Audition dates

For the parts of Billy & Sylvia only:
Tuesday 1st October, 8pm & Thursday 3rd October, 7.30pm

For the parts of Daniel, Ruth, Christopher & Beth: Monday 21st October, 7.30pm & Wednesday 23rd October, 7.30pm

Recalls (all parts): Thursday 24th October, 7.30pm

details

Please find below the details of the auditions and backstage help required for Tribes. Please do get in touch with the Director, Grace Johnstone with any questions you may have by emailing tribalsyncgracie@gmail.com We really would like to particularly work with anyone that has BSL experience and are Deaf or Hard of Hearing who may like to assist on this show.

Performance Space

Studio Theatre at Putney Arts Theatre

Performance Dates

Tuesday 21st to Saturday 25th January 2020, 7.45pm

Rehearsal Period

Rehearsals will take place from early November over two to three evenings a week from 7.30pm, as well as around three hours' rehearsal on a Sunday. Sometimes there may be a need to rehearse on Saturdays and to rehearse on different days and times. Most actors will only be called for 2 rehearsals a week until the final few weeks, when actors should be prepared to rehearse on up to 4 days a week.

Please note: This is an amateur production. You do not need to be a member of Putney Theatre Company to audition, but actors and crew will need to become a member of Putney Theatre Company to take part in the show. Members Fees are £20 a year, and there is a £25 show fee if cast.

Audition Preparation

Please ensure that you have read the play fully and that you have an understanding of the character/s you are auditioning for. Please also make sure you arrive on time.

For the parts of Billy and Sylvia

Please be prepared to audition using British Sign Language (BSL) and also using spoken word. Copies of the audition pieces are availabe by emailing tribalsyncgracie@gmail.com

Please Note: Actors auditioning for the parts of Billy and Sylvia should be Deaf or Hard of Hearing or have lived experience/understanding of the Deaf experience. These parts require the actors to speak orally and be confident in the use of BSL. Those auditioning for Billy and Sylvia will be contacted by email by the end of Sunday 6th October to let them know if they have been shortlisted and to provide feedback on request. Those who have been shortlisted will be required to attend the recalls on 24th October. Copies of the recall audition pieces will be provided at the time of shortlisting to allow time to prepare.

For the parts of Daniel, Ruth, Christopher and Beth

Actors playing Billy’s family are not required to use BSL in the play. During the rehearsal process there will be workshops and opportunities to share and learn from each other. We want to create a safe space for all members of the cast and crew to explore and share the issues raised by this play. You do not need to prepare anything, but you can view / download the audition piece here:

•  Audition piece for Daniel, Ruth, Christopher & Beth (PDF, 135KB)

Synopsis

A common language can bring people together. It can also tear others apart. Billy is Deaf, born into a hearing family who talk, and argue, a lot. He is the only one who really ‘listens’ to what they each have to say.

When he meets Sylvia, she shows him how to use British Sign Language and he is part of a new tribe now. One where a shared identity, community and culture matter to him more than he ever knew before. Billy’s life is changing. Is anyone ready to see what he has to say?

This is a wonderful and challenging play which says so much about the different tribes we belong to in our lives and the friction they can cause. It also provides a commentary on the use of a minority language and the positive effects this can have along with isolation within a wider world.

Characters

Three female, three male (gender-free casting will be considered where appropriate). This is a play which centres around the family unit and all roles have an important part to play in this production.

BILLY
Playing age twenties. The youngest child. Deaf and taught to speak from an early age until he meets Sylvia who teaches him British Sign Language (BSL).

SYLVIA
Playing age twenties. Billy’s girlfriend. Born hearing but going deaf.

DANIEL
Billy’s brother and the eldest child. One or two years older than Ruth.

RUTH
Billy’s Sister and the middle child. One or two years older than Billy.

BETH
Playing age fifties/sixties. Billy’s mother

CHRISTOPHER
Playing age fifties/sixties. Billy’s father

Backstage opportunities

We want backstage to reflect what is going on onstage and encourage anyone from the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Hearing communities who has an interest in getting involved backstage to look at the opportunities below:

• Stage Manager
• Lighting operator
• Set construction
• Assistant stage manager
• Sound operator
• Surtitle & Audio-Visual Operator
• Costume assistants