Amateur Stage Magazine

RSC searches for amateur actors for new production

As part of RSC’s Open Stages project the RSC is looking for amateur actors from across the Midlands to create an ‘RSC Amateur Ensemble’ of actors to perform Shakespeare’s Pericles at the RSC.

The Royal Shakespeare Company Amateur Ensemble is a new and exciting collaboration between amateur theatre makers and the RSC’s professional creative and production teams. Pericles will see a cast entirely made up of amateur performers working with RSC directors, designers, stage managers and technicians to create an exhilarating new production of Shakespeare’s tragic romance Pericles for performance in the Courtyard Theatre between 5 and 7 October 2012.

Auditions for the Amateur Ensemble will be held on the weekends of 12 and 13 May, and 19 and 20 May. Rehearsals begin on 20 August, with rehearsals evenings and weekends at the RSC’s rehearsal spaces in Stratford-upon-Avon.

The production process aims to share skills, practice and resources between amateur and professional theatre makers. The production itself looks to be a beacon of collaboration and to celebrate the idea that Shakespeare belongs to everyone to perform as well as to watch.

Those wishing to audition should be over 18, have a background in amateur theatre and live within a one hour drive/public transport of Stratford upon Avon (to attend rehearsals). Those auditioning should also be available for rehearsals from the 20 August. No previous experience of Shakespeare is necessary.

Deadline for applications 2 May 2012.

For further information visit HERE

THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY SEEKS AMATUER AND SEMI-PROFESSIONAL THEATRE GROUPS FOR OPEN AIR PERFORMANCES THROUGHOUT SUMMER 2012

The Dell
Stratford-upon-Avon
Saturdays from 9 June to 25 August 2012
www.rsc.org.uk

The Royal Shakespeare Company is offering amateur and semi-professional theatre groups the opportunity to put on a play at The Dell, the Company’s open air performance space in Stratford-upon-Avon, on Saturdays throughout summer 2012.

Now in its seventh year, The Dell provides a great platform for these groups to work with the RSC and to present their work to a large audience. Last summer’s season of open air theatre at The Dell saw record breaking attendances. Over 6,000 people watched 36 performances by 20 theatre companies, schools, universities and community groups with more than 1,100 people attending over one weekend alone.

With the World Shakespeare Festival taking place in 2012 this year’s season at The Dell offers a fantastic opportunity for amateur and semi-professional artists to perform to an even wider audience.

In keeping with the spirit of the World Shakespeare Festival, where thousands of artists from around the world will perform in the UK, the RSC is keen to see a broad mixture of performers from different nationalities and backgrounds playing at The Dell this year.

The Dell Co-ordinator Nicola Salmon said:

‘The Dell offers amateur and semi-professional theatre companies the chance to perform at and work with the RSC.

‘In addition to providing a stage we also hope to offer different opportunities for companies to promote their performances and to supply skills training with our professional artists.

‘We’re also expecting large numbers again this year, especially with the World Shakespeare Festival taking place.

‘The World Shakespeare Festival is a truly international, culturally diverse event with companies from across the globe taking part and l would really like to see this broad cultural mix reflected at The Dell.’

Performance times at The Dell are available on Saturdays from 9 June to 25 August 2012. There are two performance slots a day, although the exact time of each performance may vary.

Anyone interested in performing at The Dell will need to submit an application from which can be downloaded from the RSC’s website.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Monday 19 March 2012.

For further information and to download an application form please visit www.worldshakespearefestival.org.uk/stratford-upon-avon/the-dell.aspx  or contact Nicola Salmon via email: thedell@rsc.org.uk.

Last week I was lucky enough to be invited down by the RSC to view the magnificent new building they have recently completed.  It's truly remarkable with key features of the old building retained alongside the new structure.

The new auditorium itself is intimate and comfortable. The thrust brings everything right into the audiences laps. We attended Rupert Goold's new production of Romeo & Juliet which was full of energy and passion and well worth a look if you can get down to see it.

I can highly recommend the new restaurant which is offering several pre-show deals. The food is sublime and the view over the river on a gorgeous day just can't be beaten. Make a point of travelling up the tower whilst you are there to take in the breath-taking views.

More information can be found at www.rsc.org.uk





Adding a new turn to the phrase "Treading the boards", selected section of the foyer floor is comprised of timbers from the old mainstage.





A view from the restaurant balcony



The original art deco box office is suspeded in the main entrance.