Barrel of Monkeys (BOM) is an arts education nonprofit that has been creating alternative learning environments and professional school-based performances since 1997. BOM is a community of over 60 passionate artists who value the creative voices of young people. BOM teaches creative writing workshops in Chicago Public Schools and in our own after-school program. Our performers adapt the stories written by our students into sketches, songs, and poems, which are then performed for the school community. BOM is seeking actor-educators of all ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities, and silhouettes who have great collaborative skills, improvisation abilities, and a passion for working with and performing for youth.
Ideal candidates have experience in sketch, musical theatre, and/or devising original work. They are skilled teaching artists and have experience working in schools, with young people, and performing throughout the city. Barrel of Monkeys is especially looking for teaching artists who reflect the cultural backgrounds of the students we serve, who are primarily Black and Latino students on the South and West sides of Chicago. Fluency in Spanish is highly desirable. Above all, we are looking for artists who are passionate about the work we do and the young people with whom we collaborate.
Expectations:
Artistic Associates are invited to perform in 4-5 school-based shows in in the 2016-2017 School Year, become oriented with our in-school programming, attend trainings and meetings, and engage in the BOM community. After an Artistic Associate fulfills these expectations for at least one year, they may become candidates for Company Membership.
Auditions will be held at Steppenwolf Theatre Company: the Reskin Rehearsal Space (f.k.a. the Steppenwolf Garage) The auditions will be held 10/17, 10/18, & 10/20 6pm-9:30pm with each performer having a 10 minute individual slot. Callbacks will be held Tuesday 10/25 6pm-9:30pm, with individuals being assigned to a 90 min group-call-back slot. Official casting pending the approval of CPS background check.
Barrel of Monkeys is not children's theatre, it is theatre written by children. Everything you prepare should be appropriate and enjoyable by both children and adults. Prepare a 2-3 min comedic monologue or solo piece. Prepare a 2-3 min musical piece. You can sing, you can dance, you can play an instrument. You can do all of the above if you like. (There will be no accompanist, but there will be a keyboard and amp with iPod cord for your use. Feel free to bring a portable musical instrument, or to sing a cappella.) These requirements are open to your interpretation. We want to give you the chance to show your best work. Be creative, be original and have fun! Auditions slots are first-come first-served.
Contact Info:
Email with your full name as the subject line, and include the following: your preferred night to audition (10/17, 10/18, or 10/20) Your headshot or photo, attached Your performance/artistic resume, attached A resume or description of your history of working as a teaching artist and/or working with young people, attached (if applicable) Please include information about any and all instruments you play (especially piano) Please include information about Spanish language proficiency.
Website: www.barrelofmonkeys.org