An open call inviting people to join Kynren ahead of its tenth anniversary season is taking place in Bishop Auckland on Sunday 5th January 2025 and could make for a fun New Year’s resolution.
The award-winning theatrical spectacular is celebrating a decade of shows in 2025 and is recruiting new volunteers to join the 1,000-strong cast and crew, to help tell the 2,000-year-old tale of English history, myth and legend.
Potential volunteers for the UK’s biggest live-action outdoor show, Kynren, are invited to explore the wide variety of roles that bring this breathtaking spectacle to life. Whether you’re eager to perform on stage, craft intricate props and costumes, get involved with technical support, care for animals, or welcome visitors front of house, there’s something for everyone. Volunteers can also learn unique skills such as combat choreography, diving and blacksmithing, making this a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Anna Warnecke, CEO at Kynren, believes it’ll be a special experience to be a part of the tenth anniversary season which includes an extended run of shows. Anna said: “We’re so excited to welcome new “archers”, our name for volunteers, to the Kynren family in 2025 which marks the tenth year of Kynren – An Epic Tale of England.
“In this decade of awe-inspiring productions, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming volunteers aged from five to 85, all of whom have gained new friends, experiences and skills in a live show which is like no other in the UK. Everyone is welcome to attend the open calls and it’s a great way to hear more from some of current volunteers and see if a role on stage, behind the scenes or with visitor experience is right for you.”
Additional open calls will also be taking place on Wednesday 12th February and Tuesday 4th March 2025. The sessions last approximately 90 minutes and give prospective volunteers the chance to discover all the opportunities available and learn about each role, including the associated commitment.
New recruits will receive a full training programme equipping them with everything they need to know ahead of the summer shows which take place weekly from July to September on Saturday evenings.
Performed on a seven-and-a-half-acre outdoor stage against the magnificent backdrop of Auckland Palace in County Durham, Kynren is a spectacular re-telling of 2,000 years of English history and brings audiences magnificent sets, mass choreography, combat, stunts, horsemanship, stunning pyrotechnics and amazing special effects, including state of the art video projections.
Kynren transports audiences of up to 8,000 people a night, on a spellbinding voyage through history, myth and legend, as seen through the eyes of Arthur, the son of a mining family.
In 2025 Kynren will also celebrate the 200th anniversary of the nearby Stockton and Darlington Railway. See Kynren’s replica of Locomotion No.1 in action, roaring across the stage, marking the birth of the railway age that transformed this region – and the world – forever.
Whilst the pre-show Viking Village will also be returning in 2025, letting visitors experience life within an authentic recreation of a traditional 9th century Viking settlement as they prepare for battle.
“If someone is looking to try out something new this year or their New Year’s resolution is to expand their skills, we think volunteering at Kynren could be a great opportunity for them,” continued Anna.
For further information about the next open call on Sunday 5th January, 10.30am – 12pm, or the additional open calls on Wednesday 12th February 2025 (6.30pm – 8.00pm) and Tuesday 4th March 2025 (6.30pm – 8.00pm) visit: www.11arches.com/join-us.
For anyone unable to make the first open call but would still like to find out more about being part of Kynren, please email volunteer@11arches.org
