CALL FOR PERFORMERS - (Un)Known Project's Floating Reconciliation Experience
DEADLINE: November 5, 2021
About (UN)KNOWN PROJECT:
The (Un)Known Project will create artistic spaces and experiences to support learning, healing, reflection, reconciliation, and action by honoring the names and telling the stories - of both known and unknown - Black men, women and children who were enslaved and hidden figures in Louisville, Kentucky and the surrounding region.
The Project is led by Hannah Drake and Josh Miller as a collaboration between artist-led nonprofit IDEAS xLab, the Frazier History Museum, Roots 101, various departments within Louisville Metro Government, and will incorporate Louisville’s history and heritage to create limestone benches, poetry, photography, and arts-based experiences along the Ohio River. Serving as a cultural heritage destination, the (Un)Known Project will be co-created as a significant marker in Louisville, designating the location as a monumental site and symbol of African American history.
About Floating Reconciliation Experience:
The (Un)Known Project’s Floating Reconciliation Experience on the Belle of Louisville will be an immersive performance designed to engage participants in Kentuckiana’s (un)known history. Whereas the performance’s content centers on the narratives of Black diaspora, the experience will be inclusive to intersectional identities and communities by asking participants to 1) acknowledge our history; 2) think critically/creatively on how we can heal from our history; and 3) generate and sustain systemic changes that move us all towards liberation.
Devised theatre can take many forms, but it basically means moving through a non-traditional theatrical process that does not start with a script; rather, through collaboration and improvisation the “script” is developed and refined. The rehearsal process will be a space for a cadre of Kentuckiana artists (musicians, dancers, actors, activists, poets, DJs, designers, etc.) to collaborate and generate text, movement and multi/mixed media that expands upon the aforementioned themes. These artists will have the opportunity to perform in the finalized product, but it is not a requirement to participate in the devising stages.
This immersive performance will be created in two devising stages throughout 2021: Stage I (late MAY – JUN) & Stage II (AUG-DEC) with lead artist, Assistant Professor Sidney Monroe Williams (UofL African American Theatre Program). Each devising stage will culminate with a workshop that engages community and stakeholders in the development of the collective experience. The finalized product will premiere in 2022 with public performances available through summer.
Job Description:
We are hiring for Stage II of the devising process. Rehearsals will be in-person and follow Covid guidelines. Qualified candidates should have some performance experience and a good foundation in improvisational techniques in drama. We encourage a spectrum of performers to audition for this project. For example (but not limited to), musicians, aerial/circus arts, vocalists, poets, dancers, actors, and other intersectional performing arts. Some rehearsals will be conducted virtually, so access to an audio/visual device (computer, smartphone, tablet, etc.) and internet is vital.
We seek to cast a diverse/dynamic/inclusive ensemble with special attention to Kentuckiana’s (un)known histories.
Duties/Responsibilities:
● Dates of Contract: 08 NOV – 20 DEC 2021
○ Rehearsals: 10 NOV – 18 DEC 2021 | M-Th 6-10PM
○ Performances: 17 - 19 DEC 2021
○ Wrap up: 20 DEC 2021
● Collaborate and devise with an ensemble of 6-8 actors and a director.
● Respond to production communication within 24 hours.
● Come to rehearsals on time and prepared.
● Maintain a professional attitude.
Available Roles/Character Breakdown: 3 Women/3 Men/1 Non-binary
· Rufus: Caribbean and/or Indigenous; male-identifying; charming, cunning, and callous; age 30-40.
· Beverly: Black; female-identifying; street-smart, bold, and resilient; age 20-30.
· Frannie: Bi-racial; female-identifying; impulsive, articulate, and passionate; age 20-30.
· Buster: Bi-racial male-identifying; sheltered, innocent, intuitive; age 10-12.
· Newt: Black; non-binary identifying; divine, graceful, and ancestral; age 20-30
· Brotha: Black; male-identifying; brave, musical, and protective; age 15-20.
· Sista: Black; female-identifying; attractive, musical, and assertive; age 15-20.
· Sampey: White; male-identifying; hardworking, lonely, adapts quickly; age 15-20.
Compensation:
● $15.00 an hour for rehearsals/performances
IDEAS xLab is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity, and Americans with Disabilities Employer, committed to diversity, and in that spirit, seeks applications from a broad variety of candidates. This is a Contractor position that will answer to Sidney.
Application Instructions:
Application review will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled with preference for applications submitted by November 5, 2021. IDEAS xLab requires that all candidates send their applications materials, collectively, to: unknownproject@ideasxlab.com
Applications must include:
Cover Letter
Resume
Headshot
(2) Professional references (name, affiliation, phone/email)
In-person auditions are confirmed upon submission of application materials and will take place November 6-8, 2021 by appointment.