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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant dance party, engaging the audience in a collaborative performance.
- Company: Join an innovative co-production by Unlimited Theatre & Upswing.
- Benefits: Competitive pay above industry rates and opportunities for future projects.
- Why this job: Be part of a unique fusion of storytelling, music, and Afrofuturism.
- Qualifications: Experience in MCing and storytelling, especially for Black or Global Majority artists.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for growth in a creative environment.
Overview
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.
About Ancient Futures
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.
We are working with writer and ‘quantum poet’ Oneness Sankara to create the story-world and mythologies that underpin our ‘Afrinaut’ culture. New music will be made by renowned Grime and Hip Hop Artist, Afrikan Boy. Ancient Futures will feel somewhere between a sound system clash, a dance party and a launch into an alternative universe.
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.
While we are specifically looking for company members to join us for Ancient Futures, these sessions are also an opportunity for us to meet new artists for other future projects as well.
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 and process
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.
Image credit: XR Circus Brighton University
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Griot/MC Call-Out: Become an Ancient Futures Afrinaut Leader employer: Unlimited Theatre
Contact Detail:
Unlimited Theatre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Griot/MC Call-Out: Become an Ancient Futures Afrinaut Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the vibe of the project! Dive into the themes of Afrofuturism and West African folklore. This will help you connect with the creative team and show that you're genuinely interested in what they're doing.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your improvisation skills! As a Griot/MC, you'll need to think on your feet and engage the audience. Try out some freestyle sessions or storytelling workshops to sharpen those skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to other artists in the community, especially those who have experience in similar projects. They might have insights or connections that could help you land the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Ancient Futures team. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Griot/MC Call-Out: Become an Ancient Futures Afrinaut Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Call-Out Pack: Before diving into your application, make sure to thoroughly read the Griot/MC Call-Out Pack. It’s packed with all the essential info you need about the role and the production, so don’t skip this step!
Show Your Unique Voice: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see your unique storytelling style and how you connect with the themes of Afrofuturism and West African folklore. Be authentic and creative!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase any previous experience you have with MCing, performing, or storytelling. We’re looking for performers who can lead a dance party and engage an audience, so share those experiences that demonstrate your skills!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of everything and ensures your application gets to the right place. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Unlimited Theatre
✨Know Your Story
As a Griot/MC, storytelling is at the heart of what you do. Prepare to share your own experiences and how they connect to the themes of Afrofuturism and West African folklore. Think about personal anecdotes that showcase your improvisation skills and ability to engage an audience.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Collaborators
Research Oneness Sankara and Afrikan Boy, as their work will be integral to the performance. Understanding their styles and contributions will help you demonstrate how you can effectively collaborate and improvise with their material during the interview.
✨Embrace the Energy
Ancient Futures is all about high energy and engagement. During your interview, show your enthusiasm for leading a dance party and connecting with the audience. Consider how you can convey this energy through your voice and body language, even in a virtual setting.
✨Prepare for Improvisation
Since improvisation is key to the role, practice some spontaneous storytelling or MCing. You might be asked to demonstrate this during the interview, so think on your feet and be ready to adapt your style to fit the vibe of the performance and the audience.
