AUDITION NOTICE – SkirtsAfire – Edmonton, AB
Production Name: Dance Nation by Clare Barron
Director: Amanda Goldberg
Choreographer (Dance and Intimacy): Julie Murphy
Rehearsal & Production Dates: February 4 – March 9 or 16, 2025 (TBC)
Audition Dates: July 19-21, 2024 (daytime)
Deadline to submit: July 1, 2024 at 12pm
EMAIL SUBMISSIONS ONLY. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. Email info@skirtsafire.com with “Dance Nation Auditions” in the subject line, please include the role you are interested in auditioning for, with a headshot and resume attached by Monday, July 1st 2024 at 12:00pm.
Auditions will take place July 19th-21st (daytime). Callbacks will take place Friday, July 26th in the morning and early afternoon. If you have any scheduling conflicts, please communicate them in the body of the e-mail. Auditions are in-person, and only Edmonton-based Actors will be considered.
Audition Requirements
• 1 scene or monologue from Dance Nation (to be provided once granted an audition time)
• 1 audition movement piece: 30 seconds – 1 minute, self-choreographed or improvised, with music or without music, in any style you want to the most advance level you can. Styles may include but are not limited to: contemporary, modern, jazz, ballet, ballet-jazz, jazz funk/street jazz, theatre jazz, lyrical, tap, hip hop, stomp/body percussion, ballroom, acro/gymnastics/tumbling, laban, Alexander technique, Bollywood, commercial, latin dance, swing and any/all cultural dance. Note on dance: This is a theatre show based in the dance world, dance/movement is an important part of the show and will be choreographed. The majority of characters do not need any formal training. However, we are looking for people who are proficient movers and can perform dance/movement confidently.
We thank everyone in advance for their interest in Dance Nation, but only those selected for an audition will be contacted and sent further information.
Ethno-cultural mandate or ethno-cultural casting statement:
SkirtsAfire is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and encourages submissions from people of all genders, ethnicities, abilities and cultural backgrounds.
Synopsis of Dance Nation by Clare Barron
Somewhere in America, an army of pre-teen competitive dancers navigate ambition, friendship and desire, as they plot to take over the world. And if their new routine is good enough, they’ll claw their way to the top at Nationals in Tampa Bay. Each plié and jeté puts them one step further from childhood and one step closer to discovering their own identities.
Played by a multigenerational cast, Clare Barron’s Dance Nation follows a group of girls as they fight to find themselves and be heard in a world that wants to pin them against each other. In the midst of turmoil, these characters are confronted with an important question: what does it take to win? And what are they willing to sacrifice to become victorious?
A note from the playwright:
“Everyone is nice.
Everyone is vulnerable.
And everyone is trying their hardest.
Cuteness is death. Pagan feral-ness and ferocity are key”
Content Transparency:
This show contains coarse language, depictions of self-harm, blood, simulated masturbation, descriptions of masturbation, descriptions of genitalia, sex and sexual violence. An intimacy director will support the performers in all instances where choreography is required.
Character Breakdown
*All roles are open to performers of ANY AGE. Similarly, all roles are open to performers of any ethnicity (with the exception of Connie, who must be played by a South Asian performer).
DANCE TEACHER PAT: The head of the dance studio, he has a legacy to uphold, and he wants to win. A little toxic, but gets away with his behaviour under the guise of ‘that’s showbiz baby’. He loves to give a good speech. *Will involve moments of physical touch of a sexual nature. Will be choreographed.
AMINA: The star dancer and subject to all the good and bad things that come with that. She learns early on that it’s lonely at the top. She wants to be part of the team, but feels completely misunderstood. *This role requires simulated self-masturbation which will be choreographed. **This character must be highly proficient (advanced) in any one, or combination of, these dance styles: contemporary, modern, jazz, ballet, ballet-jazz, jazz funk/street jazz, and/or theatre jazz. A background in other styles including tap, hip hop, ballroom, acro/gymnastics/tumbling would be an asset, but is not a requirement.
ZUZU: Always second best. Feels like she is always under someone’s microscope and never quite good enough, but she will absolutely die trying. Carries the weight of the world on her shoulders. *Will be involved in fight choreography
CONNIE: A talented dancer who thinks she should play the role of Gandhi. Knows she’s not the best dancer on the team, but is an integral part. Loves horses and supporting her friends. *This role requires a stage kiss. **Actor must be of South Asian descent
LUKE: The only male dancer on the competition team. He enjoys dancing and being a member of the group, mostly because he doesn’t have to say anything or be the centre of attention. Quiet and a good listener.
MAEVE: The oldest and least talented/motivated dancer on the team. Has a laissez-faire attitude to life. Doesn’t do emotions.
SOFIA: Knows what’s up and loves being in the know. Sensitive and supportive, but very easily influenced. Happy to be a part of something big.
ASHLEE: Intense, outspoken and powerful. A little scary. She is able to light a fire under her team. Future president of a post-apocalyptic USA. *This role requires a stage kiss.
THE MOMS: Means well. Doesn’t matter which mom she’s playing, her child is always the best. Protective and wants to be a positive part of her child’s life. Grown-up Wendy. *This performer also plays one of the girls (VANESSA) in the first scene.
This production will be an ITA CAEA contract (We anticipate an F House) with 6 weeks rehearsal and performance (Beginning February 4th 2025). Rehearsals will be full time. The play will run until March 9th or 16th 2025 (TBC).