Have you ever wanted to be part of something special? Do you love performing, interested in technical theatre — or are you simply curious to give it a go?
We’re looking for local people aged 14+, from Leigh, Atherton, and Tyldesley to join the community cast or work behind the scenes on a new show which we’re making in only one day! Stories of Us — a celebration of the people, places and stories that shape our towns — as told by the community, for the community.
Stories of Us will be made and performed on the final day of Local Exchange Festival, coming to Tyldesley 7 – 17 August.
We are looking for people:
- Age 14+
- With a connection to Leigh, Atherton or Tyldesley
- Who want to create a play-in-a-day
- To perform in a community cast
- Or work backstage
- No experience necessary
Where?
The Den at Fred Longworth High School, Printshop Ln, Tyldesley M28 8JN
What is a play-in-a-day?
The Royal Exchange team will gather stories from the community of Leigh, Atherton & Tyldesley which will be turned into a script by Leigh-born, professional playwright Jill O’Halloran. We will then bring together the playwright, a director, a designer, a movement director and a technical team who will work together to plan how we will bring this play to life in just one day… with you!
Stories of Us will be performed by the community cast, and supported by the community backstage team, 7pm-7:30pm in the Royal Exchange Theatre’s mobile space, The Den, to a public audience. The show will be followed by a performance from the festival choir, Raise Your Voice, who are creating a brand new anthem for the area.
Interested in PERFORMING?
As a PERFORMER you will turn up at 10am on Sunday 17 Aug, where you will meet your fellow community cast members, and the professional team will guide you through the rehearsal – bringing the script to life for a public performance that evening at 7pm.
There will be an opportunity to work with the script, learning or reading out the lines, along with some movement sequences and improvised moments. Each community cast member can work to their own comfort level – being the main part in a particular scene, or choosing to work with others in group moments. We will work to your comfort level, and support you to be brave and bold.
If you would like to chat through any of the details, or if you wish to discuss your access requirements, please email engage@royalexchange.co.uk
Interested in BACKSTAGE?
As part of the BACKSTAGE team, you will turn at 10am on Sunday 17 Aug, where you will meet your community BACKSTAGE team, and the professional team will guide you through bringing the show to life for a public performance that evening at 7pm.
You will work with professional theatre designer, Eleanor Ferguson, to make decisions around the design and bring costume, set and prop elements to the show. You will work with the Sound & Lighting team from the Royal Exchange to make decisions and implement design choices. You will help run the technical rehearsals and support the Stage Manager during rehearsal and the public performance.
We will work to your comfort level, and support you to be brave and bold.
If you would like to chat through any of the details, or if you wish to discuss your access requirements, please email engage@royalexchange.co.uk
Further details
- This is an unpaid opportunity, open to anyone age 14+ with an interest in performing or backstage
- Travel expenses for the day can be reimbursed (details will be shared in the confirmation email on 12 Aug)
Application process
There will be no auditions or interviews for Stories of Us. We are seeking 12 performers and 8 people to work backstage. You do not need to have any previous experience – we just need you to be open, willing, and up for trying something new!
Applications close at 12pm Mon 11 August, after which the Royal Exchange team will select 12 performers and 8 backstage participants to be involved in the project. If you are successful or unsuccessful you will be contacted via email to confirm on Tues 12 August. This decision will not be made on how much experience people have, but will be about ensuring a variety of voice across the group i.e. ensuring there is a variety in age, geography and experience.
Click here if you would like to apply to be a PERFORMER in Stories of Us (by 12pm Mon 11 Aug)
Click here if you would like to support BACKSTAGE for Stories of Us (by 12pm Mon 11 Aug)
If you would like to chat through any of the details, or require an alternative form format, please contact engage@royalexchange.co.uk