YOUNG ROOKS
THE DETAILS /
Young Rooks is the emerging artist stream of Rook's Theatre - indie theatre apprenticeships built for artists aged 16-24. Young Rooks exists to give Hamilton's emerging theatre artists a place to work alongside working indie professionals in a real rehearsal room, on a real production, for a real audience. Young Rooks work with and learn from our professional creative team members, shaping a piece of theatre from table read to closing night.
It's a company of like-minded artists, and you're invited.
WHO IS A YOUNG ROOK? /
A Young Rook is ...
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between the ages of 16 and 24
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based in Hamilton or the surrounding area
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curious, brave (even if scared), and a little obsessed with storytelling
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wants to build a play from the inside
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someone who wants to be in the room, not just watching from the audience
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a performer, or drawn to the production side – directing, stage management, dramaturgy ...
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is ready to do real work on a real show
You don't need a long resume – just curiosity and commitment 🐦⬛
Previous Young Rooks have taken on acting roles in Hamlet (2024) and acting and creative team roles in A Doll's House (2025).
SUPPORT YOUNG ROOKS /
Want to know how you can support the next generation of Hamilton's theatre artists? Get in touch.
SUMMER 2026 PROJECT /
WE ALL GOT LOST
by Camille Intson
directed by Stephanie Hope Lawlor
ABOUT THE PLAY /
Five schoolgirls form a secret storytelling circle in the woods of a remote Northern Ontario township. Spinning tales among the trees, they turn to the forest and to each other to navigate school, adolescence, family, and identity. When tragedy shocks the community, the girls must reckon with the events that led them into the woods that night, and the consequences that followed.
A queer gothic coming-of-age play about girlhood, disobedience, passion, and what happens when storytelling goes too far. Winner of the 2019 Hamilton Fringe New Play Contest and Best of Fringe.
CONTENT NOTE /
We All Got Lost contains staged physical violence, an intimate moment between two characters, and themes of grief and loss. All sensitive content is handled with a fight/intimacy coordinator on the creative team.
AVAILABLE POSITIONS /
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All acting and apprenticeship positions are open to artists ages 16-24.
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If offered a role or apprentice position, a production fee of $305 is required to confirm your place.
/ ON STAGE ROLES
BILLIE (plays teenage and adult)
Present-day narrator, the engine of the play. Holds the frame, speaks directly to the audience, carries the weight of everything that happened eight years ago.
MAEVE (plays teenage)
The wildfire. Collects punishments and sings loudest at Christmas. Fearlessness, physical commitment, genuine comic instinct.
Note: Scene 13 contains staged physical violence with a prop, choreographed with fight/intimacy coordinator.
ALISON (plays teenage)
Kate's sister. A girl becoming someone her world has no language for yet.
Note: Scene 12 contains an intimate moment between Alison and Nicole, developed with intimacy coordinator.
NICOLE (plays teenage)
The good girl, and more complicated than she looks. Where faith, confusion, and love collide.
Note: Scene 12 contains an intimate moment between Nicole and Alison, developed with intimacy coordinator.
KATE (plays preteen/young teenage)
Alison's younger sister. Has not spoken in three years, but watches and absorbs.
/ BEHIND THE SCENES ROLES
APPRENTICE STAGE MANAGER
Working directly under our production stage manager. This is the role for someone who is organized and loves seeing their work come to life. No prior SM experience required.
APPRENTICE DIRECTOR
Reporting to the director from first rehearsal through closing night. Table work, directorial notes, scene support. This is the role for someone who wants to help shape the creative vision.
APPRENTICE PRODUCER
Working with the creative team. Dramaturgy, marketing, content creation. The role for somebody who wants to understand how a production is built from the inside out, artistically and administratively.
SUBMISSIONS /
Submissions for We All Got Lost are now closed. Thank you for your interest!
REHEARSAL +
PERFORMANCE INFO /
All rehearsals take place in downtown Hamilton
JUNE
Monday, June 23, 6 - 9 PM
Wednesday, June 24, 6 - 9 PM
Friday, June 26, 6 - 9 PM
Monday, June 30, 6 - 9 PM
JULY
Sunday, July 5, 5 - 9 PM
Wednesday, July 8, 6 - 9 PM
Sunday, July 12, 5 - 9 PM
Wednesday, July 15, 6 - 9 PM
Sunday, July 19, 5 - 9 PM
Wednesday, July 22, 6 - 9 PM
Sunday, July 26, 5 - 9 PM
Wednesday, July 29, 6 - 9 PM
AUGUST
Sunday, August 2, 5 - 9 PM
Monday, August 3, 6 - 9 PM
Wednesday, August 5, 6 - 9 PM
Sunday, August 9, 5 - 9 PM
Monday, August 10, 6 - 9 PM
Wednesday, August 12, 6 - 9 PM
Sunday, August 16, 5 - 9 PM
Monday, August 17, 6 - 9 PM
Wednesday, August 19, 6 - 9 PM
Sunday, August 23, 5 - 9 PM
TECH
Monday, August 24 (afternoon/evening)
Tuesday, August 25 (afternoon/evening)
Wednesday, August 26 (afternoon/evening)
PERFORMANCES
Thursday, August 27, 7:30 PM
Friday, August 28, 7:30 PM
Saturday, August 29, 7:30 PM
The Back Hall, 130 Victoria Avenue North, Hamilton