Welfare, on from Fri 27 Sep until Sat 12 Oct, is a new play by award-winning British-Armenian playwright, Abi Zakarian which charts the 100-year history of the iconic Derbyshire Miners’ Holiday Home in Skegness. Abi’s heart-warming, hilarious and wholly nostalgic play takes us through the eras of the home meeting holidaymakers from 1928 to present day. Welfare will be a high-energy, fun and immersive show in which the actors engage with the audience to create that holiday camp feeling of yesteryear!
What are we looking for?
In our search for members of the community to join the company of Welfare, we are looking for a combination of amateur/non-professional actors from the local area, who have some experience, and who are confident with learning lines and performing; plus some people with no stage experience whatsoever, but want to give it a go and be involved.
Key information
- Auditions are open to anyone aged 18+ who lives in the Derby/Derbyshire area, or within 15 miles of the Theatre.
- We welcome interest from all genders, ethnicities and abilities to apply for an audition slot.
- This is a non-paid opportunity. However, we may be able to support in contributing towards some expenses.
- Previous experience in performing is not essential, but an eagerness and energy to perform, and a strong commitment to the production, is.
- If you are a keen, aspiring performer from the local region, this is a fantastic opportunity to be involved in a professional show on your doorstep.
- Successful applicants will be offered a group audition slot and will take part in a range of group/drama/movement exercises.
- You will need comfortable clothes and footwear and a bottle of water for refreshment.
- For more information, you can email Beth Fermor at: e.fermor@derby.ac.uk
Rehearsals and performance dates
Rehearsals for Welfare will commence from Tue 27 Aug, and members of the community company will be required to rehearse on Tue and Thu evenings, plus three Saturdays, over the 4-week rehearsal period, so will be required as follows:
- Tues 27 and Thu 29 Aug, 6-9pm
- Tue 3 Sep and Thu 5 Sep, 6-9pm and Sat 7 Sep, 10-1pm
- Tue 10 and Thu 12 Sep, 6-9pm and Sat 14 Sep, 10-1pm
- Tue 17 Sep and Thu 19 Sep, 6-9pm and Sat 21 Sep, 10-1pm
Plus, during tech week, the week leading up to the show opening (w/c Mon 23 Sep) community members will be required to keep all evenings free of that week (plus some afternoons).
Welfare will run on the main stage from Fri 27 Sep until Sat 12 Oct; and community members will need to be available for the full duration of the run.
Audition dates and how to book a slot
Welfare community auditions will take place on Tue 7 May, one slot at 6pm and one at 8pm.
Audition slots will be available to book from 5.30pm on Wed 16 Apr.