Actors needed for new project
Common Players in association with Exeter Northcott Theatre are seeking new and aspiring professionals and skilled amateurs alike to perform in Jerusalem in May and June 2014.
From Common Players, in association with Exeter Northcott Theatre; a new production, of Jez Butterworths’ play Jerusalem will tour Devon in May and June 2014, and will be made in a new way, involving local artists, and teaching new skills.
Jerusalem was first performed in 2009 and became the Evening Standard’s Best Play of the Year. It is an epic and heroic play about our great British need for a connection with the landscape and our roots; an underpinning theme of the 2012 Olympic opening ceremony.
In part a lament about the erosion of country life and in part a rebuff to the antiseptic modern world, Jerusalem charts the chaotic and hilarious events over the 24 hours of a local mid-summer festival. Imagine Midsummer Nights’ Dream populated with characters straight out of Shameless and Skins.
The New Jerusalem project will take this indoor play and plant it outside, locating its roots in and around the communities of the Westcountry. We are creating a new midsummer event with the play at its centre, and we are forming a dynamic team to take part in this unique and challenging journey into uncharted territory, and you could be in it.
The opportunity:
It’s an opportunity for new and aspiring professionals and skilled amateurs alike. The lively characters in the play are mostly in their 20’s and 50’s. And this offer is not just for actors, we are also offering people keen to work backstage and in other supporting roles, the chance to hone their skills working alongside industry professionals.
A team of 30 will be led by director Anthony Richards who, as chief of Common Players has considerable experience of working outdoors, as well as directing Educating Rita and Talking Heads with Uncommon Players and Exeter Northcott. He is joined by other professionals; designers, a voice coach, musical director, marketing experts, producers and technicians to navigate through an intense experience to create a top quality production. All participants will get significant exposure to professional practice and a real developmental challenge.
We are now accepting interest and applications from people of all walks of life to take up voluntary roles that include Actors, Wardrobe Assistants, an Assistant Director, Assistant Stage Managers, Set Construction Assistants, and Technical Assistants. Details about all of these roles and how to apply can be found on the project website – www.newjerusalem.org.uk – but be quick! The deadline to sign up is Monday 13 January 2014.
Exeter Northcott’s Associate Producer Sophie McCormack says; “These opportunities are perfect for anyone who wants to gain experience of working on a professional and innovative theatre project. The play itself is one of the most popular and relevant in recent years, giving all who take part the chance to take real ownership over a truly exciting production for Devon communities.”
The Process:
In February 2014 successful applicants will enjoy a series of workshops, at the end of which we will select people to stay on for the whole journey. Rehearsals in April will be designed to fit around daytime commitments wherever possible and will and lead to performances in May and June 2014.
Contact Sophie McCormack at S.M.McCormack@exeter.ac.uk with any questions about how to take part and come along to the Exeter Northcott Theatre on Thursday 9 January at 7pm for more information and to meet the creative team.
