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- Tasks: Join us in creating a multisensory children's theatre piece focused on Ayo's journey in Nigeria.
- Company: AYO is a collaborative project supported by various esteemed theatres and arts organizations.
- Benefits: Competitive fee, travel, accommodation, and access costs covered.
- Why this job: Be part of an inclusive project that engages children with diverse needs through sensory storytelling.
- Qualifications: Experience or interest in working with disabled children; lived experience of disability for AYO role.
- Other info: Encouraging applications from underrepresented groups; flexible audition formats available.
AYO: Actor Call out
AYO is an Arts Council funded piece of children’s theatre which is in the Research and Development stage. AYO is also supported by Derby Theatre, The LEVEL Centre, Graeae Theatre, Spark Arts for Children, Rebel Sparks and Leeds Playhouse.
The R&D period will take place from 10th-21st March 2025 in Derby.
Following the R&D, there will be a series of sensory based workshops with our target audience to help build on and inform some of the sensory elements of the piece.
The Project:
SYNOPSIS: Ayo is a young girl who goes on a family holiday to her Father’s home Country Nigeria. Ayo meets an enthralling butterfly in Lagos whilst on the way to the beach. The butterfly distracts her and they go on a journey together overcoming traffic, trips, falls and the unfamiliar sights and smells. Ayo gets lost in Lagos and has to get to the beach to be reunited with her parents. Ayo also happens to have Cerebral Palsy.
‘Ayo’ is a multisensory piece which aims to engage neurotypical and neurodiverse children through how the story is told in a sensory approach. The piece will be inclusive of children who are visually impaired, deaf, hard of hearing and learning disabled. The piece will also provide tactile opportunities and ways for parents and carers to support disabled children with a range of access requirements as well as capturing the attention and interest of their neurotypical siblings and peers.
Artist Bio:
Sarah ‘Rain’ Kolawole is a playwright, spoken word artist, facilitator and published writer from Nottingham. Sarah is currently an associate with Rebel Sparks, a Beyond Artist with Graeae Theatre in partnership with Derby Theatre and an ideas fund Artist with Spark Arts for Children.
She has previously been an associate with Nottingham Playhouse, New Perspectives Theatre and a Soho writers lab alumni.
This show has come about from Sarah’s experience as a mother of a disabled child finding a lack of sensory led theatre that both her disabled and non-disabled child can experience together.
The Role(s):
I am looking for two performers who have experience or a keen interest in making work for disabled children and young people with a strong focus on exciting and engaging different senses.
- Role 1: AYO. Black or Black ‘mixed race/dual heritage’ (Black British, Black African, Black Caribbean background) and female. The main character AYO has cerebral palsy. It is important to the integrity and representation of the piece that the actor has cerebral palsy and/or has lived experience of disability.
- Role 2: The Butterfly. Actor-musician. Preferably a wind instrument, but this could be flexible. Preferable to have some fluency in BSL. This role is for actors who are either deaf, hearing impaired or hearing, ideally this person has some knowledge of BSL or is a BSL user.
Timeline:
R&D from 10th-21st March in Derby.
Sharing in October, exact date TBC.
Fee: £1,202 each.
(plus travel, accommodation and any access costs).
To Apply:
Please send your CV/spotlight link and a self-tape of the ‘AYO’ poetry to:
We encourage applications from people from the Global Majority and those underrepresented in the theatre industry. Deadline for applications: Friday 31st January 2025 at 4pm.
Please let us know if you need any information about this role in a different format or if you have any specific access requirements. Requests will not affect the decision-making process itself.
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Actor for AYO Research and Development employer: Disability Arts Online
Contact Detail:
Disability Arts Online Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Actor for AYO Research and Development
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the themes of the play and the specific needs of disabled children. Understanding the sensory elements and how they can be integrated into performance will help you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
If you're applying for the role of AYO, consider sharing your personal experiences related to disability in your self-tape. This will demonstrate your authenticity and connection to the character.
✨Tip Number 3
For the Butterfly role, showcase your musical skills in your self-tape. Highlight any experience you have with wind instruments and your knowledge of BSL, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with the community around inclusive theatre. Attend workshops or events that focus on sensory-led performances to gain insights and network with others who share your passion.
We think you need these skills to ace Actor for AYO Research and Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to read the job description thoroughly. Understand the character of AYO and the importance of representation, especially regarding lived experiences of disability.
Craft Your CV: Tailor your CV to highlight relevant experience in theatre, particularly any work with disabled children or sensory-based performances. Include any skills related to BSL if applying for the Butterfly role.
Self-Tape Preparation: Create a self-tape that showcases your interpretation of the 'AYO' poetry. Ensure your performance reflects the character's journey and emotional depth, as well as your ability to engage different senses.
Submit Your Application: Send your CV and self-tape to the specified email address before the deadline. Double-check that all files are correctly named and that your application is complete.
How to prepare for a job interview at Disability Arts Online
✨Show Your Passion for Inclusive Theatre
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for creating inclusive and sensory-based theatre. Share any personal experiences or insights you have regarding working with disabled children and how you can contribute to making the performance engaging for all audiences.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of the Role
For the role of Ayo, highlight your understanding of cerebral palsy and how it influences the character's journey. If you're auditioning for The Butterfly, showcase your musical skills and any experience you have with BSL, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Prepare a Strong Self-Tape
When submitting your self-tape, ensure that you convey the emotions and nuances of the character. Use the poetry provided in the application to showcase your ability to connect with the audience through your performance.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
During the interview, don't hesitate to ask questions about the creative process, the R&D phase, and how the team plans to engage with the target audience. This shows your interest in the project and your commitment to collaboration.
