An open-air summer tour promising gothic fantasy meets RuPaul's Drag Race will be heading to parks, gardens, vineyards, castles and even the beach across the county this year.

And young thespians are being offered the chance to join the troupe as they head off to stage the "funny, fantastical treat", Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Maidstone-based Changeling Theatre will stage its 20th anniversary outdoor tour - thanks to a successful gofundme fundraising campaign - at locations across Kent from Friday, July 2 to Sunday, August 15.

Each year, except last year when the tour had to be postponed, managers take on an apprentice to join the company.

The experience can help those looking to go to drama school and go into acting as a profession in the future.

Artistic director Rob Forknall, who will be directing the show, said: “The apprentice scheme is an important part of what we do as a proudly Kent-based theatre company. It has helped launch the acting careers of many local would-be young performers. Like previous years, we’re looking for someone who has aspirations to be an actor and would benefit from working with a professional cast and crew.

"They will learn the ropes and gain confidence in performing to large audiences in a wide range of unusual and interesting venues.”

The Apprentice scheme which has seen past members go into the profession, does mean a commitment to perform throughout the tour and be prepared to travel to rehearsals in London and various venues and in return for their time, they will get on-the-job training and mentoring, and a young person’s railcard.

Rehearsals start on Monday, June 7 in London.

If you would like to apply, and are between 17 and 22, send a video of yourself saying who you are, do you play an instrument, age, location and why you would like to be involved plus a speech performed by yourself from a play of your choice by Saturday, May 15, to hello@changeling-theatre.com. Find out more at changeling-theatre.com/opportunities

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