Stages of Empathy call for Actors

A paid acting opportunity for people with autism, psychosocial disability or intellectual disability for a theatre-based training program to make community activities more accessible for people with disabilities across NSW, VIC and the ACT.

Do you have a passion for expressing yourself through theatre / performance? Are you autistic, have an intellectual disability or / and psychosocial disability (mental health challenges)? Do you also identify as LGBTQIA+? If you tick any of these boxes, Rebus Theatre invites you to apply to be a part of our upcoming project, Stages of Empathy.

Group Audition Workshops: Potential actors are invited to attend one of the audition workshops at either 2pm-4pm or 6pm-8pm on Tuesday 19 November.

Shortlist interviews: early December

Final announcement: December 15th

A Woman in a pink Jacket sits at a desk on the looks on as a man is buckled over in front of her

Rehearsals: Rehearsals will take place over the months of February, March and April 2025. It is expected that there will be at least 3X4 hour rehearsals a week within business hours during this time, with more to be added for April. A full rehearsal schedule will be provided to successful auditionees by 31 December 2024.

Tour: The show will have several tour dates from May 2025, with the full touring schedule to be determined in consultation with actors to ensure all access needs and other touring requirements are met.

Stages of Empathy, is an interactive theatre piece touring community organisations and workplaces across Australia throughout 2025. This project addresses the challenges and opportunities of working with people with disability.

You do not need to have formal acting experience to be part of this production – just a passion for making a difference!

Rebus Theatre will work with actors to accommodate any accessibility needs they have. Rebus has extensive experience in working with people with disability and in creating performances which support inclusion, promote discussion and open conversation about social and disability issues.

Rebus Theatre will hold a group audition for everyone who applies to be an actor in Stages of Empathy on Tuesday 19 November at Gorman Arts Centre. Potential actors can choose to attend the 2pm session or the 6pm session. After this, a shortlist will be created. People shortlisted will be asked to attend an intake interview. This will be used to determine the final group of actors. Please note that if you are not selected for Stages of Empathy, you may still be considered for other Rebus productions.

All actors will be paid at Media Entertainment Arts Alliance rates for rehearsal and performances with travel allowances and accommodation provided.

If you would like to know more – or to apply for an audition – please email sammy@rebustheatre.com with your preferred audition time and he will reply with an Information pack. Information can be provided in Easy English on request.

‘Stages of Empathy’ is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. Rebus is also supported by the ACT Government and Ainslie + Gorman.

Find out more about Stages of Empathy here: https://rebustheatre.com/programs/stages-of-empathy/

Rebus acknowledges the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people as the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work, and pays our respect to elders past, present and emerging.

We practice radical empathy through theatre and other arts to stimulate healing and provoke social and environmental change. Together with our donors and friends, Rebus is embarking on a bold new path to reach more of our marginalised than ever before. Play your own part by making a tax deductible donation to support our mission here!

Donate to Rebus!

The Rebus Staff Wellbeing Program is supported by Hands Across Canberra in partnership with the Chief Minister’s Charitable Fund and the Canberra Foundations Collective.