Improv Playhouse's Theatre for Young Audiences department is seeking digital submissions for Touring Actors in Chicagoland. We are looking to cast actors for our upcoming touring production, RANGER TALES: TRUE STORIES FROM AMERICA'S NATIONAL PARKS. Ranger Tales has the option to be performed live in COVD-19 safe settings across Chicagoland, live via Zoom, and pre-recorded via Zoom. We are looking for actors who would be comfortable with both environments! However, please submit your info if you'd only be interested in only live or only virtual performances. Please note that children's theatre often performs in mornings/early day on weekdays and sometimes on weekends.
Touring Actor Job Description:
1. TYA Touring Actors will be responsible for the rehearsal and performance of Improv Playhouse TYA touring productions.
2. TYA Touring Actors generally rehearse between 15 and 20 hours prior to the first Performance.
3. TYA Touring Actors generally perform touring shows at Public Libraries, Daycare Centers, and Elementary Schools in the mornings for children and families.
4. TYA Touring Actors are compensated on a per show basis, as detailed in the contract.
5. It is possible and likely that TYA Touring Actors will be asked to supply their own costumes for touring shows. These are often basic articles of clothing that most people own. In the event that a rather specific costume piece is needed, Improv Playhouse will be responsible for acquiring said piece, or reimbursing the Actor for the purchase of said piece. Any costume pieces that Improv Playhouse reimburses the actor for purchasing belong to Improv Playhouse.
6. Improv Playhouse will be responsible for the acquisition and use of props and scenery for all touring shows. Improv Playhouse is not responsible for the safety and care of any personal items used in touring shows as props, costumes, and scenery.
7. TYA Touring Actors are expected to maintain a positive and collaborative disposition in regards to the work and creative atmosphere.
About the Production:
This exciting original show is based on real life events that have occurred in America's diverse park system. Audiences will discover stories and facts they've never known in this funny and educational anthology exploring The Great Smoky Mountains, Yellowstone, The Everglades, and more! Watch as actors retell and recreate these stories through the arts of theatre, storytelling, shadow puppetry, and music!
IN PERSON CAST/EDITION OF SCRIPT:
ROBBIE (all genders/ethnicities, 18 years +): The fearless leader of our storytellers. Always works to get things back to business, the most knowledgeable of the parks, values facts and safety. Puppetry, singing, and/or musical instrument proficiency is a plus, but not required.
RICHIE (all genders/ethnicities, 18 years +): The smart talking sidekick of our storytellers. Quick with the comebacks, harder edged than Robbie. Values tall tales, folklore, and legends. Puppetry, singing, and/or musical instrument proficiency is a plus, but not required.
ROOTIE (all genders/ethnicities, 18 years +): The newest "recruit" of our storytellers. Kind, smart, literal, gullible. The least knowledgeable, but the most eager to learn. Puppetry, singing, and/or musical instrument proficiency is a plus, but not required.
VIRTUAL CAST/EDITION OF SCRIPT:
RACHEL (femme presenting/any ethnicty, 18 years+) The fearless leader of our storytellers. Always works to get things back to business, the most knowledgeable of the parks, values facts and safety. Values tall tales, folklore, and legends, even if she doesn't like to admit it. Quick with a comeback. Puppetry, singing, and/or musical instrument proficiency is a plus, but not required.
MONTANA (femme presenting/any ethnicty, 18 years+) The newest "recruit" of our storytellers. Kind, smart, literal, gullible. The least knowledgeable, but the most eager to learn. Pure moxie and excitement. Puppetry, singing, and/or musical instrument proficiency is a plus, but not required.
*Roles will not be double cast.
Pay Rate: $100 Rehearsal Stipend, $40/show
Improv Playhouse's Safety Procedures and Protocols:
Improv Playhouse adheres to CDC/Illinois/County Covid-19 safety protocols, as well as additional protocols designed to prioritizing the health and safety of all artists, staff, and patrons. This includes, but is not limited to: screening for artists and staff, sanitizing of the rehearsal space and common areas of the performance and audience space before each rehearsal/performance, wearing of masks, etc.
Rehearsal Period: 15-20 hours over about 2 weeks, depending on actors' availability
Show Commitment: some mornings and/or early day on weekdays and/or some weekends (typical children's theatre times), depending on actors' availability and number of shows booked
Contract Commitment: June 2021-September 2021 with possible extension
*The amount of shows we do will depend on demand, availability, etc. We expect to have a busy summer!
REQUIRED: Include a self tape of the monologue below and a 32 bar cut of a musical theatre/children's theatre song. Self-accompaniment is a plus! (Musical instruments, singing, and puppetry are elements of this show, but not required for every actor.) Tape yourself from the waist up and submit your tape as an UNLISTED link to YouTube or Vimeo. You may combine both pieces into one video or submit them separately.
REQUIRED MONOLOGUE:
[ROBBIE]: Alright, enough! Richie, knock it off. Rootie that's not the story. The wolf story is the story we were going to tell them about Yellowstone. There are a lot of stories out there, but we only have time to share a few so we have to pick some good ones. So I picked the story about gray wolves in Yellowstone National Park as this one. Once upon a time, some big strong explorers traveled across the country in pursuit of more land. These explorers were determined to settle down in this wilderness and make it their own. The land was called Yellowstone and it was named the first National Park in America.
OPTIONAL: You may also attach an additional contrasting monologue 1-2 minutes in length.
Contact Info:
Please fill out this Google/Audition form to submit materials, provide your information, etc: forms.gle/VrALmE32CdwUdQd19
Website: forms.gle/VrALmE32CdwUdQd19