CASTING CALL FOR: The Man Who Wanted to be a Penguin

We seek:
An Exceptional Male Physical Performer, under 5’10”
To play:  Main Character role and Puppeteer

Performing at: Waterside Arts Centre, Sale, Manchester – 5 week run for Christmas 2022. Rehearsals in Nov 2022

The production is a two-hander and devised piece based on a story written by Niki McCretton.  It is a dynamic 60-minute physical show, using puppetry and character work.  The show is already created but will utilise some devising and has freedom within it for a performer to bring their skill set, sense of humour and characterisation to it.

We seek someone who is able to be physically funny, to perform authentically and is a strong character actor. Some dance experience would be helpful.  The show has a set that is climbed on/through and the performers dance and animate props as well as puppetry.  You need to be physically fit, learn movement sequences, be strong and happy to climb – not at height but onto a small shed roof! You will be performing opposite a female performer and need to be a generous performer, good at making offers and keeping a strong connection with your fellow on stage.

Performers are required to assist with Get In and Get Out and general care of props and costumes.

Accommodation will be provided by the company in a shared house.

Company Background
Stuff and Nonsense is an established company based in their own theatre, the Lyric in Bridport, Dorset, with a reputation for quality touring work and strong relationships with many venues, especially in the SW.  This show by Stuff and Nonsense has a high-profile 5-week run at Waterside, Sale for Christmas 22. It was commissioned jointly by The Arc, Stockton and The Albany, Deptford.

Niki McCretton, Artistic Director uses a devising process based on play and improvisation.

Her background is theatre, circus, choreography and working with the minds of brilliantly creative children who offer abstract and strange ideas to the creative exploration. Niki is our permanent director who also directs for other companies, working with comedy, outdoor arts, solo performance, circus companies and puppetry.

We are seeking performers by recommendation and to try out with the company.

We look for like-minded, playful and thirsty creatives who would ideally want an ongoing relationship with Stuff and Nonsense, to become a core member for other projects, devising and outreach.  The company is a registered charity, our patron is Chris Chibnall, writer Doctor Who/Broadchurch.

[of Niki McCretton] “She encourages audiences of all ages to bring their imaginations to the theatre, and revels in surprising and challenging them.”
Paul Hunter, Founder member & Artistic Director, Told by an Idiot

“I have watched Niki’s creative process for more than a decade. She is prolific, hugely resourceful and one of our treasured British theatre-makers. She creates with passion with a stunning team of artists supported via her very own building The Lyric Theatre, Bridport.”
Chris Chibnall, Head Writer/Show Runner Dr Who, Writer/Producer Broadchurch, Head Writer Torchwood. Patron Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company

“Working with Niki McCretton and Stuff and Nonsense opened my eyes to just how thrilling and creative making good quality work for families and children can be. The attention to detail and nuance is staggering. I have rarely been in a workplace that felt so much like an actors’ playground. It will stretch, challenge and satisfy you.”
Helen Day, Performer Cirque Du Soleil, Tim Burton

“Niki creates an atmosphere in the rehearsal room that enables you to become your most playful, adventurous and mischievous self. She creates an environment where the best, most challenging, physically demanding work you could ever imagine yourself creating -suddenly seems very easy to access. Being in a Stuff and Nonsense rehearsal room is the most joyful and creative place you could find yourself.”
Jenny Harrold, Senior Artist Stuff and Nonsense

“The qualities of play, production and storytelling coalesce into something very exciting. A packed house of young people was treated to a skilful, generous and imaginative journey.”
Amit Lahav, Artistic Director of Gecko Theatre on Niki McCretton’s adaptation of The Emperor’s New Clothes

As a company we are committed to supporting artists. We work with artists with big families, young children, disabilities and those who identify as different. We work to find ways to make our working lives wonderful and to find joy in the work, in each other and believe in kindness, respect, friendship and community. We work as a strong team and with great energy. We are serious in our intention to create the best theatre – it is not dumbed down for children; it is challenging and no different from creating work for ourselves as adults.

For further information on the company’s work please go to www.aloadofstuffandnonsense.co.uk

DATES
Please be aware that these dates are fixed and so you need to be available for all of them
Rehearsals at Lyric Theatre, Bridport:
Monday 7^th November to Friday 11^th November (travel day on Sunday 6^th Nov)
AND Monday 14^th November & Tuesday 15^th November, (travel day on Sunday 13^th Nov)
Get in & Tech at Waterside, Sale: Monday 28^th & Tuesday 29^th November
(travel day on Sunday 27^th Nov)
Performances at Waterside, Sale: Wednesday 30^th November to Saturday 31^st December
(two performances per day for six days per week, excluding Xmas Day, Boxing Day)
Get out & Travel Home: Saturday 31^st December after 2pm show.
Cast will be supported to go home for Christmas.

Please send CV, headshot and covering letter explaining why you would like to work with the company to:
admin@aloadofstuffandnonsense.com
Deadline for applications is Thursday 1^st Sept 2022
Auditions will take place on Wednesday 7^th Sept 2022

Try outs are by invitation only.

Photography: Mark Morreau