April 15th – Dark Follies Auditions

Date: April 15 at 6:00 pm

Where:  Bright Star World Dance, 496 Congress Street (3rd Floor)

Over the past four years Dark Follies has grown from being a simple 30-45 minute street performance done just for fun to a troupe of 17 people, including a six member band, and multiple stage productions. This evolution has been possible because the amazing people who make up the Dark Follies troupe.

On April 15th, 2012 Dark Follies will be holding auditions to add two additional members this astounding group, one general performer and one musician. We are looking for individuals who are not only talented in what they do but who are also willing to push the boundaries of their performance, to collaborate with other troupe members on new show creations and who want to have a great time doing it.

You must be 18 years of age or older to audition. We are open to all kinds of performers (dancers, jugglers, fire dancers, comedians, singers, etc.). We are also seeking to add more instruments to our band and though we love our drum section we do want to increase our melodic possibilities.

The performer and musician guidelines are listed below.  For more information or to request an application form, please send an email to darkfollies@gmail.com.

Performer Requirements:

You must be 18 years of age or older.  You must be able to attend the monthly Dark Follies rehearsals which are generally held one Sunday a month as well as additional rehearsals that may be scheduled for upcoming events and shows.   Dark Follies generally has a minimum of one show booked per month though this number may increase during the summer season.  While performers are not required to attend every show you should be able to keep those you commit to taking part in.

We are a vaudeville inspired variety style troupe and thus open to any kind of performing:  dance, juggling, hooping, comedy, singing, etc.  as long as it is suitable for all ages.  While Dark Follies is not a ‘children’s show’ we do keep our shows family friendly.

Dark Follies is a collaborative effort.   While each performer brings their own special talent to the troupe we also work together to bring new ideas to life.   Our best sketches came not from the mind of a ‘creative director’ but from the troupe members themselves.  We believe everyone has something to contribute and ask that any troupe member be willing to try new things.

Audition Guidelines:

Please fill out the Performer Audition Form (you may request one by email) and return it by email by Friday, April 13th.  While we may allow walk-in auditions if there is space, we cannot guarantee an audition spot if we have not received the application form in advance.

The performer audition has two parts:

1 . Arrive with a prepared two minute performance piece that showcases your special talent.  If you have music please bring it on CD or an MP3 player.

2. The audition also includes a short improvisation exercise.   While we won’t reveal in advance what this exercise is, it will be short and simple.

Please also be prepared to answer any questions troupe members may have.

Musician Requirements:

You must be 18 years of age or older.  You must be able to attend the monthly Dark Follies rehearsals which are generally held one Sunday a month and the monthly band rehearsal, also generally on a Sunday, as well as additional rehearsals that may be scheduled for upcoming events and shows.

Dark Follies generally has a minimum of one show booked per month though this number often increases during the summer season.  While all musicians are not required to attend every show you should be able to keep those you commit to taking part in.

The music used in Dark Follies performances spans a wide range including Middle Eastern, Balkan, klezmer, Roma, Dixie, vaudeville and more.  While we don’t require that new musicians have experience with these genres of music we do ask that you bring a willingness to learn them.

You must be able to read music.

The Dark Follies (not just) Rhythm Orchestra operates under the guidance of Stephen Carpenter but just like the rest of the troupe, it is a collaborative effort.   Our band members contribute not only musical ideas but often have suggestions, and take part in, other Dark Follies acts.  We seek individuals willing to step a bit outside the box.

Musician Auditions:

Please fill out the Musician Audition Form (you may request one by email) and return it by email by Friday, April 13th.  While we may allow walk-in auditions if there is space, we cannot guarantee an audition spot if we have not received the application form in advance.

Arrive with a prepared three minute piece that showcases your particular instrument.  Be prepared to answer any questions the troupe members may have.

 

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