Inspired by the train routes we will travel, "The Conductors" is a new, devised play for very young children. Themed around trains and travel, the play explores community and connection through audience engagement, multi-sensory props, and live music.

This is a touring production in partnership between Kerfuffle and The Connecting Routes Project, and will be shared in multiple Chicagoland libraries and museums throughout September 2021, traveling by way of Metra.

We are seeking an inclusive and diverse company of three performers, at least one being a musician, ages 18+ who are interested in devising a new play that is intentionally for children under 6 years old. The three performers will be telling the story through movement/physicality and live music. Prior experience or interest in working with very young children is preferred, but not required. Actors of all types are highly encouraged to audition and casting decisions will be made on a basis that is inclusive of disability, race, age, color, national origin, and gender identity. Please visit www.connectingroutes.org/values-and-commitments for more.

We will travel via Metra and are seeking open-minded and adventurous performers who are open to the demands of touring in an unconventional way. Performers are required to assist with set up and break down of the production each day.

This is a paid position. The stipend for this project is a minimum of $500.00. All transportation to performance venues will be provided.

Virtual auditions will be held over Zoom. Auditions will be scheduled in groups on Tuesday, June 22 from 6:00-7:30pm and 8:00pm-9:30pm; and Sunday, June 27 from 10:00am-11:30am and 12:00pm-1:30pm.

Outdoor or short Zoom callbacks, if necessary, will be scheduled at a later date.

Things to know about auditioning:

-Auditions will be held in small groups and will consist of physical theatre and creative movement, improvisational activities, and games.

-Please wear clothes you can move in

-Be prepared to collaborate and create with others

-To prepare: After the group portion, auditionees are invited to share a 1-minute presentation that shows us who you are! It can be a song, a poem, a story, a creative drama game, a puppet show, a joke, anything.

-Additionally, if you play an instrument, please bring it and prepare a short selection.

COVID-19 SAFETY PLAN: The health and safety of our artists, staff and patrons are our first priority. Due to the potential risks of touring by train and performing for young children, we are requesting all performers to have documented proof of the COVID-19 vaccination by first rehearsal. If unvaccinated, actors will be required to provide weekly proof of negative COVID-19 test results throughout the rehearsal and performance process. While we cannot fund testing, we can assist you in finding testing locations.

Acknowledging that guidelines continue to change, we will adhere to current and evolving CDC/Illinois/County Covid-19 safety protocols, as well as additional protocols designed to prioritize the health and safety of all artists, staff, and patrons. This includes, but is not limited to: sanitizing of the rehearsal space and common areas of the performance and audience space before each rehearsal/performance, weekly Covid-19 testing for unvaccinated actors, fully vaccinated production team.

Actors and Staff will be masked while traveling on Metra together and during performances. Production will be staged with social distancing in mind. Audience members will be socially distanced in zones by family "pods" with a limited capacity of 30-35, and we currently plan on requiring masks for all audience members.

As guidelines and information surrounding COVID-19 are constantly evolving, please reach out with any additional questions at all regarding our safety plan.

About Us:
Kerfuffle is an award winning midwestern theatre and dance company that is devoted to creating high quality, aesthetically pleasing and emotionally interesting performances with and for children under 6 years old. Since 2015, Kerfuffle has created playful, multi-sensory theatre that tailors to the interests and needs of very young children in museums, libraries, zoos, parks, and non traditional performance spaces. Kerfuffle is the 2020 recipient of the Zeta Phi Eta-Winifred Ward Outstanding New Children's Theatre Company Award through the American Alliance of Theatre and Education. Visit www.kerfuffletvy.com for more information.

The Connecting Routes Project is a touring arts collective that strives to unite communities across the nation through shared storytelling. Our work includes community engagement storytelling programs and touring theatrical work from Chicago to community centers connected to us by America's vast train network. Visit www.connectingroutes.org for more information.