CALL FOR STAGE MANAGER - (Un)Known Project 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 that 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 Project:
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 people, 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 rehearsal process.
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 performance will premiere in 2022 with public performances available through summer.
Job Description: State Manager
We are hiring a Stage Manager for Stage II of the devising process. Rehearsals will be in-person and follow Covid guidelines. Qualified candidates should have a good foundation in stage management for theatre and/or public venues. Some rehearsals will be conducted virtually, so access to an audio/visual device (computer, smartphone, tablet, etc.) and internet is vital.
Preferred Qualifications:
· Someone who is organized.
· Someone who knows how to solve problems.
· Someone who has a basic understanding of all the technical demands of a production: lights, sound, props, set changes, make-up changes, and special effects.
· Someone with a firm, kind, polite, respectful, and calm manner who can encourage and lead a large number (10-30) of people to achieve a high standard of backstage discipline.
· Someone with stamina and a sense of humor.
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 5-6 actors and a director.
● Respond to production communication within 24 hours
● Come to rehearsals on time and prepared
● Maintain a professional attitude
● Record blocking/devising notes
● Communicate rehearsal notes with director and cast for each rehearsal
● Maintain safety within rehearsal space
● Maintain rehearsal agenda and pace
Compensation:
● $20.00 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
Applicants must include:
· Cover Letter
· Resume
· Two professional references (name, affiliation, phone/email)
Incomplete applications will not be considered.