Open Pit Theatre is holding in-person auditions in Victoria (Lekwungen / W̱SÁNEĆ nations) and Whitehorse (Kwanlin Dün First Nation / Ta'an Kwäch'än Council) to hire a puppeteer and mask performer for our upcoming world premiere and touring production of Radio Silence.
At this time, we are accepting submissions for our Victoria auditions, which will take place on Saturday, October 30th. Whitehorse auditions will take place early November.
Radio Silence is a wordless, full-face mask and puppetry show written by Jessica Hickman and Geneviève Doyon in collaboration with the Wonderheads. The story centers around two sisters, Ruth & Poppy, who grew up in Dawson City on Trondek Hwech’in territory in the 1920s. After the death of their father, they drifted apart, and are now reunited twenty years later as a mother and a bush pilot. Radio Silence is a whimsical aviation show that ignites the female power within, reminds us of our connection to the land around us, and deepens our appreciation of those we love. Click HERE for more details about the show.
What is the gig?
Radio Silence will be premiering in Whitehorse as part of the Yukon Art Centre’s 2021-2022 season. Following the premiere, we will be touring the show to three rural Yukon communities; Dawson City, Haines Junction, and Carcross. To conclude this contract, Radio Silence will be performed in Victoria, BC at the Metro Theatre.
You must be available for the following dates:
Victoria mask & puppetry training: April 12 - 15, 2022 (specific days/times TBC)
Whitehorse Rehearsals & Tech: April 19 – May 11, 2022
Whitehorse Premiere: May 12 – 15, 2022
Yukon Tour: May 17 – 25, 2022
Victoria Tech & Run: June 8 – 12, 2022
Artists will be paid the Equity D.O.T minimum fees of $761/week, and where applicable will be provided travel, accommodation and per diems. Equity and non-Equity artists are welcome to apply.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking to cast one puppeteer/mask performer whose point of origin is either Victoria, BC or Whitehorse, YT. This role can be played by any gender, but the performer must be comfortable wearing a male-presenting mask and performing as a male-presenting character. No direct experience in puppetry or mask is required. Physical performers who are comfortable with non-verbal storytelling are encouraged to apply.
Please note we will be prioritizing indigenous artists and artists of colour for this role, but all are welcome to submit. Only those selected will be invited to audition.
Radio Silence will be touring Canada over the next few years. The ideal candidate is someone who is interested and available to tour, plus is willing to contribute with duties such as loading, unloading, set up, and strike.
How do you apply?
Please send a cover letter, resume, and photograph to info@openp.it
If you are not able to write a letter/resume or do not have a photograph, please still apply! Instead, just send us an email explaining a bit about yourself.
If you are available for the rehearsal and production dates, but not the audition (for example, you are from Victoria or Whitehorse but not currently living there) please still apply and indicate so in your letter.
We are not accepting video submissions at this time, but we may request a video for unique situations.
Deadline to apply: Friday, October 22, 2021 by midnight.
Photographs by Erik Pinkerton.