At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant dance party, engaging the audience in a collaborative performance.
- Company: Join an innovative theatre co-production celebrating Afrofuturism and sound system culture.
- Benefits: Competitive pay above industry rates and opportunities for future projects.
- Other info: Open to artists identifying as Black or from a Global Majority background.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of a unique performance blending storytelling, music, and dance.
- Qualifications: Experience in MCing or storytelling, with a passion for collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 225 - 275 £ per hour.
We’re looking for performers/storytellers with experience of MCing to join our mid-scale outdoor commission ANCIENT FUTURES, an Unlimited Theatre & Upswing Co-Production. The show will draw from wider research and conversations but also the experiences of the artists and creatives involved, so we are particularly seeking artists who identify as Black or from a Global Majority background. This role is for a person of any gender identity.
Inspired by West African folklore, Afrofuturism and sound system culture, Ancient Futures will be a high energy performance that fuses dance, circus, music and storytelling. Conceived and directed by Vicki Dela Amedume (Upswing) and J Spooner (Unlimited), Ancient Futures is a durational event for festivals and public spaces that builds, throughout a whole day, to an immersive evening climax.
At the centre of the event is our Afrinaut leader (a Griot, MC and storyteller) who leads our ritualistic dance party from their place at the top of a giant sound system structure, inviting the audience to join them and build a better, safer, more inspiring future than we might otherwise be heading towards. The Griot will be delivering and improvising with the words written by our writer Oneness Sankara and our musical collaborator Afrikan Boy.
Role and responsibilities:
- Lead our ritualistic dance party from the top of a giant sound system structure, inviting the audience to join and contribute to a collaborative future.
- Deliver and improvise with words written by Oneness Sankara and our musical collaborator Afrikan Boy.
- Collaborate with the writer and musicians to develop the story-world and performance material.
Eligibility and emphasis: We are particularly seeking artists who identify as Black or from a Global Majority background. The role is open to any gender identity.
How to apply: We’ve put all the key information, production dates and instructions into a Griot/MC Call-Out Pack, so the first step is to read/listen to this – various formats available: PDF / Large Print PDF / Audio Description.
Deadline to apply: 6pm, Monday 19th September 2022. Depending on the number of applications we receive, our intention is to shortlist and invite successful applicants to a casting workshop by 6pm, Wednesday 21 September 2022. The casting workshop will be held on Tuesday 27 September in London.
Compensation: We always pay performers above the current ITC/Equity rates.
Griot/MC Call-Out: Become an Ancient Futures Afrinaut Leader employer: Unlimited Theatre
Unlimited Theatre is an innovative employer based in Manchester, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment for the Lead Stage Manager role. With flexible working conditions and a strong focus on employee growth, this company provides unique opportunities to engage with creative teams and contribute to groundbreaking productions like FUTURE BODIES, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the arts.
