The eyes of the Commonwealth are turning to Glasgow as the city prepares to rewrite the history books. In a bold departure from tradition, the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games has officially announced that its Opening Ceremony will be hosted within the iconic walls of The Hydro.
For the first time in the history of the Games, the curtain-raiser will move from the sprawling grass of a stadium to the intimate, high-octane environment of a world-class arena, promising an immersive and electric experience that brings the audience closer to the heart of the action than ever before.
To bring this ambitious vision to life, Glasgow 2026 is issuing a clarion call for 700 enthusiastic and energetic volunteer cast members. This is a golden ticket for local talent and passionate individuals to step into the spotlight and be part of a “Clyde-built” spectacle designed to showcase the soul of the city to a global audience of millions.
Scheduled for 23 July 2026, the Opening Ceremony is being crafted as a sensory masterpiece. By utilizing the unique acoustics and architecture of The Hydro, organizers aim to deliver a show that translates to television and digital broadcasts with a level of detail and intimacy that traditional stadium ceremonies cannot replicate.
The creative engine behind the show is a powerhouse of local talent, led by Ceremonies Chief Louisa Mahon. The team features an impressive lineup of female industry leaders, including Roxana Cole as Show and Staging Director, Emily Jane Boyle as Choreographer, and Carole Millar as Costume Designer. Together, they are building a narrative that is unmistakably Glasgow—bold, creative, and unapologetically vibrant.
The search is on for a diverse range of performers to participate in both live and pre-recorded segments of the show. Whether you are a seasoned professional or someone who simply loves to move, there is a place for you in the cast. The Games are specifically looking for:
Dancers of All Disciplines: From classical ballet and contemporary to urban street dance, ballroom, and traditional cultural styles.
Theatre and Performance Enthusiasts: Drama students, members of amateur dramatic groups, and those with experience in film or musical theatre.
Musicians and Percussionists: Singers, drummers, and anyone with a natural musical flair to help set the rhythm of the night.
All-Round Enthusiasts: You don’t need a specific technical skill to join; many roles require nothing more than high energy, passion, and a desire to represent Glasgow on the world stage.
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 16 years old. No previous professional experience is required, as the Games organizers are committed to reflecting the true diversity of the city’s communities and cultures.
700 VOLUNTEER CAST MEMBERS TO BE PART OF THE SHOW
Louisa Mahon – Ceremonies Chief Glasgow 2026
Roxana Cole – Show and Staging Director and Carole Millar Costume Design
Louisa Mahon, Chief Marketing and Ceremonies Officer, emphasized the unique nature of the event;
”The Hydro is a spectacular venue and this ceremony is being designed to be experienced, not observed. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for volunteers to follow in the footsteps of the global superstars who have graced this stage. No matter your background or ability—this is your moment!”
Dominic McKay, Chief Executive of the SEC, also added;
”We are ready to lift the curtain and raise the roof. The SEC is built for moments like this, and we are proud to be a partner in delivering a Games that will inspire and capture the imagination of the entire Commonwealth.”
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will run from 23rd July to 2nd August, featuring 3,000 athletes from 74 nations competing across 10 sports. To be part of the beginning of this journey, interested volunteers must act fast.
Application Deadline: 24 April 2026 (Note: Applications may close early if demand is high).
Audition Dates: 9–10 May 2026 in Glasgow.
How to Apply: Submit your application online at glasgow2026.com/casting.
