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- Tasks: Lead an immersive performance blending dance, music, and storytelling as our Afrinaut leader.
- Company: Join Unlimited Theatre & Upswing, known for innovative and inclusive performances.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, creative collaboration, and the chance to shape future projects.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant, culturally rich event that inspires audiences and celebrates diversity.
- Qualifications: Experience in MCing or storytelling; open to all gender identities and backgrounds.
- Other info: Apply by 19th September for a chance to showcase your talent at our casting workshop.
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.
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. We always pay performers above the current ITC/Equity rates.
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
Familiarise yourself with West African folklore and Afrofuturism. Understanding these themes will not only enhance your performance but also show your genuine interest in the project, making you a more appealing candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice improvisation skills, especially in storytelling and MCing. The role requires you to deliver and improvise with the words of the writer, so being comfortable with spontaneous performance will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with the local arts community, particularly those involved in sound system culture and performance art. Networking can lead to valuable connections and insights that may help you during the casting workshop.
✨Tip Number 4
Attend similar performances or workshops to gain inspiration and understand the energy required for a high-energy performance. This experience can help you embody the spirit of the Afrinaut leader role more effectively.
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: Start by thoroughly reading the Griot/MC Call-Out Pack. This document contains essential information about the role, production dates, and application instructions. Make sure to check all available formats, including PDF, Large Print PDF, and Audio Description.
Showcase Your Experience: In your application, highlight your experience as a performer or storyteller, particularly in MCing. Share specific examples of past performances or projects that demonstrate your skills and connection to the themes of Afrofuturism and West African folklore.
Craft a Unique Statement: Write a compelling statement that reflects your artistic vision and how it aligns with the Ancient Futures project. Emphasise your understanding of the cultural context and your ability to engage an audience through storytelling and improvisation.
Submit Before the Deadline: Ensure you submit your application by the deadline of 6pm on Monday, 19th September 2022. Double-check that all required materials are included and that your application is polished and professional before hitting send.
How to prepare for a job interview at Unlimited Theatre
✨Embrace Your Storytelling Skills
As a Griot/MC, your ability to tell stories is crucial. Prepare to showcase your unique storytelling style during the interview. Think about how you can weave personal experiences or cultural narratives into your performance to resonate with the audience.
✨Showcase Your Improvisation Abilities
Improvisation is key in this role, especially when delivering and interacting with the audience. Be ready to demonstrate your improvisational skills through spontaneous storytelling or engaging with hypothetical scenarios that may arise during the performance.
✨Connect with the Cultural Themes
Familiarise yourself with West African folklore, Afrofuturism, and sound system culture. During the interview, express your understanding of these themes and how they influence your work as a performer. This will show your alignment with the project's vision.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Creativity
This role involves working closely with other artists, including the writer and musical collaborator. Be prepared to discuss your collaborative experiences and how you can contribute to a team environment, enhancing the overall performance with your creativity.
