Audition Notice: King Henry Five

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Driftwood Theatre Group invites submissions from performers for King Henry Five by William Shakespeare.

The Bard’s Bus Tour is an annual summer Ontario tradition, touring to outdoor venues across the province for over 25 years.

Rehearsals for King Henry Five will begin in June 2022 in Picton, Ontario, with public performances planned between July 19 – August 14, 2022 (with a possible extension to August 21). During the tour, Toronto will serve as the point of origin. The Bard’s Bus Tour contracts equity artists under the ITA as a ‘G’ House.

Driftwood Theatre welcomes applicants from all backgrounds who reflect the many communities that make up the province of Ontario. In particular, we will prioritize and consider first applications from artists who identify as BIPOC and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Driftwood is also committed to providing an accessible and barrier-free environment for its staff and artists. If you have questions or concerns about the accessibility of this application process, or the production itself, please feel free to reach out to Producer, Ella Kohlmann at ekohlmann@driftwoodtheatre.com for accommodations. 

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN: Three (3) Actors

  • Hal/Henry V: A young and sometimes reluctant member of royalty, Hal struggles to reconcile their friendship with Falstaff against their responsibilities as a future king. Hall is quick witted and a natural leader. Masculine, male-presenting, he/him pronours. Age range 20-30.
  •  Quickly: The plain-speaking owner of the Boar’s Head Tavern, Quickly is quick to laughter and has a special kind of love/hate relationship with Falstaff. Any gender. Age range 40-50. Other roles include King Henry IV.
  • Poins: A lifelong rogue and friend to Hal and Falstaff, Poins is in love with Quickly. Any gender. Age range 30-40. Other roles include Hotspur.

King Henry Five. Driftwood approaches Shakespeare’s history plays for the first time as we adapt three of Shakespeare’s scripts (Henry IV pts 1 & 2, Henry V) into a single narrative using only five actors to tell the story of King Henry Five. Set in a contemporary Canadian patio bar, King Henry Five focuses on prince Hal’s questionable friendship with Falstaff as it comes up against Hal’s priorities as a leader and future king. This is a powerful story about community, the families we inherit and those we choose, and the legacies we leave behind.

How to submit:

Please click here to submit your application using Google Forms. You will be asked to provide the following as a single PDF (File name format: FULL_NAME_HENRY_AUDITONS.pdf):

  • A brief, one-page cover letter indicating the role you’d like to be seen for, tell us what interests you about the project and working with Driftwood, and tells us about your relationship to music, what instruments you play and your vocal range if applicable
  • Headshot
  • Acting CV

Candidates selected for an audition will be expected to prepare two contrasting Shakespeare monologues and a song of their choice.  All auditions will take place using the ZOOM virtual-meetings platform.

Both CAEA members and non-CAEA members will be considered. All performers cast will be engaged under an Equity form of contract. Electronic submissions only. All applicants will be contacted upon receipt of their submission, and again by early April regarding the status of their application.

 The deadline for submissions is Friday, February 25, 2022 at 5pm.

Call for Submissions: The Onion Cellar

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Driftwood Theatre Group invites applications from diverse storytellers for a new project led by Ahmed Moneka.

Truth spoken has the ability to heal. Truth guarded has destroyed civilizations.

With the generous support of Nightswimming Theatre and in partnership with Driftwood Theatre, actor, musician and creator Ahmed Moneka is engaging in a new project to explore our human need to share and experience stories as a process of healing, breaking down barriers, and building community.

The Onion Cellar imagines a tavern in the city of Toronto where no food or alcohol is served but where, through the cutting and peeling onions, guests are prompted to shed tears, share stories and begin a process of healing.

In Moneka’s vision, The Onion Cellar (based loosely on a chapter of German novelist Gunter Grass’ ‘The Tin Drum’) is a vital story, a response to circumstances and technology that have robbed us of our ability to truly commune and share openly with each other across cultures, beliefs and experiences. The Onion Cellar is envisioned as a collectively-created, world-fusion musical celebrating openness, storytelling and community.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for six theatre artists, preferably with a strong connection to music, to engage with us in a process of story sharing and creation over a potentially long-term project (pending funding).

For this current phase of supported work, we are conducting two meetings with each artist lasting approximately 90-120 minutes each. In the first session the artist will share one or more personal stories. Between the first and second session will be a period of writing by Mr. Moneka. At the second session each artist will be asked to respond to and engage with the writing. Each session will take place over Zoom.

From Mr. Moneka, “we are asking you to bring your most treasured self and your radical truth and in return, we will provide a humble honouring and gratitude for your rawness and vulnerability”.

SUGESTED BREAKDOWN

What follows is a suggested breakdown of artists. However, we are committed to reflecting Canada’s rich diversity in all aspects of our work. We encourage and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and will prioritize applicants who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, Women, Gender minorities, 2SLGBTQ+, d/Deaf, Disabled/People with Disabilities, and/or Neurodiverse.

  • Artist 1. Trans-identifying individual, any gender. 20-30
  • Artist 2. Asian individual, any gender. 20-40.
  • Artist 3. Black individual, cis female. 50-60.
  • Artist 4. Indigenous individual, any gender. 20-40.
  • Artist 5. A widow or single parent, any gender. 20-40.
  • Artist 6. Caucasian individual, cis male. 40-60.

Again, these are suggestions only, if you don’t see yourself reflected above but feel that you have a story to share, we’d like to hear from you.

Please submit a letter of interest, photo & resume in a single pdf format to Driftwood Theatre at auditions@driftwoodtheatre.com. In the letter, please provide any details about yourself you are willing to share and express, in some way, your connection to story or storytelling. Please also indicate your connection to music, what instruments you play (if any), and vocal range (if you know it).

Please note: we encourage everyone with an interest to make an application. Musical ability would be great, but it is not mandatory. First and foremost, we want to hear your story.

Both CAEA members and non-CAEA members will be considered. All artists will be engaged under a workshop contract through the Independent Theatre Agreement (CAEA). Electronic submissions only. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

No agency submissions please. Agents, please encourage your clients to self-submit.

COMPENSATION: Compensation will be $250/session ($500 total).

The deadline for submissions is February 14, 2022, at 12pm.

Winter Job Postings

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Driftwood has some work opportunities coming up early in the new year. We’re hiring a Scenic Carpenter and a Scenic Artist and Props Associate to help us make some live theatre possible in 2022. 

Driftwood Theatre is committed to reflecting Canada’s rich diversity in all aspects of our work We encourage and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and will prioritize applicants who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, Women, Gender minorities, 2SLGBTQ+, d/Deaf, Disabled/People with Disabilities, and/or Neurodiverse.

The following positions are made possible with the generous support of Canada Summer Jobs. Candidates must be between 19-30 years of age and be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Here’s a list of what we’re looking for (full postings below). If you think one of these is you, please reach out!

  • Scenic Carpenter, January 4 – February 26, 2022. Apply by December 22.
  • Scenic Artist and Props Associate, January 4 – February 26, 2022. Apply by December 22.

To apply, send a covering letter and resume (as a single PDF document) to Artistic Director, Jeremy Smith at jsmith[at]driftwoodtheatre[domt]com.

 

Scenic Carpenter

Reporting to the Artistic Director and the Technical Director and under the direction of the Production Designer, the Scenic Carpenter is responsible for the construction of all scenic and properties elements of Driftwood Theatre’s 2022 Bard’s Bus Tour projects. 

Duties and Responsibilities include

  • Interpret Production Designer’s drawings
  • Source and purchase all building materials
  • Construct and assemble all scenic and properties elements
  • Attend and report at all production meetings

Knowledge and Skills Required

  • High degree of professionalism, motivation and time management skills
  • Experience in theatre production, carpentry and scenic building
  • Ability to communicate and work productively with a small team of artists and staff

Salary/Job Details

  • This is a full-time (35hrs/wk), contract position with some flexibility in the schedule
  • Contract dates: January 4, 2022 – February 26, 2022
  • Salary: $18/hr + 4% vacation for the duration of the contract
  • This position includes scope of work which will be conducted both at home (prep work, Zoom meetings) and in-person (scenic build).
  • Driftwood is committed to a five-day work week, however days and hours worked are subject to negotiation.
  • Applicant’s point of origin will determine place of work. Applications are being invited from individuals based in Toronto, the GTA, Kingston or Prince Edward County.

 

Scenic Artist & Props Associate

Reporting to the Artistic Director and the Technical Director and under the direction of the Production Designer, the Scenic Artist & Props Associate is responsible for the painting of all scenic and properties elements, and assisting in build of props of Driftwood Theatre’s 2022 Bard’s Bus Tour projects. 

Duties and Responsibilities include

  • Interpret Production Designer’s drawings
  • Source and purchase all painting materials
  • Prepare and paint all scenic and properties elements
  • Assist in the sourcing, construction and assembly of all properties elements
  • Attend and report at all production meetings

Knowledge and Skills Required

  • High degree of professionalism, motivation and time management skills
  • Experience in theatre production, scenic painting and properties building
  • Ability to communicate and work productively with a small team of artists and staff

Salary/Job Details

  • This is a full-time (35hrs/wk), contract position with some flexibility in the schedule
  • Contract dates: January 4, 2022 – February 26, 2022
  • Salary: $18/hr + 4% vacation for the duration of the contract
  • This position includes scope of work which will be conducted both at home (prep work, Zoom meetings) and in-person (scenic build).
  • Driftwood is committed to a five-day work week, however days and hours worked are subject to negotiation.
  • Applicant’s point of origin will determine place of work. Applications are being invited from individuals based in Toronto, the GTA, Kingston or Prince Edward County.

Summer Hiring Part Three

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Driftwood is busy with a number of digital projects in 2021. We’re looking for some creative, outgoing and friendly folk to help us imagine, create and build our projects for Driftwood Digital 2021.

Driftwood Theatre is committed to reflecting Canada’s rich diversity in all aspects of our work We encourage and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and will prioritize applicants who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, Women, Gender minorities, 2SLGBTQ+, d/Deaf, Disabled/People with Disabilities, and/or Neurodiverse.

The following positions are made possible with the generous support of Canada Summer Jobs. Candidates must be between 19-30 years of age and be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Here’s a list of what we’re looking for (full postings below). If you think one of these is you, please reach out!

  • Video Editor/Technician, July 5 – September 12, 2021. Apply by June 14.
  • Music Supervisor, June 28 – August 22, 2021. Apply by June 14.

For other summer 2021 job postings, including Videographer, Head of Wardrobe and Props Coordinator, please click here.

To apply, send a covering letter and resume (as a single PDF document) to Artistic Director, Jeremy Smith at jsmith[at]driftwoodtheatre[domt]com.

Video Editor/Technician

Reporting to the Artistic Director and Project Director, the Video Editor is responsible for logging and editing recorded elements of all Driftwood Digital 2021 projects. 

Duties and Responsibilities include

      • Logging and preparation of all recorded elements for editing
      • Editing one 8-part video series, five 10-minute digital plays, educational workshop series and accompanying trailers and ads as required
      • Format final products appropriately for airing
      • Upload content as instructed 
      • Attend and report at all production meetings

Knowledge and Skills Required

      • High degree of professionalism, motivation and time management skills
      • Experience in film production, videography, sound recording and editing
      • Proficiency in Google Suite Applications
      • Proficiency in video editing software
      • Ability to communicate and work productively with a small team of artists and staff
      • Ability to work independently according to rigorous timelines

Salary/Job Details

      • This is a full-time (35hrs/wk), contract position with some flexibility in the schedule
      • Contract dates: July 5 – September 12, 2021
      • Salary: $14.50/hr + 4% vacation for the duration of the contract
      • This position includes scope of work which will be conducted at home (daily work, Zoom meetings).
      • Driftwood is committed to a five-day work week, however this position may require evening and weekend work, and occasional travel. Time off in lieu of payment will be given for overtime.

Music Supervisor

Reporting to the Production Manager and Project Directors, the Music Supervisor will be responsible for coordinating, sourcing, acquiring rights for and producing all music elements for Driftwood Theatre’s Digital 2021 projects.

Duties and Responsibilities include

      • With the Creative Team, establishing music needs for all virtual projects
      • Sourcing, securing licensing for and/ or producing all music elements
      • Attend and report at all production meetings

Knowledge and Skills Required

      • Detail oriented, self-motivated and comfortable working in a small, collaborative team environment
      • Exprience in music composition, recording and producing
      • Excellent organization and time management skills
      • Proficiency in all MS Office and Google Suite Applications
      • Proficiency with music recording and editing software

Salary/Job Details

      • This is a full-time (35hrs/wk), contract position with some flexibility in the schedule
      • Contract dates: June 28 – August 22, 2021
      • Salary: $14.50/hr + 4% vacation for the duration of the contract
      • This position will work from home, participating in regular meetings online and/or in-person (when it is safe to do so)
      • Driftwood is committed to a five-day work week, however this position may require evening and weekend work, and occasional travel. Time off in lieu of payment will be given for overtime.