The Bristol Improv Theatre is inviting men of all ages and backgrounds to audition for a new improvised show “men?!” created by Stephen Clements and community member Tina Malhotra for performance on Saturday the 16th of November, to celebrate International Men’s Day. The performance will be part of a mixed bill of performances by men on the night.
You don’t need to be an experienced performer or improviser: anyone new to performing or improvising will be supported during the rehearsals and performance.
We use the term man and men inclusively of all men, including trans men. We also welcome the involvement of people who are non-binary: if the word “man” speaks to you/your identity, then this is for you.
More about men?! from the Directors:
men?! is an improvised show format that brings performers together to give voice to their varied experiences as men – exploring modern masculinity through what unifies and divides men in their similarities and differences. The piece is improvised, drawing on the honest experiences and stories that the performers are drawn to tell in the moment, creating a unique collaborative experience for both performers and audience.
The purpose of men?! is not just to create a piece of work that will resonate with the audience, but to create an experience for performers who will explore creative expression and what it means to be a man together, sharing ideas, support, discussion and laughter. Over the course of 3 full-day rehearsals performers will be able to have input into the direction of the work. The Directors are committed to creating a welcoming space that allows performers to take risks and find their voice.
Who we are looking for:
- Men of any background, ages 18 and over
- Happy to speak about your experiences as a man, and to listen to others’ stories
- You don’t need experience as an improviser or performer
- You should be happy collaborating with others
- Able to attend all of the rehearsal dates and the performance (ideally)
As part of the audition you will each be asked to be onstage for 1 minute to share a piece that expresses something about you or how you feel about being a man. This can be a performance or creative expression of any kind: song, dance, playing an instrument, beatboxing, drumming, poetry, mime, juggling, fooling, clown, visual art, spoken word, rap, or just speaking from the heart. You can improvise this in the moment or you can pre-prepare something ahead of time.
KEY DATES:
Application deadline for auditions:
- Thursday 19th September, midnight.
There will be 40 spaces available at the audition, applications received after spaces are filled will be placed on a waiting list. We recommend applying sooner rather than later!
Audition:
- Saturday September 21st 2024, 2pm – 5pm
Rehearsals:
- Saturday 5th Oct, 9am – 5pm
- Saturday 19th Oct, 9am – 5pm
- Saturday 2nd Nov, 9am – 5pm
- Saturday 16th Nov, 2pm – 6pm (tech rehearsal)
Performance:
- Saturday 16th Nov, 8pm until 10.30pm
