‘Sleep No More’ is a groundbreaking collaboration between London, UK based theatre company Punchdrunk and The American Repertory Theater. Punchdrunk are award winning pioneers in the realm of site specific theatre. Sleep No More is a choreographic, visual, sonic and site response to Shakepeare’s Macbeth which unfolds across four, sprawling floors of a stunning, secret location.
Casting information - dancers
Punchdrunk offers performers the opportunity to create and perform within stunning, transformative site specific environments. We combine a highly intense physical choreographic style with a subtle and intimate theatrical sensibility. The emphasis is on a dance language that is emotionally expressive, develops a narrative and works with the scenography of the site. You don’t perform in a show – rather inhabit a world. The dancers we work with are highly skilled with a magical presence. For Sleep No More we are looking for brilliant dancer – actors (think Lloyd Newson’s DV8 or Pina Bausch!) to replace the British company who will open the show in the autumn. You will be learning these challenging roles and leading the rest of the company for the completion of the run. This is theatre – dance theatre not for the faint hearted.
Those considering applying should visit the Punchdrunk website @ http://www.punchdrunk.org.uk for background information.
Audition/Performance Location: Cambridge, MA
Dancer Auditions Dates/Time:
Workshop/Classes with Punchdrunk Creative Team
July 13th – 1st Round Auditions
10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 5:00, 6:00, 7:00
July 14th- 2nd Round Callbacks
Dancers should be prepared to spend the full day (10-5) working with the creative team
The Classes/Workshop will be with Maxine Doyle & Felix Barrett-Directors
In the classes/workshops for Dancers the auditionees will be taken through a brief warm-up, a couple of movement combinations, and a contact improvisation exercise.
REHEARSAL/PERFORMANCE DATES:
1st Rehearsal (UK Cast): September 8, 2009
1st Rehearsal (US replacement cast): October 6, 2009
Tech: September 29-October 14, 2009
Opening (UK Cast): October 14, 2009
1st Performance (Full US Cast): November 3, 2009
Closing: January 3, 2010
COMPENSATION: $500 per week, no housing provided
This show is essentially a non text based, improvisational, dance theatre piece. It is not covered under any union contract.
If you are a skilled and adventurous dancer / actor / performer with a creative curiosity for site-based theater and, ideally, some experience of performance in non-traditional settings, please email your picture and resume to Chris De Camillis, at christopher_decamillis@harvard.edu. Appointments will be scheduled after the producers have reviewed your resumes.
CASTING THE FOLLOWING ROLES FOR DANCERS:
Macbeth, Playing Age: 30 – 40, Height: 5ft 10 minimum, Appearance: Handsome
This is a challenging, lead role suitable for a dynamic and charismatic male dancer.
Skills and experience: Must have excellent contemporary dance technique and partnering skills. Experience and practice in contact improvisation is useful. Strong presence and acting ability essential. This is a non-text based role. 5 years minimum professional experience in contemporary dance and theatre.
Lady Macbeth, Playing Age: 30 – 40 Height: 5ft 4 minimum, Appearance: Attractive
Skills and experience: Must have excellent contemporary dance technique and partnering skills. Experience and practice in contact improvisation is useful. Strong presence and acting ability essential. This is essentially a non-text based role although some experience with text would be useful. 5 years minimum professional experience in contemporary dance and theatre. A bias towards musical theatre experience is inappropriate.
Banquo, Playing Age: 30 – 40
Skills and Experience: Must have excellent contemporary dance technique and partnering skills. Experience and practice in contact improvisation is useful. Strong presence and acting ability essential. This is a non-text based role. 5 years minimum professional experience in contemporary dance and theatre. A bias towards musical theatre experience is inappropriate.
Macduff Playing Age: 25 – 35
Skills and Experience: Must have excellent contemporary dance technique and partnering skills. Experience and practice in contact improvisation is useful. Strong presence and acting ability essential. This is a non-text based role. 5 years minimum professional experience in contemporary dance and theatre. A bias towards musical theatre experience is inappropriate.
Lady Macduff, Playing Age: 20 – 30
Skills and Experience: Must have excellent contemporary dance technique and partnering skills. Experience and practice in contact improvisation is useful. Strong presence and acting ability essential. This is a non-text based role. 5 years minimum professional experience in contemporary dance and theatre. A bias towards musical theatre experience is inappropriate.
Witch- Male, Playing age: 20 – 25, Appearance: interesting / beautiful
Skills and Experience: Must have excellent contemporary dance technique and partnering skills. Experience and practice in contact improvisation is useful. Strong presence and acting ability essential. This is a non-text based role. 5 years minimum professional experience in contemporary dance and theatre. A bias towards musical theatre experience is inappropriate however an ability to sing would be useful.
2 Witches- Female, Playing age: 20 – 25, Appearance: interesting / beautiful
Skills and Experience: Must have excellent contemporary dance technique and partnering skills. Experience and practice in contact improvisation is useful. Strong presence and acting ability essential. This is a non-text based role. 5 years minimum professional experience in contemporary dance and theatre. A bias towards musical theatre experience is inappropriate however an ability to sing would be useful.
