We are looking for four devisers to R&D their new play I AM BEAST initially culminating in three short work-in-progress performances. R&D dates will be spread out between 20th October – 22nd November. The performance dates include two work-in-progress (scratch) shows at New Diorama on 9th November and one at the MIMETIC Festival in The Vaults on the 22nd November. Applicants must have good daytime availability for the R&D period and full availability for the performance days.
To apply please email your CV and a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the project to info@sparkleanddark.com
The project:
After the death of his wife, a disconnected father realises he has lost his teenage daughter to her own brutal inner world. Now he must do what it takes to bring her back, no matter the cost. I AM BEAST will explore what happens when we become lost in ourselves and allow the darker parts of our mind to take control and transform our own realities. The show will be devised using live music, shadow play, object manipulation and a combination of actors and puppetry.
We will devise the play during this R&D period with a view to create a script and take the show into full production early next year. The piece will be devised from a selection of plot/story/character constructs. The main theme of piece is mental health issues in young adults/ teenagers following traumatic life events.
We are therefore looking for highly creative performers who are comfortable devising and improvising whilst also able to work with text and aren’t afraid to be challenged artistically in our exploration of the themes.
Auditions will be in East London in the daytimes on Monday 29th September, Tuesday 30th September and Wednesday 1st October with call backs for a workshop audition on Friday 3rd October. Please reply with a cover letter that highlights relevant skills and experience. Include a contact number, an email address and a preference of audition day (if any), although we cannot always guarantee your chosen day if you are selected.
We are currently waiting on a funding decision for the project; if successful, we will offer union rates for the whole of the project. Sparkle and Dark have a good track record for attracting funding but if we are unsuccessful we will only be providing basic travel expenses within the London area.
R&D Casting Call for:
I AM BEAST
PARTS:
Daughter
This role will require a strong, committed actress to play the 14yr old protagonist. This character will be driving the narrative of this piece and has a potentially complex and interesting character, so we are looking for someone who is passionate about truthful character development and is not scared to take some risks.
We are looking for:
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Someone who is comfortable with devising, improvisation, creating/developing new characters and working collaboratively.
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Whilst this role is unlikely to involve puppetry, some knowledge or experience of working with it may be an advantage for the devising process.
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This role has the potential to be physically demanding so a strong sense and understanding of movement will be preferable.
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Someone who has an interest in new writing.
Father / Ensemble Puppeteer
This role will require a strong actor with a mature appearance and will involve operating a life-size Bunraku puppet – please note this will be a physically demanding role. The Father character has the potential to become a compelling and complex protagonist, so we are looking for someone who is passionate about truthful character development and is not scared to take some risks. This role may also involve playing other characters and some shadow play.
We are looking for:
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Someone who is comfortable with devising, improvisation, creating/developing new characters and working collaboratively.
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Puppetry experience is preferred, although we will consider anyone who has a little experience and is keen to learn and has a good aptitude for movement/coordination.
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Someone who has an interest in new writing.
Boy / Lead Puppeteer
The boy is a dark and untamed creature which has been born out of the young female protagonist’s imagination and could be seen as a human manifestation of her deepest darkest feelings and desires. His age is undecided. This Boy will start the show as a life-size Bunraku puppet and this performing role will involve voicing him as the Lead Puppeteer. But, as the piece progresses, this puppet may begin to physically transform into the Lead Puppeteer until they assume the role of the boy himself. Therefore, this is a complex role that will require a strong actor with a high level of physical dexterity who is not afraid of a challenge. This role may also involve playing other characters, object manipulation and shadow play.
We are looking for:
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Puppetry experience is highly preferred, although we will consider anyone who has some experience and is keen to learn with a very strong aptitude for movement/coordination.
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This role has the potential to be physically demanding so we are interested in actors with a strong sense and understanding of movement.
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Someone who is comfortable with devising, improvisation, creating/developing new characters and working collaboratively.
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Someone who has an interest in new writing.
Female Actor / Ensemble Puppeteer
This role will involve creating and playing multiple characters and operating a life size bunraku-style puppet with the possibility of object manipulation and shadow play.
We are looking for:
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A confident character actor of any age (note: this has the potential to be a physically demanding role).
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Puppetry experience is highly preferred, although we will consider anyone who has a little experience and is keen to learn and has a good aptitude for movement/coordination.
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Someone who is comfortable with devising, improvisation, creating/developing new characters and working collaboratively.
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Someone who has an interest in new writing.