Elevate Ensemble
Introducing Elevate Ensemble, our part-time training programme designed to nurture and inspire young performers in Southampton and the surrounding areas.
66% of Elevate Ensemble members have been accepted into a drama school
Because of Elevate, I was ready to enter drama school auditions confident in my own work and ability which helped me with getting an offer.
I absolutely would recommend Elevate to anyone interested in going to drama school. You get to work with fantastic teachers who offer you the best support and help on your work. You really get immersed in a creative space and the help they provide along the way with different workshops and showcases. If anyone is interested in going to drama school, then Elevate is the best way to help support you!
As an Elevate Ensemble member you will receive:
- Weekly acting sessions at Mayflower Studios
- Guest masterclasses from industry practitioners and companies
- One to one support and mentoring
- Mock auditions with tailored feedback
- A trip to a London drama school
- Professional headshots
- Financial support for auditions and travel to auditions (subject to further application)
- Free tickets to selected performances at Mayflower Theatre and Mayflower Studios
- An opportunity to perform in a showcase at Mayflower Studios at the end of programme
Frequently asked questions
Elevate Ensemble is for anyone aged 17-25 who wants to be an actor and is underrepresented in the arts industry. This includes, but is not limited to, people who are from the global majority, disabled, or from a lower-income background.
We require all participants to be present at each session, so recommend that only those local to Hampshire (or able to commute) apply.
You could be from the global majority, disabled, Deaf or neurodiverse, identify as queer, have experience of being a carer or be from a lower-income background. There are many other ways you could be underrepresented; we don’t expect people to fit into boxes, and we do not ask for proof.
Elevate Ensemble is a FREE programme to those from underrepresented backgrounds as detailed above. If you would like to take part in the programme but you don’t fall within one of those categories, there is a fee of £200 which covers the whole programme.
The form asks information about you such as your name, age bracket, email address and phone number. There is space for you to write about your ambitions for drama school and why you want to be a member of Elevate Ensemble. A member of the Mayflower team will then follow up with you via phone call to collect some more information before the audition.
A member of the Mayflower team will follow up with you via phone call to collect some more information before the audition.
We will then be in touch by Thursday 1 October 2026 with details of what we would like you to prepare for your audition.
Auditions will take place W/C 5 October 2026 with the exact date to be confirmed closer to the time. The audition day will consist of a group workshop, proceeded by individual 2-3 minute monologues and short interviews.
If you have questions, please email us.
You have to be at least 17 to take part in Elevate Ensemble. If you are under 17, we have a range of activities for you to get involved in.
Take part
We endeavour to give opportunities for all to take part, develop skills, gain insight and perform on our stages, through a range of participation opportunities.