KIMBO THEATRE - ‘Fib’ R&D 2021 CASTING CALL
KimBo Theatre are looking to cast 5 actor/performer-musicians based in North West of England to take part in an initial development phase for our latest project ‘Fib’ - a new contemporary gig-theatre production exploring themes of mental health. We are looking for people with professional experience in developing new work, collaboration, devising and multi-role playing.
All roles are open to any age (18years +), gender and ethnicity, and we want to hear from a wide range of people who are based in the North West and within a 45mins- 1hour commute of Liverpool and Greater Manchester. We particularly welcome applications from those currently under-represented in the industry as a result of barriers arising from social, gender, sexuality, financial, ethnic, cultural, religious, geographic or educational disadvantage or disability.
ABOUT KIMBO AND ‘Fib’
Founded in 2012, KimBo is a female-led theatre company based in the North West. Led by Bryony Thomas and Kim Burnett, we create contemporary, accessible performances that take place in non-traditional theatre spaces. We make work that champions new writing or/and showcases real-life stories that provoke discussion and promote inclusion.
KimBo has recently received Arts Council England funding to support the development of our next show ‘Fib’, a new contemporary gig-theatre production co-written by Bryony Thomas and Sara Bodinar. ‘Fib’ is based on the real-life story of Mark Thomas (1960- 2018), a talented musician from Liverpool who rose to fame in the 1980s when his band '2am' was signed by RCA records. However, Mark’s life was dominated by mental health issues, and he became a compulsive liar and suffered from depression. Incorporating original songs and music created by Mark during his lifetime, ‘Fib’ will tell Mark’s story and the challenges he faced living with the pressures of stardom, the music industry, and chronic mental health conditions.
KEY DATES FOR ‘Fib’ R&D
Over a 10-day period we will workshop and develop the current draft of ‘Fib’ and explore other creative ideas, working towards a scratch performance that will be filmed and if possible shared with an invited audience. This process will also inform the development of a final draft of ‘Fib’ which we are aiming to complete for Autumn/Winter 2021.
The deadline for applications is Monday 11th January 2021. All applicants must be available on the following days: - Monday 25th or Tuesday 26th January 2021 for online casting. - Wednesday 3rd February 2021 for an online script reading. - Monday 15th- Friday 19th and Monday 22nd- Thursday 25th February 2021 inclusive, for 9 days research and development of ‘Fib’.
FEE FOR ‘FIB’ R&D
The fee for this contract is £988.00 per performer, which includes the online script reading, 9 days R&D and prep work learning how to play the 8 tracks to be used in R&D. We also have a small travel budget available and will discuss travel requirements with the selected performers.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply please send your acting CV or a link to a professional profile, a link to a sample of your music work and the role/s you’re applying for to info@kimbotheatre.com with ‘Fib castings – Performer [number]’ as the title.
Before the audition, shortlisted actor/performer-musicians will be asked to record themselves playing a song from the ‘Fib’ soundtrack to negate live music sound issues over zoom.
If you have any queries about the roles then please email info@kimbotheatre.com The deadline for applications is Monday11th January 2021.
Role One
Guitar player of high standard
Capable of learning complex solo pieces discerning the guitar sound and replicating it (with assistance from the MD if needed)
Can learn tracks through tabs or by ear with tabs to assist
Band experience preferred but not essential
Able to perform alongside set tempo samples and sequences
Songwriting or composition experience preferred but not essential
Confident vocalist
Willing to use own instrument preferred but not essential
Northern accents are an advantage
Role Two
Bass player of good standard
Capable of adding flair/improvisation to a piece within the style
Can learn tracks by tabs or by ear with tab assistance
Band experience preferred but not essential
Able to perform alongside set tempo samples and sequences
Willing to perform backing vocals
Willing to use own instrument preferred but not essential
Northern accents are an advantage
Role Three
Keys/piano player of good standard
Capable of operating equipment including samplers and sequencers, or able to learn to do so
Can learn tracks by ear with chords and structure notes provided to assist
Band experience preferred but not essential
Able to perform alongside set tempo samples and sequences
Willing to perform backing vocals
Willing to use own instrument preferred but not essential
Northern accents are an advantage
Role Four
Competent guitar and/or keys/brass/strings
Looking for a multi- instrumentalist
Can learn tracks by tabs or by ear with tabs to assist
Band experience preferred but not essential
Able to perform alongside set tempo samples and sequences
Willing to perform backing vocals
Willing to use own instrument preferred but not essential
Northern accents are an advantage
Role Five
Competent Drummer
Capable of controlling the volume at which they play
Can learn songs by ear
Band experience preferred but not essential
Able to perform alongside set tempo samples and sequences
Willing to perform backing vocals
Willing to use own instrument preferred but not essential
Northern accents are an advantage
