Rebus is seeking expressions of interest from actors, improvisors and musicians to receive free training in Playback Theatre as part of the Rebus Playback Theatre Ensemble! Training will likely lead to paid performance opportunities. Join a supportive ensemble, and an international community, creating Theatre for social change.
We are holding a public group audition workshop on Tuesday June 6 from 6:45-9:15pm in Braddon. The location will be provided upon registration.
Please note that we are not currently able to pay Playback Theatre members to attend rehearsals. There will be payment for performances.
The expression of interest is via this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XDJWF6H
For those of you not familiar with Playback Theatre…
Playback Theatre is a form of improvised theatre in which audience members tell moments or stories from their own lives, and a team of actors and musicians improvise it back on the spot, without costumes, props, script or rehearsal. It can be funny or deeply moving depending upon the story told. It can be a powerful tool in healing and empowering communities.
There are three roles in a Playback Theatre performance. We are looking for people who are interested in any or all of these roles.
- Actors must be able to listen to a story closely, work as a team with the musician and other actors, improvise confidently and embody the emotions of a story.
- Musicians must be competent in playing one or more instruments (including voice) and in improvising and working with the actors.
- Conductors facilitate the performance. They must be able to talk openly with the audience, lead the performance, listen attentively, and help shape a story.
Our invitation
We are inviting people with some performance experience of any kind to audition to join our ensemble. If you decide to audition and are successful, we will expect you to attend weekly two hour rehearsals during school terms. At the moment, we are not able to pay you to attend rehearsals, but you will receive free training. When we start performing, you will be paid to perform. We anticipate our first performances will take place from October 2023, and hope to be performing at least every two months from then on.
All new Ensemble members will be probationary members for the first term, while you decide if you want to be a part of this group, and we decide if you fit in.
Rehearsals will be held in Braddon on Tuesday evenings from 6:45-8:45pm. If you are not able to attend either of these times regularly, you will not be invited to join the ensemble.
We want our Ensemble to be as inclusive as possible so performers who are d/Deaf or disabled, from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds, are LGBTQI+, or are First Nations people, are particularly encouraged to apply.
The audition
The audition will be held from 6:45-9:15pm in Braddon Tuesday June 6. You do not have to prepare anything for the audition. Please wear clothes you are comfortable moving in, and a water bottle. If you wish to be considered for the role of musician, please bring at least one instrument you are proficient in.
The audition will consist of warm-ups, exercises to get to know each other, games, and a series of introductory playback theatre exercises.
Selection Criteria:
- Skill: We will be looking for your skills in acting, improvisation, voice, movement, music and/or facilitation.
Commitment, availability, and flexibility: At least being available for regular weekly rehearsals during school terms, and some performances and weekend intensives outside of this time. We understand that life gets in the way sometimes, but preference will be given to people who will be at almost all rehearsals. - Diversity: We aim to create an ensemble that reflects the diversity of our society. First Nations people, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds, BIPOC people, people who are d/Deaf or living with disability, neuro diversity, and/or lived experience of mental ill health are strongly encouraged to apply.
We expect to let you know if we are inviting you to join the company on Friday June 9.
What to do next?
If you are not interested in auditioning, I’d appreciate it if you let me know by email.
If you are interested in auditioning, please fill in an expression of interest by Sunday May 28, so we have some details from you before the audition.
The expression of interest is via this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XDJWF6H
