The show was first performed ten years ago in 2005, and is a reflective look at the city of Newcastle as it goes through a major phase of development and change. ‘Manifesto’ is a friendly revolution in the style of a musical play. It’s a show about Newcastle, a satirical look at what would happen if the residents of Newcastle ran the city and took control from the people in ‘local offices wearing suits’.
Northern Stage are looking to cast up to 8 local people to create a community production. We are looking for a range of ages and experiences. The play has a large amount of a-capella singing and some verse. Some experience with singing would be useful but more importantly you need enthusiasm and brilliant team working skills. We are rehearsing throughout September and intensively towards the production dates on 15, 16 and 17th October, you must be able to commit to considerable rehearsal time.
We are casting for the following roles:
Male Roles: security guard, taxi driver, visually impaired man, bus driver, Spanish business man, council clerk.
Female Roles: poet, waitress, primary school teacher, nurse.
Emma Roxburgh is the Director and Steve Morton is the Musical Director (www.voicecraftstudio.co.uk). We will also be casting 2 or 3 professional performers to be part of the production. The show will be performed in Stage 2 at Northern Stage as part of the Autumn season.
Community Chorus
We are looking for people who would like to form part of an additional community chorus (singing only). You will be required mornings during the rehearsal weeks. Some experience in a choir may be useful.
“Poet Julia Darling’s tapestry of people-power-poetics, appears curiously vital. That it makes a city sing means it has achieved what no politician ever will. A small, dramatic Utopia.” The Herald, 22nd April, 2005
Rehearsals:
We will be scheduling exact times soon and depending on the role you will be required for additional afternoon or evening rehearsals. There is some flexibility with existing work/ commitments for these additional sessions.
All performers must be available on the following dates and times:
Saturday 19th Sept all day
Monday 21st Sept all day
Tues 22, Wed 23, Thurs 24 mornings
Monday 28th Sept all day
Tues 29, Wed 30, Thurs 1 mornings
Fri 2 Oct all day
Monday 5th all day
Tues 6, Wed 7, Thurs 8 mornings
Fri 9 all day
Sat 10 all day
Mon 12 all day
Tues 13 afternoon/ evening
Wed 14 afternoon/ evening
Thurs 15 all day – performance 1
Fri 16 performance 2
Sat 17 performance 3
Payment:
Each performer will receive an honorarium payment of £450 for the project. The community chorus roles are voluntary with expenses only covered.
To apply:
Please send: your name, age and contact details, a clear portrait photo of yourself, together with an expression of why you would like to be involved in the project (including any relevant experience you have) to:
Please put MANIFESTO in the title line of the email.
Applications close on Monday 3rd August. We will be in touch with successful applicants to invite you to audition by Friday 6th August
Auditions
Will be on Saturday 15th August at Northern Stage.