3000 Volunteers Needed For Glasgow 2014 Ceremonies

In exactly six months the Opening Ceremony of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will officially launch the start of Glasgow and Scotland’s biggest-ever festival of sport and culture.

(For details about how to apply, and for an online application form, go to www.glasgow2014.com).

Glasgow 2014 wants up to 3,000 genuine and enthusiastic people to be at the heart of the Games and today (Thursday, 23 January) begins its search to find the stars of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

 A mass cast recruitment is now on to find the talented individuals who will be the life and soul of the party as Glasgow and Scotland invites in the world with the warmest of welcomes.

Around 3,000 voluntary cast members are required for the Ceremonies, to be held at Celtic Park and Hampden, Scotland’s National Stadium, which will be seen by live audiences of more than 40,000 people and a potential global television audience of more than one billion.

Whilst the content of the Ceremonies is being kept under wraps for now, spectators are being promised two evenings of delight and surprise which proudly and playfully reflect the culture of Glasgow and Scotland in a warm, welcoming way. 

Applications to be part of the cast, which covers both Ceremonies and some elements which will be pre-recorded, opened this morning and will be accepted until 14 February with auditions due to take place in March.  

You could be part of Glasgow 2014’s big moments on a global stage if you are:

• Aged 18 or over by 1 March 2014
• Available to attend auditions in Glasgow
• Available to rehearse and attend the performance

All mass cast places are voluntary and no previous experience is required.  Organisers are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are willing to represent Glasgow and Scotland and contribute their passion, talent, energy and positive spirit to the Ceremonies.

Eileen Gallagher, Independent Director, Glasgow 2014 Board and Chair of the Ceremonies, Culture and Queen’s Baton Relay Committee said:

“The Opening and Closing ceremonies of the XX Commonwealth Games are a huge opportunity to showcase on a global stage our culture, creativity and character.  It’s Scotland’s biggest ever sporting and cultural festival, and we’re planning an unforgettable party – an ambitious celebration to welcome the world to Scotland’s liveliest city.

“For this to be a success it’s really important that ordinary people are front stage both in Celtic Park and to audiences across the globe as they can demonstrate more than anyone the passion and enthusiasm the city and the country have for hosting the Games.”

Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive, David Grevemberg, said:

“The Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will be a moment for Glasgow and Scotland to shine brightly on the global stage, demonstrating the genuine passion and enthusiasm the host city and country have for the Games.

“This is about showcasing the very best of a city and a nation to an international audience and how better to do that than through the enthusiasm and passion of its people.”

Culture Secretary, Fiona Hyslop, said:

“2014 is Scotland’s year to shine. Auditioning to take part in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies at the Games will give people the chance to take a break from the ‘every day’ and potentially be part of a special moment.

“Whether from the Host City or further afield – I hope aspiring performers of all ages  will take the chance to be part of the cast, to represent Glasgow and Scotland, and to give a warm welcome to the world!” 

Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council and Executive Member for the Commonwealth Games, Councillor Archie Graham, said:

“The eyes of the world will be on Glasgow during the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games and we want people from all walks of life to take centre stage.

“We are going to put on a show that will have the people of Glasgow and Scotland at its very heart. Our people are Glasgow’s biggest asset and that will shine through during the ceremonies.”

Fiona McEwan, Vice Chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland, said:

“Being part of the Opening and Closing ceremonies is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the lucky 3,000 people who will make up the mass cast to get involved in the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. The ceremonies are an unforgettable part of being selected as an athlete to compete at the Games and will prove equally memorable for the cast and for everyone who sees them perform.”