Free Neo-Commedia Workshops/Casting Workshop

The Conspirators are looking for actors and physical theater performers for our upcoming casting workshops. ACTORS FOR THE FALL SHOW WILL BE DRAWN FROM THE CASTING WORKSHOPS.

WORKSHOP INFO:

Join us for a two-week intensive performance workshop (2 nights a week, 4 total) in our unique style of Neo-Commedia, called “The Style” to get the basics of how we work and to DARE TO BE STUPID! Participants will then be eligible for the following two nights of casting workshops

What is The Style? It’s an original performance style developed by the founders of L.A.’s Actors’ Gang and Chicago’s own New Crime Productions. The Style combines the basics of classic Commedia dell’Arte with intense emotional states, whiteface makeup, and punctuating percussion, influenced by German Expressionism, Kabuki, Kathakali, Bugs Bunny, and a high-energy punk-rock aesthetic that a critic once called “a coke-fueled clown nightmare.” It’s true. For reference, check out our website.

Basic “The Style” Workshops will be held Mondays and Wednesdays, September 4 (Labor Day), 6, 11, and 13. Actors must attend at least three workshops to be eligible for casting.

Casting Workshops will be Monday and Wednesday, September 18 and 20. New folks will be joined therein by more Conspirators and other veterans of The Style. Drafts of the script will be made available; we will be casting a minimum of 8 actors to play multiple roles.

Since this is a niche performance style, no prior experience in Commedia Dell-Arte, improv, or other forms we noted above is necessary. We’ll be with you every step of the way to show you how it’s done. BIPOC and LGBTQ+ performers are highly encouraged to take part.

PRODUCTION INFO:

Our fall show, Commedia Divina: It’s Worse Than That will be performed entirely in The Style. CW: The show will contain biting political satire, meaning some characters you’ll play may be horrible people. It will be funny and poignant! Running time is about 90 mins.

Written by Sid Feldman, directed by Wm. Bullion

Rehearses Mondays – Thursdays, 9/25 – 11/2, 7 – 10:30

Tech/Dress (Actual Days & Times TBD), 11/3 – 11/8

Preview Thursday 11/9; seven performances: Fri 11/10, Sat 11/11, Sun 11/12, Thu 11/16, Fri 11/17, Sat 11/18. Sun 11/19. Thu-Sat 8:00 curtain; Sun 7:00.

PAY: Actors will each receive a $100 stipend for rehearsals and performances. Workshops are provided free of charge.

HOW TO SUBMIT

To submit for the workshops, email us your headshot and resumé to theconspiratorstheatre@gmail.com, with the subject line “September Workshops_FIRSTNAME_LASTNAME”. Once we receive your materials, we’ll reach out with next steps.

Capacity of workshops are limited, so the sooner you send in your materials, the more likely you’ll snag a spot.

In your submission, include in the email body if you have access to or need to be provided:

• Stage makeup, i.e. clown white, color wheel, brushes
• Sanitary (PPE) masks