Auditions for Mara KORPER Ensemble
AUDITION NOTICE – MARA KORPER
Citizen Theatre is currently seeking 3x actors to join our next project, Mara KORPER playing at Theatre Works May 12-22, 2021. There are specific requirements - please see details below.
About the play
Mara KORPER is an exciting, feminist sci-fi theatrical experience. It is set in a futuristic world where gender is obsolete and the flesh must remain whole. This brilliant and terrifying new theatrical work explores themes of extremism, gender and body image in a dystopian future, picking up where Orwell and Huxley left off. Fusing experimental sound and technology with absurdist expressionism, Mara KORPER is on the cutting edge of experimental feminist theatre. It is a new work written by Jayde Kirchert with music by Anthony Lyons.
The show is set in the world of the Mother Administrations - the ruling government. In this world you do not own your body, it is owned by the Mother. When you die it is reclaimed and recycled into various products and materials. Violence is strictly forbidden and it is illegal to slice or cut the flesh. Unity is harmoniosity! Gender is obsolete and the pronouns Sie for she/he and ser for his/hers are used. Everyone must prove their dedication to the Mother and worship ser by wearing the most unique and strange outfits they can create, making absurd gestures and singing songs of dedication and allegiance.
The main character Mara goes through a series of bizarre and unexpected experiences which lead ser to discovering that the Mother Administrations are a completely corrupt government built on lies and extremism. Sound familiar? Mara seeks to overthrow this government and set everyone free... but that is not always as simple as it sounds. It is a story about the dangers of extreme ideology and reactive, short sighted thinking, advocating for nuance, diversity and listening. This project is supported by the City of Port Phillip, The Besen Family Foundation, The Faculty of Fine Arts & Music VCA, The Ron & Margaret Dobell Foundation.
The principal cast is: Emily Carr, Freya Pragt, Shamita Sivabalan, Jordan Barr, Kayla Hamill
About the roles - 3x ensemble roles
The ensemble roles have particular requirements to provide meaningful opportunities for emerging artists:
Actors need to be female/non-binary identifying
At least one of these ensemble roles is specifically for Person of Colour or an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person.
Actors need to have strong singing ability and able to hold complex harmonies confidently.
Actors must be graduates of a performing arts vocational training program within the last 3 years (i.e. 2017 onwards)
Actors must read the script before proceeding to the audition rounds.
The ensemble functions like a Greek Chorus, as well as playing a range of supporting roles.
Key dates
If you are interested in auditioning, email auditions@citizentheatre.com.au ASAP or by Sunday 14 February. See details below on what to include.
Successful applicants will need to read a script and respond by 20 February indicating if they still want to be considered.
For the next stage, successful actors will be sent sides to learn and a time will be arranged during the week of 22 February to play with the sides in a rehearsal space in the City of Port Phillip.
Rehearsals to commence 22 March on Sundays (10am-6pm), Mondays (10am-6pm) and Wednesday evenings
Tech Rehearsals 10 & 11 May
Performances 12-22 May
Fee Arrangement
$600 fee plus profit share.
To apply
To ensure everyone’s time is respected, there is a staged application process. This means not everyone who applies will progress through the full audition process as the play requires very specific things. As all other roles are already cast, auditions will only be allocated to those who are suitable for the ensemble roles.
The process:
1. If you would like to audition, please email auditions@citizentheatre.com.au with your name, contact details, CV and headshot. Please specify if you identify as a Person of Colour or Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person. The team will review your application and if we think you might be a good fit for the show, you’ll be sent the script. We take every application seriously and won’t waste your time if we think you’re not right for the project.
2. You will need to read the script fully. After you have read the script, please consider if you want to be part of this show. Citizen Theatre is a collaborative company and it is important that guest artists enter with the same spirit. You might read it and think “I’d love to see this show” or “I’m not sure this is my jam” and if that’s the case, absolutely fine just let us know. We simply want to attract the most suitable people for our projects and part of getting that right is ensuring that everyone is on the same page and fully committed.
3. Following this process, you will be asked to send a self-tape singing a song that best shows your vocal range and musical ability.
4. Successful actors will then be sent sides to learn and workshop in person, during the week of 22nd February.
Though we fully appreciate it can be disappointing when you’re unsuccessful, it doesn’t mean it’s the end – we are always looking for artists for various projects so if it’s not this time, there might be something down the track.
If you have any queries, check out our website and if you still have questions feel free to get in touch with Artistic Director Jayde: jayde [at] citizentheatre [dot] com [dot] au