Please read this casting call carefully and only submit an application if you meet the role requirements and can commit to the production dates.
About the production
We are casting for our upcoming in-house production of The Winter’s Tale, directed by Heidi Vaughan (Artistic Director and CEO of Tobacco Factory Theatres).
One of William Shakespeare’s final plays, The Winter’s Tale fuses comedy, romance and tragedy in this profound story of love, loss and redemption.
Consumed with insane jealousy, King Leontes of Sicilia imprisons his beloved pregnant wife, Hermione, accusing her of adultery with his best friend King Polixenes of Bohemia. When Hermione gives birth, Leontes banishes his daughter, Perdita, and what follows is an enthralling tragi-comedy where two worlds collide to demonstrate the power of love and forgiveness in the most trying of times.
We are aiming to primarily cast the production with local actors via open call and invited auditions. Please only apply to this open call if you are within 25 miles of Bristol. If we do not successfully cast all our actors from the local area, we will extend our search. If you are not local but are interested in applying please do not submit your interest at this stage, but do keep an eye on our social media for casting updates.
This is a professional production with a weekly wage of £605 plus holiday pay. You will be working under an ITC contract.
Key Production dates:
· Rehearsals will take place in Bristol from Monday 20th January 2025; 10am – 6pm.
· Production week will take place in the week commencing Monday 17th February 2025, Tobacco Factory Theatres, Bristol.
· Previews will begin on Thursday 20th February 2025, Tobacco Factory Theatres, Bristol.
· Opening night is Tuesday 25th February 2025, Tobacco Factory Theatres, Bristol.
· The production will then run until Saturday 29th March 2025, Tobacco Factory Theatres, Bristol.
Role descriptions:
Camillo (M/F identifying) – Considered, playful, witty, with integrity.
Polixenes (M identifying) – Charming, astute, dominant and foolish.
Paulina (F identifying) ~ Unshakably loyal, courageous, bold and sharp tongued.
Autolycus (M/F identifying) – Quick-witted, sharp and intuitive. Strong musicality.
Florizel (M/F identifying) – Child of Polixenes and equally charming, passionate and foolish.
Perdita (F identifying) – Daughter of Leontes & Hermione, enchanting, noble. Strong dancer.
Shepherd (M/F identifying) – Kind, rooted, comic and worldly.
Clown (M/F identifying) – Child of the Shepherd, comic, childish, wide eyed and playful.
Please note that all roles above will also be required to undertake some multi-rolling.
Audition Process:
If you are shortlisted for an audition, you will be invited to a workshop-style audition followed by some short exercises with the text. Please make sure that you are familiar with the play beforehand. These workshops will be held throughout October/November at Tobacco Factory Theatres.
The workshop auditions will involve ensemble movement and singing, whilst script work will take place in small groups/individually. We will give the script in advance for familiarisation purposes but there is
no expectation to learn or prepare anything in advance. We will provide space for you to warm up before the audition.
If you are invited for a callback audition (second round) these will take place on various dates throughout October/November, also at Tobacco Factory Theatres.
Equal Opportunities
Our vision is to build an inclusive creative community rooted in our home in South Bristol.
We want everyone who attends Tobacco Factory Theatres to feel equally welcome, respected and valued.
Whilst we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, we encourage applications from people whose identities or backgrounds are under-represented in the arts and cultural sector, especially those who face barriers to opportunities, people from working class backgrounds, people from the LGBTQIA+ community, and particularly people from Black, Asian, traveller, mixed heritage or other global majority backgrounds.
Please feel free to contact Pippa (via email below) for an informal conversation regarding any access requirements related to the role or application process.
How to apply
If you have read through the dates and role description carefully and are interested in applying, please send an email including the following information;
· Your acting CV
· A recent, clear photo of yourself
· Your contact details
Please add the following subject line to your email: OPEN CALL AUDITIONS: Name of the role you’re applying for. Please send your application to artists@tobaccofactorytheatres.com by 9am, Monday 14th October, 2024.
It always helps if performers are specific about the role they are interested in so do take the time to read the play and think about those which resonate with you the strongest, rather than listing all of them.
If you have already expressed an interest in being considered for casting please resend your application with the required subject line, so that we know which role you want to audition for.
There will be at least two people reviewing each application.
We will be seeing in the region of 100 local actors for these roles. It is highly likely that we will not be able to accommodate all applications. If we don’t invite you for an audition then please be assured that this is no reflection on you or your talent, and it will not stand in the way of us seeing you for future opportunities.
Posted on 01 October 2024
