The submission window is now closed.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a 25 minute audition with the Creative Team. Auditions will be via video call and are likely to be held in the w/c 15 March 2021.All applicants will be notified of a decision on their application by w/c 22 March 2021.
Actor / Theatre-Maker opportunity
We are looking for 3 North East based actors / theatre-makers for the first phase of Research & Development (R&D) for new play Second The Best.
These are paid roles that would ideally suit actors / theatre-makers who are comfortable with new writing, devising, physical theatre and playing multiple roles.
Fee: £600
If you or anyone you know would like this information in a different format, or have other access requirements for the application process, please contact us: secondthebestshow@gmail.com
This pack includes
- Information about the project
- Fee
- Proposed dates
- Team involved
- How to apply and the application process
- Character breakdowns
Second The Best is a new four hander play, written by award-winning writer Tom Machell, exploring the dreaded silver medal and how it can destroy an athlete’s life.
For Danielle, our protagonist, a seventeen-year-old county Long Jumper from Whitley Bay, not getting the gold is not an option.
We are looking for three North East performers to join the team for this exciting first phase of development. The role of Danielle has already been cast.
What we’re looking for
Actors / theatre-makers who are:
- Based in the North East
- Comfortable with multi-rolling and who have a good ear for accents
- Comfortable with new writing and devising and enjoy collaborative working
- Skilled in Physical Theatre, Dance or Sport
Fee: £600 for 1 week’s R&D (Monday to Friday)
Dates:
We are currently confirming dates for the R&D, which will take place at Live Theatre. This initial R&D will be for 1 week and is due to take place in late April or early May 2021.
Team:
This R & D is brought to you from the Creative Team behind Ticker:
Written by Tom Machell
Directed by Derek Anderson
Composition by Holly Khan
Movement Direction by Jess Williams (Frantic Assembly)
The R&D is being produced by Melanie Rashbrooke, from The Six Twenty, with support from Live Theatre (Newcastle).
How to apply
Please send us:
- A link to your showreel or a video monologue (monologues should be no longer than 2 minutes)
- Your actors CV (via link or attachment)
- Character you’re applying for (please see Character Breakdowns below)
- Your contact details: email and telephone
We welcome applications in any format. This could be with a short video or audio recording, or any other format that is best for you. Please keep in mind the length of your application; if it’s a video or audio application it should be no longer than 5 minutes.
You should email your application to secondthebestshow@gmail.com with ‘Second The Best Application’ in the subject line. If your application files are too large for email, you can also use WeTransfer (www.wetransfer.com).
The submission window for applications is now closed.
Application Process & Audition details
Your application will be reviewed by The Second Best Creative Team:
Tom Machell
Derek Anderson
Melanie Rashbrooke
Jess Williams
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a 25 minute audition with the Creative Team. Auditions will be via video call and are likely to be held in the w/c 15 March 2021.
If you have access requirements or suggestions on how we might best support you through the audition process, please let us know in your application. You can contact us at secondthebestshow@gmail.com.
All applicants will be notified of a decision on their application by w/c 22 March 2021.
Character breakdowns
Jo
Playing age: 17
Gender: Female identifying
Jo is the best jumper on the team but would never admit that out loud. Kind, loyal but has a temper on her if she is riled up the wrong way. She is Danielle’s best friend and they’ve grown up together barely spending anytime apart. Coming from quite a strict religious family, who do not support her athletic career, she has found herself in a big dilemma, to pursue what she loves or go to University.
Coach
Playing age: 28-35
Gender: Male identifying
Determined, focused and the best coach in North Tyneside, that is how Coach would describe himself. A Junior Olympic athlete himself, Coach knows what is needed and expected for any budding athlete and he always expects results. Coach runs a tight ship and is prepared to say whatever it takes to push his team to their limits. Does he feel he is better than his job? Definitely.
Mam
Playing age: 35-40
Gender: Female identifying
A budding swimmer herself, her career was cut short due to her falling pregnant at seventeen with Danielle. Whilst she never begrudges her daughter, she loves to reminisce about when she was standing on that podium. Currently the Assistant Manager of the largest indoor water park in the North East, Mam unknowingly projects her own failings onto her daughter. Wanting her to take a job at the water park rather than finish her education and attempt to join the Olympic team.
If you have any feedback on this application and would like to share with us, please email secondthebestshow@gmail.com
Supported using public funding by Arts Council England
Setting fire to what theatre can be, we fuse new writing, live music and devised theatre together to make shows that are relevant and responsive to the modern world. Beginning well before the curtain rises and long after it drops, this isn’t sit down shut up theatre; it’s theatre for a great night out.