Young Rooks
WHAT IS IT?
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).
Our summer 2026 Young Rooks production is Camille Intson's play We All Got Lost.
YOUNG ROOKS apprentice company year 3
Indie theatre apprenticeships built for Hamilton's emerging theatre artists 16–24, on stage and off.
2026 APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED
2026 YOUNG ROOKS COHORT
From left to right:
Emma Watts
Jay Watson
Angelina Lo
Jessica Mae Gayton
Emily Hartleib
Caitlyn Green
Sophie Côté
Sawyer Davidson
APPLY
Applications for our 2026 Young Rooks cohort are closed. Be sure to follow us on Instagram or visit our site to stay in the loop for our next project!
SUPPORT YOUNG ROOKS
Every cohort, we hear from talented young artists in Hamilton who've outgrown their drama class at school and want somewhere to go next – to build a show from the inside, not just watch one from the seats. Young Rooks gives them a real rehearsal room, a real production, a real audience. Support from people like you is what lets us say yes to them.
Want to know how you can support the next generation of Hamilton's theatre artists?
Get in touch.
