Auditioning for the Back to Back Ensemble INFO PACK 2018
WHAT IS? Back to Back Theatre are a professional theatre company based in Geelong and employs an ensemble of six actors with intellectual disabilities. We have been creating work since 1987 and have made over 24 shows and toured around the world. Ensemble statement: We are not afraid to step into the cold, dark side. At first we re scared, but afterwards we feel good. We are witty, emotional, we go deep into the work, we go places you can t go in real life. Back to Back Theatre Makes new work for theatre Performs shows in Geelong, interstate and overseas Undertakes theatre projects with communities, such as Theatre of Speed, CAMP and The Democratic Set Provides training and professional development for actors Collaborates with other artists 2
WHO CAN AUDITION FOR THE ENSEMBLE? Back to Back holds auditions to help choose a new actor for the ensemble. An actor at Back to Back needs to be: Open to new ideas Creative and enjoy experimenting and playing Willing to share ideas and feelings with people in the audience Able to work at least 15 hours a week most of the time Willing to go on tour and sometimes work evenings Anyone who has an intellectual disability and who is interested can apply to be an actor. Back to Back does not discriminate on the grounds of race, religion, cultural background, sexuality, language, age or gender. When there are two or more people just as qualified and eligible to work as an actor at Back to Back, Back to Back will offer employment to the person who has the greatest need. A person who wants to audition for the Back to Back ensemble must be able to answer yes to all these questions: Do you have a passion for theatre, film and TV? Are you over 18 years old? Do you identify as having an intellectual disability? Are you eligible for employment assistance through Centrelink? Would you be able to work 3-5 days a week in a professional environment? Are you willing to go on tour, work evenings and weekends when needed? Can you arrange travel to and from work in Geelong? Will you agree to an Individual Employment Plan? 3
WHAT IS THE AUDITION PROCESS Registration: People who want to audition should register for an open workshop by contacting Erin Watson, on (03) 5221 2029 or erin@backtobacktheatre.com Let Erin know which day you are available to come to Geelong for the workshop. Advise Back to Back of any access or support requirements you may need. Erin will then get in touch to confirm your workshop date and time. Registrations close on Thursday 2nd August 2018. Workshops: Open workshops will be held on Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th August. Workshop times are 9.30am - 12pm and/or 1pm - 2.30pm. There will be up to 15 people in each workshop. You will play theatre games, improvise scenes, tell a story or explore movement. The Director and Ensemble will see how you work with others, how your imagination works and if you will be a good fit for Back to Back. Decision: After the workshops the Director and Ensemble will decide who they think should be the new actor in the ensemble. This may take a few weeks. They will call the person and offer them the position. The person will then decide if they want to accept the offer. They can ask Back to Back any questions they have before making their decision. The Director will then call the other people to let them know they didn t get the job. 4
HOW TO APPLY If you would like to attend a workshop to audition for the Back to Back ensemble please email: recruitment@backtobacktheatre.com Auditions will take place in our studio, in Geelong, on the 6 th and 7 th of August. When we receive your application we will assign you a workshop to attend. If you need help applying or have any questions about the job or audition process you can email Erin Watson, at erin@backtobacktheatre.com You can also call us on (03) 5221 2029 To find out more about Back to Back and our current ensemble visit www.backtobacktheatre.com/aboutus Conditions of the job Job conditions mean how and when are the actor is paid, when the actors work and for how many hours, and what kinds of entitlements they receive. The first contract will be for 3 months. If the Director and the actor agree that things are going well a second contract will be made until the end of the year. The contract may be renewed at the end of each year. Working hours can change- the minimum is 15 hours per week. Actors must be willing to go on tour and sometimes work evenings and weekends. Actors are paid under the Performers Collective Agreement during formal creative developments, rehearsals and performing in shows. At other times, actors are paid a training allowance. 5
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Can I apply if I have no formal acting experience? Yes. Anyone who can answer yes to all the questions on page 3 and who is interested in being a part of Back to Back Theatre can apply, you don t need to have any acting training or experience. Can I apply if I live in another part of Victoria or in another state? You can audition if you don t live in Geelong, but you will need to travel to Geelong to participate in the workshops. If I am successful in getting the job do I have to move to Geelong? It is not a requirements that ensemble members live in Geelong, although most of them do because it is easier to get to and from work. If you choose not to live in Geelong it is your responsibility to organize your transport for home to the office and back every work day. When will the new ensemble member start work at Back to Back? The decision process may take a few weeks. When the Director offers the position to someone they will discuss with them a start date. This will probably be sometime in September 2018. Where is Back to Back Theatre and how do I get there? Back to Back is in the Old Courthouse Building, 60 Little Malop St Geelong. Our phone number is 03 5221 2029. Trains: The Geelong train station is a short walk to Back to Back. Check www.vline.com.au for train timetables. Buses: You can catch a bus to Back to Back from Geelong and the Surf Coast. The closest stops are at the Geelong train station or Moorabool Street. Parking: There is metered street parking in central Geelong. Taxis: The number for taxis in Geelong is 13 2227 or 03 52777 999 for Special Services NDIS bookings. (see next page for a map) Can someone help me with my application? If you have any questions or need help with your application you can contact Erin Watson on (03) 5221 2029 or email erin@backtobacktheatre.com 6
WHERE WE ARE Map: Geelong station to Back to Back Theatre Image: Courthouse Building (view from Little Mallop Street) The entrance to Back to back is down the lane, behind the black sign) 7