weather. Building the stage, performing in the show, striking everything and packing the van in the pouring rain and mud – how does that make you feel? Is that an honest answer, or just what you think we want to hear? Everyone loves the sound of adventure – until they’re in one. So please think long and hard about this kind of work before applying.

Touring with Illyria is not like indoor touring. Open-air shows demand greater physical and vocal energy, because we don’t use amplification and because the weather and other elements can sometimes work against you. There are days when your get-in becomes laborious and muddy, the wind blows your voice away from the audience and your quick- changes in sodden costumes become an endless struggle. You can be cold, tired and wetter than you've ever dreamed possible. But for the right people the periodic hardships are outweighed by the camaraderie, the balmy days and the magic of being on stage in the great outdoors. During the last 34 years 75% of Illyria’s actors have returned for more! (Over 50% return for 3 seasons, 20% for 5 seasons or more!)

About our shows

Illyria’s shows are very physical and demand VERY strong vocal skills. The productions are ensemble - no individual is the star. Actors need to be fearless in giving HUGE performances and, within given parameters, interacting freely with the audience.

We rehearse in the far west of Cornwall. Rehearsals are 5 days per week, and the entire cast will stay together in one or two static caravans. Travel to Cornwall and accommodation during rehearsals are provided and paid for by Illyria.

On tour, there is at least one day off per week (generally Monday). Vans return to base/London on average once a fortnight, but sometimes less frequently. Any other travel on tour is provided and paid for by Illyria. Accommodation is provided and paid for by Illyria (normally shared twin rooms).

This tour has a company of 6 actors who work as a team. Everyone mucks in with everything, including stage-management, driving, costume/prop-maintenance, radio/TV interviews, and most importantly get-ins & get-outs which involve lugging heavy steel deck staging. No-one gets off lightly. All jobs are everyone’s jobs.

Casting

Casting will be by in-person audition in West London on 23rd or 24th March 2026. Applicants who are invited to audition will be contacted not later than 16th March 2026 with full details. After the audition Illyria commits to contacting each auditionee or their agent to let them know the outcome not later than 31st March 2026.

We strongly encourage application from Black, Asian and ethnic minority actors. All appointments will be made on merit.

How to apply

We need to be certain that every applicant has genuinely understood the physical, mental and technical demands of open-air touring, so submissions will ONLY be considered if accompanied by a *detailed* covering letter (or voice memo or link to a short video) from the performer themselves. We can see your skills and experience from your CV, but we want to hear about *you*. Tell us in a paragraph or two why this kind of work appeals to you, how it plays to your strengths, and what qualities you can bring.

We regret that submissions without a detailed covering letter, voice memo or link to a short video *from the performer themselves* cannot be considered.

Please email links to your Spotlight page (or similar) to illyriacasting@gmail.com. Please state “CASTING PIRATES” in the title bar.