MONSTROUS STORIES: an original piece of devised theatre
…based on the novel A Monster Calls.
(3rd-7th Form )
‘Stories are wild creatures, the monster said. When you let them loose, who knows what havoc they might wreak?’
ANY QUERIES CONTACT: skb@reigategrammar.org
HOW DO I APPLY TO TAKE PART IN THE PRODUCTION ON STAGE OR AS PART OF THE CREATIVE TEAM?
Read this pack
Submit an audition/application Form by Monday 13 September Here is the form
WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO APPLY?
BE PASSIONATE ABOUT TELLING STORIES!
BE IN THE 3RD – 7TH FORM.
READ THIS PACK TO CHECK YOU CAN MAKE REHEARSAL DATES
CHECK the content of the story – facing up to the truth and using creativity to manage your emotions are both important themes. You may find the content upsetting.
CHECK COMMITMENT WITH PARENTS – DO THEY SUPPORT THIS APPLICATION?
FILL IN AND SUBMIT THE FORM HERE APPLICATION FORM FOR ACTORS AND CREATIVES
There is a video of an adaptation you could watch here: video of stage version of A Monster Calls - this production carried a 10+ age warning. Please be empathetic if you watch it with others.
You may want to read the script: the script as performed by The Old Vic
It is a novel studied at RGS in 2nd Form. There is a film adaptation with Liam Neeson. It won the Carnegie award for Children’s Fiction. There are strong themes in the novel
Link to current design ideas and aesthetic: Pinterest Mood Board
TRIGGER WARNINGS
The novel deals with a young boy managing his mum’s cancer diagnosis. He uses the power of his imagination and the power of storytelling to bravely face the truth. It is about survival and strength in adversity. There are scenes of violence, bullying, split families, friendship problems and nightmares. The stories the monster tells Conor provoke both rage and grief.
WHAT ARE THE KEY DATES AND DEADLINES?
Monday 13 September 6pm – all applications forms submitted for actors or creative roles
Wednesday 15 OR Thursday 16 September – actors attend ONE workshop audition
Thursday 16 September 8pm – recalls announced via email
Friday 17 September – recalls for actors DS1 1.20-2pm
Monday 20 September – casting announced
Wednesday 22 September – ARTIST AUDITION in DS1 1.20-2pm
Friday 1 October and every Autumn and Spring term Friday until show– rehearsal 4-5.30pm (NOT 4 MARCH NOT 6 MARCH)
Sunday January 9- 10-3 rehearsal for cast, creatives then EACH Sunday until show
Show Week – Monday 21 March – Saturday 26 March
WHAT CREATIVE ROLES CAN I APPLY FOR?
ROLES WITH SOME ONGOING TIME COMMITMENT
ARTISTS working with Mrs Wright
The production will need FOUR artists per performance to use their ART SKILLS to create their own individual responses to the story. The set will allow the artists to draw LIVE each performance in front of the audience. The artwork can be in any medium. The audience must believe that the artist is instinctively painting/ drawing. The set will look like an illustrated story. This is a chance to showcase some amazing ART skills. You may put headphones on and disappear into your own process of creating art in response to the themes of the book. Rehearsals will only be needed in March. Please apply and bring you and a pen to Wednesday September 22 1.10pm in DS1 for a chance to learn more with Miss Wright and Miss Branston. See the Pinterest board for influences and images.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
There are TWO AD positions available. These are extremely demanding roles as the AD must be at every rehearsal. The AD must be bold, brave and unapologetic. They must be able to command a rehearsal room with their peers and have excellent diplomacy and empathy. They must work alongside the Director and have excellent admin skills and invention. They support the Director in all aspects of the work: they will need to script as we devise- confident IT skills preferred.
DSM and Stage Managers
The DSM must like observing; have an instinct for organisation and be very organised. The DSM keeps the rehearsal book and writes down all the lighting and sound cues so they can control the technical rehearsal. They must work very well under pressure and be meticulous. There can be up to FOUR rehearsal DSMS. The team of DSMS can rotate rehearsals but must all be available in January on Sundays 10-3pm. One DSM will call the show and the other DSMs will turn into Stage Management – with responsibilities for the backstage organisation on the show.
MOVEMENT DIRECTOR AND CHOREOGRAPHER AND/ OR DANCER
This person can be in the show too- but must be working at a high level of physical expression.
Ideally, we are looking for a confident dancer used to improvisation and contemporary dance to weave amongst the actors. This person can be part of the company but could be someone with high levels of confident impro skills to be able to watch the show and improvise movement work around the actors.
SOUND DESIGN/ COMPOSITION working with Mr Evans in rehearsal
There will be: an electronic underscore which needs composition through improvisation. This sound designer/ mixer will need to be in rehearsal all the time, to respond instinctively to the action created in the room Here is the sound design vibe for the show This person must be adept at using synth and computer software; work using improvisation, independently and confidently to support the atmosphere and soundscapes needed for the story. How to create sound design video for inspiration
SINGERS working with Mr Evans – in rehearsal at some times on Fridays and some Sundays nearer the show
There will be an opportunity for singers to sing live each performance. This commitment can be flexible. Please fill in the application form and explain why singing LIVE on a theatre project would excite you. If you like the story, this will help. It is about passion and commitment. Auditions will be happen after casting has been announced.
CREATIVE ROLES REQUIRING SMALLER TIME COMMITMENT
SET AND SCENIC ARTISTS
Working alongside Set Designer for the week before and the week of the show
PROPS MAKERS
Making and painting Props
COSTUME, HAIR AND MAKE-UP TEAM
LIGHTING AND SOUND DESIGN CREW
To help Ryan rig cables and lanterns and operate the sound and lighting
PRODUCTION PHOTOGRAPHER
To attend some rehearsals and the productions to document the rehearsals and help with marketing
VIDEO AND MARKETING
Someone with a passion for film making and video editing. Will need to create VIDEO trailers for marketing and social media releases. Plus video diaries of rehearsal and show week footage.
FRONT OF HOUSE CREW
Not needed until the performances – to greet audience and operate the catering tent.
Must be able to do ALL performances
ASMS
People who do EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING! Only needed the week of the show
WHAT ACTING ROLES CAN I APPLY FOR?
The cast will be made up of 16 diverse performers. It will be an ENSEMBLE piece with everyone on stage at all times.
There are roles which are emotionally demanding: Monster, Conor, Grandma and Mum. There are scenes and content which will require a mature approach in rehearsal. We need:
Playful and inventive performers who take risks with improvisation
Team players
Actors who are fearless and spontaneous
Actors who like devising original work collaboratively
Actors who are keen to explore both naturalism and Physical Theatre
Emotionally intuitive and robust performers who have considered the content of the novel and its impact on their own rehearsal process and wellbeing
WHAT ABOUT THE ACTING AUDITION? WHAT DO I PREPARE?
The audition will be A WORKSHOP- it will all be about improvisation and ensemble work.
You will need to bring clothes to move in and a vivid imagination.
You will be working with people outside your year group, on extracts of the novel.
You should have a good knowledge of the characters and plot of the novel.
(If you can do any Origami ….it will be a bonus)
Still interested?
Fill in and send the application form