Three actors required for R&D of new play with live filming as part of Litmus Fest at Pleasance Theatre (London).
1 woman playing age 65-85
1 woman playing age 17 -30
1 man playing age 25-35
Send your CV and showreel to [email protected]
Odd Eyes Theatre is looking for three performers to collaborate on the development of Close Up, a new play with live filming and music.
In 1968 the Theatres Act abolished censorship on the British stage. Close Up explores the changing face of censorship in showbiz through the rise and fall of a comedian specialised in Polari gags in the 1968 and the overnight success of an 85 years old woman through a controversial fly-on-the-wall documentary about sex in 2018.
All characters are developed from real-life people to explore through live performance and cinematic editing our relationship with the “forbidden”.
The R&D Litmus Fest residency takes place in September and includes two-week workshop from 4 September, followed by tech days and performances.
During this residency, we will be trialling a number of key scenes to develop characters and live filming techniques.
All actors must be keen improvisers and be able to perform multiple roles. All actors must also be comfortable with performing in provocative clothing and cross-dressing. No full nudity or sexual intercourse scenes will be required.
Of primary importance is the flexible and collaborative attitude required to contribute to the R&D process. We welcome applications from BAME performers.
Please note this is a paid job.
DETAILS
Auditions
9th August
Audition venue: NDT2, Warren Street Tube
R&D
R&D performances
R&D venue: Pleasance Theatre (Islington)
Characters and doubling:
Grace, 85
also playing
Maria, 60
Grace, also playing Maria, lives on her own in the suburbs of a town in the North. An active woman throughout her life, she now suffers from depression as well as several old age ailments. She married twice and had an active and happy sexual life. She is comfortable with her own body. Her dream was always to stand out and achieve notoriety as well as the love and admiration of those round her. However, her outstanding personality resulted in difficult personal relationships. Her closer family, especially her daughter Maria whom she loves and resents at the same time, live in Australia. She would like her daughter to come back to England and to show her love and affection.
Maria has moved to Australia when she was in her thirties and attempted to create an independent career away from Grace’s strong influence. In many ways she is still concerned about her mother’s wellbeing and she is still dependent on her judgement.
We are looking for an actor that can play both Grace and her daughter Maria. You will need to be comfortable with showing your body in lingerie and playing in a mock sexual comedy. Experience of ballroom dancing is desirable. Some singing training is desirable. As this is the lead character, the actor will always be on stage so must be prepared to a full energy commitment.
Clive, 25-35
Also playing
Leo, 22 – 35
1960s comedian. Clive is a master of Polari and double-entendre humour. He’s got a fairly successful comedy act that has transferred from theatre to radio and then to BBC television until it has been shut soon after the Theatre Acts in 1968. He then followed his dream and took up acting as drag queen Kelly.
Leo is a hopeful media-type cameraman and the right arm of documentary maker Lauren. Leo is hardly ever asked for his opinion, unless it’s needed to back up Lauren’s schemes, yet somehow he cracks the line that sheds a new light on the situation.
The actor must have knowledge of Polari and be familiar with British comedy from 1950s and 1960s. He must be a trained singer. Experience of using photographic and film equipment is also desirable.
Lauren, 27-35
Also playing
Scarlet, 15-19
WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THIS ROLE
Lauren is a mid-career documentary film maker. She’s a perfectionist and aims to be the best in her filed. A workaholic, her personal life is relegated to fantasies and internet dates. Her real one love is her career to the point of obsession.
Scarlett is Grace’ great-grandchild. She lives with her grandmother Maria in Adelaide, Australia. Her mother abandoned her when she was a baby. Scarlet is an outgoing teen, quite resembling of Grace for her outspokenness but who hasn’t really found an outlet for her personality. Maria sends her to Grace for the summer holiday to keep her away from trouble.
We are looking for an actor able to play a range of characters and to explore them through improvisation. Actors will use microphones and filming equipment. Must have some experience of filming and photography.