Play your part in spectacular ceremonies at Birmingham 2022

The organisers of Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games have begun the search to find the volunteer cast, athlete hosts, and existing choirs who will bring this summer’s Opening and Closing Ceremonies to life.

The Birmingham 2022 Ceremonies Team is made up of some of the finest West Midlands creative talent, including theatre director Iqbal Khan, award-winning writer Maeve Clarke, rapper Joshua ‘RTKal’ Holness, and Peaky Blinders creator, Steven Knight.  This team is calling for the most ambitious, outgoing, and dedicated local people to apply to be part of the performance that opens and closes the biggest sporting celebration since the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Creative Director, Iqbal Khan said: “The Games are getting very real now, and we need to find the best of this region’s vibrant talent to help us truly bring the creative vision and ambition we have for these Ceremonies to life.    

“Performing at the Commonwealth Games is a once in generation opportunity – so get ready to show us what you’ve got if you want to represent your city and region on the biggest global stage.”

Nadine Dorries, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, added:

“The Opening and Closing Ceremonies will be fantastic highlights of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. This is a unique opportunity to play a special role in the biggest sporting and cultural event ever staged in the West Midlands so I would encourage anyone in the region with an interest in performance to get involved.”

Specifically, the organisers of the Ceremonies hope to find:

• People who can move to a beat to join the volunteer cast who will be in the majority of the show. Additionally, they are also looking for people with some of the following specialist skills: amateur circus, dance, ballet or parkour enthusiasts, so please do tell them what you can do.
• Welcoming and friendly people to act as Athletes Hosts who will welcome the athletes that are taking part in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. This would particularly appeal to those who want to be part of the ceremony but don’t want to be on stage.
• Established choirs who can join together, to form a truly one off, mass choir.

To be part of the cast, applicants must be able to participate in a movement and dance-based audition that will take place in Birmingham, between 1 March and 13 March 2022.  In addition, applicants must be able to commit to regular rehearsal sessions beginning in May 2022, running all the way up to each Ceremony.

For all roles a full attendance schedule will be provided to successful applicants before they accept the role.

Applicants can find more information and register their interest for this opportunity by completing the online application form at www.birmingham2022.com/ceremonies  The deadline for receipt of applications is 23:59 on Monday 7 February 2022.