Auditions & performance opportunities
We are aware that some casting websites and agencies, copy our casting calls out to their clients. That is absolutely fine, but please ensure that all relevant information (dates, locations, rehearsals, pay/profit share, etc) are also shared and not altered or omitted.
Our casting process also follows Equity policies, promoting fairness and excellence in running productions:
Manifesto for Casting | Safe Places Policy | Cast It Here | Inclusive Casting Policy | Performance for All
Our castings as laid out in this website section, are the correct official version. If you have questions, that are not answered here, please email us.
These are professional castings as stated below. We do not charge anyone to audition or get involved with us, we are strictly against "pay to play!"
Our casting process also follows Equity policies, promoting fairness and excellence in running productions:
Manifesto for Casting | Safe Places Policy | Cast It Here | Inclusive Casting Policy | Performance for All
Our castings as laid out in this website section, are the correct official version. If you have questions, that are not answered here, please email us.
These are professional castings as stated below. We do not charge anyone to audition or get involved with us, we are strictly against "pay to play!"
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When attending an audition please wear comfortable clothes, bring a pen, your diary, a comprehensive list of dates that you are not available for rehearsal or performing, and your completed audition form.
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The South Devon Players Theatre & Film Company, is the trading name of The South Devon Players Limited;
Registered at Companies House: Company number 11569166 | ||||||||
OPEN THEATRE AUDITIONS
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| audition_covid_update.pdf |
| self-taping_notes.pdf |
REHEARSALS (will take place online via Zoom if the UK is still on lockdown, please see letter above)
Rehearsal dates: Wednesday evenings 7pm - 9.30pm, Sundays 12.30pm - 5pm, at Chestnut Community Centre, 1-3 Poplar Close, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 0SA. For this reason, priority will be given to performers who live in the South Devon region. Please note that you will be expected to attend regular rehearsals whether online or in person.
Rehearsal dates: Wednesday evenings 7pm - 9.30pm, Sundays 12.30pm - 5pm, at Chestnut Community Centre, 1-3 Poplar Close, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 0SA. For this reason, priority will be given to performers who live in the South Devon region. Please note that you will be expected to attend regular rehearsals whether online or in person.
SHOWS
Taking place in Brixham and around the Southwest in late October to mid November 2020 for Friday & Saturday performances. (please note that due to the Covid-19 situation, some or all venues may require we move to Jan/ Feb 2021, as detailed in the update document above.)
Taking place in Brixham and around the Southwest in late October to mid November 2020 for Friday & Saturday performances. (please note that due to the Covid-19 situation, some or all venues may require we move to Jan/ Feb 2021, as detailed in the update document above.)
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE AUDITIONS:
Castings will take the form of reading and characterising excerpts from the script. A casting pack will be available soon at https://www.southdevonplayers.com/auditions.html
As with all our shows, all persons appearing as cast and crew for this production will be entitled to remuneration as
- equal profit share (ticket-take less venue hire cost)
- portfolio photos and video for portfolio use
- copies of all press in which the character is featured
- programme credit
(and anything else we find that we are able to offer)
Some roles may be combined, or an actor take on more than one
NOTES
Due to previous incidents and misunderstandings:
we need to state unequivocally that
1) All cast will need to be able to attend regular rehearsals, and to be able to learn characterisation, lines and blocking.
2) Actors will be required to wear costumes (supplied)
3) All people in the production are expected to adhere to socially acceptable behaviour at all times, and work as a member of a focussed team.
4) Cast and crew jobs are on an open-book equal-profit share basis which you can read the full details about, in the right-hand column.
5) We welcome performers of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, nationality, sexuality, religion.
Castings will take the form of reading and characterising excerpts from the script. A casting pack will be available soon at https://www.southdevonplayers.com/auditions.html
As with all our shows, all persons appearing as cast and crew for this production will be entitled to remuneration as
- equal profit share (ticket-take less venue hire cost)
- portfolio photos and video for portfolio use
- copies of all press in which the character is featured
- programme credit
(and anything else we find that we are able to offer)
Some roles may be combined, or an actor take on more than one
NOTES
Due to previous incidents and misunderstandings:
we need to state unequivocally that
1) All cast will need to be able to attend regular rehearsals, and to be able to learn characterisation, lines and blocking.
2) Actors will be required to wear costumes (supplied)
3) All people in the production are expected to adhere to socially acceptable behaviour at all times, and work as a member of a focussed team.
4) Cast and crew jobs are on an open-book equal-profit share basis which you can read the full details about, in the right-hand column.
5) We welcome performers of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, nationality, sexuality, religion.
William Shakespeare's Macbeth
This production is a spin-off to our internationally awardwinning production of Macbeth, which toured twice in 2019. Many of the original casts are returning, however, some have been unable to, and these are the roles that we are re-advertising. This is the full, uncut, original Shakespearean text.
This is a purely online production, to take place during June. It will be performed inline with the UK lockdown and social distancing laws currently in place, using the video-conferencing platform Zoom. This will be livestreamed to audiences using social media, with a paypal link for donations – any donations obtained for the show, will be shared equally among all cast. The performance will also be recorded and put on youtube (as well as the recording made available to cast for any personal portfolio use).
Because of using a solely online medium, actors can be based anywhere in the world, but MUST adhere to our usual high standards of excellence in performance (line learning, characterisation etc) and performance (including being online to start rehearsals and the final performance, promptly and prepared). They will need access to a digital device running Zoom, in order to be involved.
This is a purely online production, to take place during June. It will be performed inline with the UK lockdown and social distancing laws currently in place, using the video-conferencing platform Zoom. This will be livestreamed to audiences using social media, with a paypal link for donations – any donations obtained for the show, will be shared equally among all cast. The performance will also be recorded and put on youtube (as well as the recording made available to cast for any personal portfolio use).
Because of using a solely online medium, actors can be based anywhere in the world, but MUST adhere to our usual high standards of excellence in performance (line learning, characterisation etc) and performance (including being online to start rehearsals and the final performance, promptly and prepared). They will need access to a digital device running Zoom, in order to be involved.
NOTES
Due to previous incidents and misunderstandings:
we need to state unequivocally that
1) All cast will need to be able to attend regular rehearsals, and to be able to learn characterisation, lines and blocking.
2) All people in the production are expected to adhere to socially acceptable behaviour at all times, and work as a member of a focussed team.
3 Cast and crew jobs are on an open-book equal-profit share basis which you can read the full details about, in the right-hand column.
4) We welcome performers of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, nationality, sexuality, religion.
Due to previous incidents and misunderstandings:
we need to state unequivocally that
1) All cast will need to be able to attend regular rehearsals, and to be able to learn characterisation, lines and blocking.
2) All people in the production are expected to adhere to socially acceptable behaviour at all times, and work as a member of a focussed team.
3 Cast and crew jobs are on an open-book equal-profit share basis which you can read the full details about, in the right-hand column.
4) We welcome performers of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, nationality, sexuality, religion.
FOREIGN WORKERS
Foreign nationals are most welcome to audition for our shows on the same basis as anyone else with the understanding that they can meet rehearsal and performance requirements; and can demonstrate that they are legally allowed to work in the UK (Government website about working in the UK).
We reserve the right to check that you are legally able to work in the UK. Please be aware that with current political changes in the UK, that eligibility to work in the UK, for European Union citizens, may alter at short notice as our government makes changes.
Please undersand that we will not accept actors who are unaccompanied minors from other countries and that age does not permit circumvention of the law. We are becoming increasingly concerned by the number of these requests being recieved from children in foreign countries, and any further requests from such children will be forwarded to the National Crime Agency and AntiSlavery investigative organisations.
Foreign nationals are most welcome to audition for our shows on the same basis as anyone else with the understanding that they can meet rehearsal and performance requirements; and can demonstrate that they are legally allowed to work in the UK (Government website about working in the UK).
We reserve the right to check that you are legally able to work in the UK. Please be aware that with current political changes in the UK, that eligibility to work in the UK, for European Union citizens, may alter at short notice as our government makes changes.
Please undersand that we will not accept actors who are unaccompanied minors from other countries and that age does not permit circumvention of the law. We are becoming increasingly concerned by the number of these requests being recieved from children in foreign countries, and any further requests from such children will be forwarded to the National Crime Agency and AntiSlavery investigative organisations.
What happens at our auditions:
_____________________________________________NOTICE: Temporary alteration to how we audition and rehearse, for the period of the UK's Covid-19 lockdown:
Auditions, for the period of lockdown, or for any demographics which may have extended legal requirements for self-isolation after lockdown ends, will take place via video audition. This will take the form of an initial request from us for a self-tape of your chosen character(s). Most of the sides are dialogue, and if you do not have someone to read in for you, then simply do not speak the other characters lines, but react to them silently as if they are speaking to you. We will look for natural "convincing" performances, rather than obvious expressionless reading, in the same manner as at our "physical" castings.
These videos should be submitted to us on email at southdevonplayers@gmail.com, by a set date.
We will hold callbacks for all performers who are new to our company, on video-conference; where the show director will provide an appointment date and time to call you via Zoom, or Facebook Messenger (your preference), to discuss the role, the production, find out more about you, and give you the chance to ask any questions you may have.
Castings will be announced at the end of the week following the deadline for the self-tapes, and will be subject to the usual contracts.
Any rehearsals taking place during the lockdown period, will take place using the Zoom video conferencing app, which available for PC, and all types of phone/ tablet. Once lockdown ends, rehearsals will go back to those taking place at our usual rehearsal hall at Chestnut Community Centre in Brixham, which you will be expected to be available for and attend, as per the usual details below; unless the project is solely online (like an online performance only).
Pay rates remain unaltered from those described below.
______________________________________________________
Our auditions, unless otherwise stated in audition information, take the form of performing excerpts from the script (sides) readings in groups of auditionees, (scripts provided at audition or in advance by request for sides), in front of a casting panel. If you are auditioning for a specific task such as a singing or dancing role, you will be asked to prepare something of a relevant genre, of your choice, to show us at the audition.
We do not require the recitation of monologues from unrelated shows, and only in very unusual cases accept video auditions.
CASTING MINORS :
We only rarely cast minors. Any minors must be accompanied by a parent, or legally licensed chaperone at all times. A minor's involvement in our productions is subject to individual licensing per child, from the local authority, and is also dependent upon the parent/ chaperone following legal guidance; including remaining with the child at all rehearsals and performances, and keeping the child in your line of sight at all times when with us. You may obtain more information about this from Torbay Council - CHILD PERFORMANCE LICENSING TORBAY (additional useful links to peruse the legal obligations further: Child Performance Legislation Advice - Children & Young Persons Act 2014 - Chaperone Service professional practice)
WHEN YOU HEAR BACK
You will be informed within a stated time (usually 24 hours), if you are selected for a role.
It is only in very rare cases that we accept video auditions, and then only from people whom we already know are reliable. As a rule, we expect you to attend in person.
PAYMENT
As professionals and aspiring professionals, we do our utmost to ensure that we do our utmost to reward the team members with the show profits, from ticket sales, less venue hire.
We fundraise and work with our Supporters Trust to cover the costs of rehearsal hall, costumes, props, printing and other production expenses, so that we can pay the maximum possible to our team.
While full amounts can never be guaranteed as it is based on ticket sales numbers; the total amount, whatever it is, is equally shared among all actors and production crew, so that nobody is treated differently than any other. We have never finished a production in the "red".
At the time of payment (usually within 10 days of ticket sale monies being received from venues) we also provide the box-office sales reports from the venues, showing precise ticket sales, and how much the venue has deducted in hire for the space; to the cast and crew.
You will also receive portfolio photos of you performing or working in your crew role during the rehearsal and production process, references (upon completion of your first production), backstage light refreshments, and anything else that we find we can offer.
We are applying for funding to increase our work, including a prioritised aim of being able to offer salaries, and at such time as we find such funding, everyone will be automatically upgraded on the spot (even if mid-way through a production).
The current profit share situation is because we are self-funded from market stalls, and sponsored activities to pay for a rehearsal room, costumes, and materials, so that we can then share the ticket takes, less show venue hire only, to all our cast and crew. We are committed to rewarding our cast and crew to the very maximum of our ability.
We have a strict equal opportunities policy
WHAT WE LOOK FOR AT AUDITIONS
In your audition, we will look at several factors in deciding who gets the role. These include:
- Suitability for role and quality of audition given.
- Skills in clear speaking, expression, body language.
- Good social skills: how you seem to interact with others in the room.
- Pleasant, positive "can-do" attitude.
- Timekeeping (arriving on time, or communicating in advance if unavoidably delayed. We reserve the right to not audition latecomers.)
- Preparation (bringing audition forms, your pen and diary, etc)
We do take natural "audition nerves" into full account, but due to only casting for serious performers who, regardless of previous experience, share our career-based ethos, we look for a range of qualities required by anyone who seeks to be a serious performer.
We have a strict equal opportunities policy.
WHEN YOU ARE CAST IN THEATRE
The first session, for those selected as cast, will involve a mandatory getting-to-know session, for the team, along with workshops, getting measurements or any especial information relating to the roles, and stating what is expected. All cast and crew will be expected to sign contracts which will then be held by our secretary. A seated script read-through will also take place and you will have the opportunity to ask role or production questions.
Rehearsals will subsequently take place on Wednesday evenings 6.30pm- 9.30pm, and Sunday afternoons 12.30pm - 4.30pm at Chestnut Community Centre, 1-3 Poplar Close, Brixham, Devon TQ5 0SA. You are expected to attend a minimum of 75% of rehearsals involving your character, and to inform the director at once, before the start of rehearsal, if you find that you are unable to attend a rehearsal. No-showing more than once is likely to result in removal from the production, or in being cast in a smaller role.
GOOD PRACTICE
We operate to the best of our ability and knowledge, within the guidelines of good practice laid out by Equity, BECTU, Protecting Actors, and the Equality Act 2010, We regularly seek advice and guidance from same, and leading industry professionals, to ensure that we are up to date. In the case of doubt we refer our queries to same.
Link to our governance and policies page
IMPORTANT NOTE
This may seem very basic indeed but is being noted publicly after a couple of incidents over recent years:
If you are joining us in any capacity, please be aware that you will be expected to read and learn your scripted scenes, by the deadlines given, attend rehearsals on time, and to keep detailed notes on your blocking (where you are stood on stage, on stage directions), props and/or techincal notes penciled into your script. Being involved with us also requires that you have adequate literacy, and focus, to do this.
You are not joining an amdram amateur club, but a dynamic professional team of ambitious, hardworking, career-orientated people.
You will also be required to abide by the norms of socially acceptable behaviour towards other members and towards the public, failure to do so, is likely to result in instant dismissal.
If you have questions, please get in touch via email southdevonplayers@gmail.com.
_____________________________________________NOTICE: Temporary alteration to how we audition and rehearse, for the period of the UK's Covid-19 lockdown:
Auditions, for the period of lockdown, or for any demographics which may have extended legal requirements for self-isolation after lockdown ends, will take place via video audition. This will take the form of an initial request from us for a self-tape of your chosen character(s). Most of the sides are dialogue, and if you do not have someone to read in for you, then simply do not speak the other characters lines, but react to them silently as if they are speaking to you. We will look for natural "convincing" performances, rather than obvious expressionless reading, in the same manner as at our "physical" castings.
These videos should be submitted to us on email at southdevonplayers@gmail.com, by a set date.
We will hold callbacks for all performers who are new to our company, on video-conference; where the show director will provide an appointment date and time to call you via Zoom, or Facebook Messenger (your preference), to discuss the role, the production, find out more about you, and give you the chance to ask any questions you may have.
Castings will be announced at the end of the week following the deadline for the self-tapes, and will be subject to the usual contracts.
Any rehearsals taking place during the lockdown period, will take place using the Zoom video conferencing app, which available for PC, and all types of phone/ tablet. Once lockdown ends, rehearsals will go back to those taking place at our usual rehearsal hall at Chestnut Community Centre in Brixham, which you will be expected to be available for and attend, as per the usual details below; unless the project is solely online (like an online performance only).
Pay rates remain unaltered from those described below.
______________________________________________________
Our auditions, unless otherwise stated in audition information, take the form of performing excerpts from the script (sides) readings in groups of auditionees, (scripts provided at audition or in advance by request for sides), in front of a casting panel. If you are auditioning for a specific task such as a singing or dancing role, you will be asked to prepare something of a relevant genre, of your choice, to show us at the audition.
We do not require the recitation of monologues from unrelated shows, and only in very unusual cases accept video auditions.
CASTING MINORS :
We only rarely cast minors. Any minors must be accompanied by a parent, or legally licensed chaperone at all times. A minor's involvement in our productions is subject to individual licensing per child, from the local authority, and is also dependent upon the parent/ chaperone following legal guidance; including remaining with the child at all rehearsals and performances, and keeping the child in your line of sight at all times when with us. You may obtain more information about this from Torbay Council - CHILD PERFORMANCE LICENSING TORBAY (additional useful links to peruse the legal obligations further: Child Performance Legislation Advice - Children & Young Persons Act 2014 - Chaperone Service professional practice)
WHEN YOU HEAR BACK
You will be informed within a stated time (usually 24 hours), if you are selected for a role.
It is only in very rare cases that we accept video auditions, and then only from people whom we already know are reliable. As a rule, we expect you to attend in person.
PAYMENT
As professionals and aspiring professionals, we do our utmost to ensure that we do our utmost to reward the team members with the show profits, from ticket sales, less venue hire.
We fundraise and work with our Supporters Trust to cover the costs of rehearsal hall, costumes, props, printing and other production expenses, so that we can pay the maximum possible to our team.
While full amounts can never be guaranteed as it is based on ticket sales numbers; the total amount, whatever it is, is equally shared among all actors and production crew, so that nobody is treated differently than any other. We have never finished a production in the "red".
At the time of payment (usually within 10 days of ticket sale monies being received from venues) we also provide the box-office sales reports from the venues, showing precise ticket sales, and how much the venue has deducted in hire for the space; to the cast and crew.
You will also receive portfolio photos of you performing or working in your crew role during the rehearsal and production process, references (upon completion of your first production), backstage light refreshments, and anything else that we find we can offer.
We are applying for funding to increase our work, including a prioritised aim of being able to offer salaries, and at such time as we find such funding, everyone will be automatically upgraded on the spot (even if mid-way through a production).
The current profit share situation is because we are self-funded from market stalls, and sponsored activities to pay for a rehearsal room, costumes, and materials, so that we can then share the ticket takes, less show venue hire only, to all our cast and crew. We are committed to rewarding our cast and crew to the very maximum of our ability.
We have a strict equal opportunities policy
WHAT WE LOOK FOR AT AUDITIONS
In your audition, we will look at several factors in deciding who gets the role. These include:
- Suitability for role and quality of audition given.
- Skills in clear speaking, expression, body language.
- Good social skills: how you seem to interact with others in the room.
- Pleasant, positive "can-do" attitude.
- Timekeeping (arriving on time, or communicating in advance if unavoidably delayed. We reserve the right to not audition latecomers.)
- Preparation (bringing audition forms, your pen and diary, etc)
We do take natural "audition nerves" into full account, but due to only casting for serious performers who, regardless of previous experience, share our career-based ethos, we look for a range of qualities required by anyone who seeks to be a serious performer.
We have a strict equal opportunities policy.
WHEN YOU ARE CAST IN THEATRE
The first session, for those selected as cast, will involve a mandatory getting-to-know session, for the team, along with workshops, getting measurements or any especial information relating to the roles, and stating what is expected. All cast and crew will be expected to sign contracts which will then be held by our secretary. A seated script read-through will also take place and you will have the opportunity to ask role or production questions.
Rehearsals will subsequently take place on Wednesday evenings 6.30pm- 9.30pm, and Sunday afternoons 12.30pm - 4.30pm at Chestnut Community Centre, 1-3 Poplar Close, Brixham, Devon TQ5 0SA. You are expected to attend a minimum of 75% of rehearsals involving your character, and to inform the director at once, before the start of rehearsal, if you find that you are unable to attend a rehearsal. No-showing more than once is likely to result in removal from the production, or in being cast in a smaller role.
GOOD PRACTICE
We operate to the best of our ability and knowledge, within the guidelines of good practice laid out by Equity, BECTU, Protecting Actors, and the Equality Act 2010, We regularly seek advice and guidance from same, and leading industry professionals, to ensure that we are up to date. In the case of doubt we refer our queries to same.
Link to our governance and policies page
IMPORTANT NOTE
This may seem very basic indeed but is being noted publicly after a couple of incidents over recent years:
If you are joining us in any capacity, please be aware that you will be expected to read and learn your scripted scenes, by the deadlines given, attend rehearsals on time, and to keep detailed notes on your blocking (where you are stood on stage, on stage directions), props and/or techincal notes penciled into your script. Being involved with us also requires that you have adequate literacy, and focus, to do this.
You are not joining an amdram amateur club, but a dynamic professional team of ambitious, hardworking, career-orientated people.
You will also be required to abide by the norms of socially acceptable behaviour towards other members and towards the public, failure to do so, is likely to result in instant dismissal.
If you have questions, please get in touch via email southdevonplayers@gmail.com.
