It’s been the first step into a career in showbiz for countless entertainers, and now Butlins are offering the chance for anyone to have a shot at being a Redcoat with open auditions being held in Bristol.
The holiday resort firm, which was founded by Billy Butlin after he learned his trade running a hoopla stall with a Bristol-based travelling fair, said they don’t necessarily need anyone with tightly-honed skills, but are instead looking for ‘natural performers who love to stand out and entertain a crowd’.
The open audition in Bristol takes place next month, so there’s plenty of time for aspiring Redcoats to put together a one-minute long entertaining showcase of whatever they want to do.
“On the day, auditionees just need to turn up and be ready to get stuck in,” said a Butlins spokesperson. “The audition will include interviews, team-working activities and a dance section,” as well as the minute long showcase, they added.
There’s a range of roles as a Redcoat, and now DJ is added to the skills set too. “We cannot wait to meet and see talented performers from across the UK at our auditions,” said Mike Godolphin, Butlin’s entertainment director.
“Butlin’s is an amazing place for any up-and-coming talent to take their first steps into the entertainment industry, with an incredible range of roles that offer great opportunities to develop their skills.
“We’re proud to be continuing our Redcoat Academy this year, with amazing feedback from the class of 2023. Butlin’s has been part of so many talented performers and entertainers’ journeys into the industry, with Stephen Mulhern, Nathan Connor and Laura-Dene Perryman to name a few. We cannot wait to see who will follow in their footsteps,” he added.
The Bristol open audition takes place at the Radisson Blu hotel in Broad Quay in The Centre, on Wednesday, November 13, starting at 10am.