Child's Play Touring Theatre is seeking new company members for its 2013-2014 season!
Founded in 1978, Child's Play Touring Theatre was the first theatre company to realize the value of children's own writing and perform exclusively stories and poems written by young authors. Combining the important, imaginative writings of children with the craftsmanship of professional theatre artists and educators, we create a unique stage where children's voices can be heard, examined and treasured.
To date, we have reached over 4 million children, educators and adults through workshops, residencies, after school programs, and summer camps, and have performed the original works of over 15,000 young writers, touring from Alaska to Florida, Maine to California. Among the many dozens who have worked with us are such notable names as Tina Fey, Jeff Richmond, Adam McKay, and James Meredith.
We are holding general auditions for ACTORS and MUSIC DIRECTORS at the following times:
Saturday April 27th - 10am - 2pm
Sunday April 28th - 4pm - 7pm
Monday April 29th - 5pm - 9pm
Each slot will be 5 minutes.
Callbacks will be Sunday, May 5 and Monday, May 6.
The 2013-2014 company will have a full-time position performing original adaptations of stories written by students grades K-8. You will read and adapt stories and poems for schools all over the country. You will also have the opportunity to work at summer camps and school residencies, teaching young children to bring their own stories to life on the stage. Finally, you will work as part of a close-knit ensemble, devising new theatre on a daily basis.
ACTOR candidates- the following are preferred but not required: improvisational skills, singing ability, playwriting and directing experience, teaching experience, driver's license.
Any of the following skills are a serious plus: costume/prop creation, management skills, proficiency with piano or other instrument, dance or choreography experience, puppetry, foreign language proficiency.
Duties include:
Regular rehearsals
Blocking/directing pieces
Travelling to and performing at schools
Adapting stories and poems into plays and songs
Setting up and striking the set
MUSIC DIRECTOR candidates should possess the following skills/experience: improvisational piano, composition/songwriting, some acting experience, driver's license.
The following skills are a serious plus: ability to sing, some knowledge of sound equipment. Recording experience and the ability to produce sheet music and demos is preferred.
Duties include:
Running music rehearsals
Teaching songs
Writing original music
Recording demos
Performing in all touring and Chicago shows
Adapting stories and poems into plays and songs
Blocking/directing pieces
Setting up and striking the set
Auditions and callbacks will be held at our rehearsal studio at 4161 N. Damen Ave.
ACTORS should prepare:
- A 32 bar cut of a song appropriate for children
- A monologue, comedic or serious, also appropriate for children.
These two items should total 2 minutes.
You will also be asked to do a cold read of a poem or story written by a student. Stories and poems will be provided.
MUSIC DIRECTORS should prepare-
- A 2 minute cut of an original song or medley of songs that you have written for theatre and will accompany yourself on. (preferred)
OR
- A 2 minute cut of a pre-existing musical theatre piece.
You will also be asked to do a cold read (and underscore yourself) on a poem or story written by a student. Stories and poems will be provided.
Contact Info:
Please email a headshot, performance resume and professional resume with a preference of date and time. We will try to accommodate as best we can.