Glasgow 2014 marks six months to go by launching search for Ceremonies cast

By Gary Anderson

January 23 - With six months to go until the start of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, organisers have launched the search for up to 3,000 volunteers to take part in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

The content of both Ceremonies is still being kept under wraps, but organisers today launched a mass cast recruitment drive to find what they describe as talented individuals who will be the life and soul of the party.

"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," said Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg.

"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."

Celtic Park will stage the Opening Ceremony of Glasgow 2014 ©Glasgow 2014

The Opening Ceremony of Glasgow 2014 is due to take place at Celtic Park on July 23, while the Closing Ceremony will be staged at Hampden Park on August 3.

Both Ceremonies will be created and produced by events company Jack Morton Worldwide, who also created the Ceremonies for Manchester 2002 and Melbourne 2006.

They also worked on the Opening and Closing Ceremonies at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

"These are Glasgow's Ceremonies so we're putting the people who make this such a great city right at the centre of what we're doing," said director of Jack Morton Public Events and head of ceremonies and artistic director at Glasgow 2014 David Zolkwer.

"That's why our first public statement about the Ceremonies is about opportunities - thousands of opportunities for the people of Glasgow (and beyond) to be a vital part of the Games they are hosting.

"It's going to be a fantastic experience that our volunteer performers and the watching world will never forget."

Jack Morton Worldwide created the Opening Ceremony for the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games ©Getty Images

To become a cast member for the Ceremonies applicants need to be 18-years-old or over by March 1, and the application deadline is March 14.

All mass cast places are voluntary and no previous experience is required.

"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," said chairman of the Glasgow 2014 Ceremonies, Culture and Queen's Baton Relay Committee Eileen Gallagher.

"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 Hampden 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."

For further information about how to apply and for an online application form click here.

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