Future casting

Where Have I Been All My Life?  A new documentary by Alecky Blythe
Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy adapted by Theresa Heskins
Actors are a paid a company wage £398 (TMA/Equity MRSL Grade 2 Theatre rate) + subsistence wherever applicable of £138.  Wages and subsistence rates will change from 2 April 2012 as per the TMA/Equity Subsidised Rep agreement. 
The New Vic Theatre operates an integrated casting policy and encourages submissions from black and minority ethnic actors.
All applicants should email the link to their Spotlight page to the New Vic’s Casting Associate,  Anji Carroll at casting@newvictheatre.org.uk and state clearly in the subject line which part they are interested in.  Please do not post a CV to the New Vic Theatre. 
Please note that in certain circumstances the New Vic may make an offer prior to the submission deadline so therefore you are advised to submit promptly.

The New Vic is putting together an ensemble of 9 performers to work on both these new pieces with Artistic Director Theresa Heskins.
Casting details:  Auditions:

• 10th and 11th January 2012 in London
• 12th January 2012 in Staffordshire

Contract dates: 5th March 2012 to 9 June
Both are demanding, fulfilling pieces which require an innovative approach:

Where Have I Been All My Life?
Two years ago we invited Alecky Blythe to make a verbatim documentary about aspiration and ambition in the Potteries, an area of severe deprivation and disadvantage.  The resulting piece is different from her acclaimed London Road in that it’s not a musical, though music is an element in a piece that follows a local talent contest.  To stage it we’ll use the ‘recorded delivery’ approach, where actors never learn the lines, instead listening to the audio throughout rehearsals and performance. 
‘Astonishing documentary theatre’  The Telegraph on Alecky Blythe’s London Road

Far From the Madding Crowd
The New Vic’s house style of novel adaptations is speedy, filmic, and makes great demands upon  the ensemble.  In this fast-moving adaptation about little people living epic lives we’ll use an inventive theatricality, live music and song to stage the impossible - corn ricks burning, a dangerous storm, sheep falling off cliffs – and to tell a powerful love story. 
‘A wonderful box of theatrical tricks, full of artifice, and yet simple and bursting with invention’  Lyn Gardner on Theresa Heskins’ version of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

ROLES

Male, 45 plus: JAN COGGAN in the Hardy plus a variety of roles in the documentary depending on musical abilities (BARRY or BRIAN or WOODY)
Jan Coggan: plays the role of the wise and careful man who’s steady as a rock, but as ready as the next man to let his hair down, drink too much and lose all sense of proportion.   A good comic role.
Barry:  retired, a big personality, sure of himself, a bit of a blusterer.  A good comic role.
Brian: neurotic, never more than a step away from a panic attack; lead guitar and vocals in the talent show band ‘Lad and Dad’ to support his shy son.
Woody: a role for a good physical performer to recreate a man in his 70s who’s determined to rock ’n’ roll his last years away, though he’s not big on rhythm nor the greatest singer either…

Male, 40s:  GRAEME in the documentary/MR BOLDWOOD in the Hardy already cast

Male, 30s: Main role GABRIEL OAK in the Hardy plus a variety of roles in the documentary depending on musical abilities (BARRY or BRIAN or WOODY)
Gabriel Oak: Sturdy, hardworking man.  A rough farmer on the outside, but a true gentleman on the inside, steadfast, and with a heart of gold. Everyone’s best friend, including the audience’s. Dorset accent.
Barry:  retired, a big personality, sure of himself, a bit of a blusterer.  A good comic role.
Brian: neurotic, never more than a step away from a panic attack; lead guitar and vocals in the talent show band ‘Lad and Dad’ to support his shy son.
Woody: a role for a good physical performer to recreate a man in his 70s who’s determined to rock’n’roll his last years away, though he’s not big on rhythm nor the greatest singer either…

Male, mid 20s: SGT TROY in the Hardy plus a variety of roles in the documentary depending on musical ability (SAM or JAMES or BRIAN or MARK)
Brian: neurotic, never more than a step away from a panic attack; lead guitar and vocals in the talent show band ‘Lad and Dad’ to support his shy son.
James: the Buddy Holly of goalkeeping.   A self-conscious teenager reluctant to be interviewed, but a great drummer and percussionist.
Sam: only 14 years old but already a star in the making.  Genuine charisma, good looks and talent.  Being mobbed by fans and the media is already an ordinary day’s work for him. Good rock voice, drums desirable but not essential.
Mark: Skinhead Mark wants to join the army, but what with car accidents, street fights and parole he’s his own worst enemy. 

Male, 20s: MARK in the documentary plus either JOSEPH POORGRASS or SGT TROY in the Hardy
Early 20s, able to sing
Mark: Skinhead Mark wants to join the army, but what with car accidents, street fights and parole he’s his own worst enemy
Joseph Poorgrass: a shy, clumsy farm labourer known for the ‘multiplying eye’ he develops when he spends any time in an alehouse.  One of Hardy’s great comic characters. Dorset accent.
Sgt Troy: Charismatic, charming soldier;  a man who never thinks as far ahead as tomorrow, and who knows that women will be the death of him –but cheerfully heads into the war of the sexes nonetheless. Slight Dorset accent heading towards RP.

Male, teens to early 20s: SAM in the documentary and either MARK CLARK or SGT TROY in the Hardy
Sam: only 14 years old but already a star in the making.  Genuine charisma, good looks and talent.  Being mobbed by fans and the media is already an ordinary day’s work for him.Good rock voice, drums desirable but not essential.
Mark Clark: valued in the local malthouse as the owner of the most appreciative throat in the neighbourhood.  A comic role, lots of fun. Dorset accent.
Sgt Troy: Charismatic, charming soldier;  a man who never thinks as far ahead as tomorrow, and who knows that women will be the death of him –but cheerfully heads into the war of the sexes nonetheless. Slight Dorset accent heading towards RP.

Female, 40s: MARK’S MUM plus a variety of roles in the Hardy including MARY ANN MONEY
Mark’s mum, sofa-bound, sickly, and disengaged with her many children, is undoubtedly a challenging person – so of course, a joy to play.  Perhaps a large woman, but might equally be a tiny tyrant.  Good comic ability. 
A good singing voice and some instrumental ability are essential for the Hardy piece where this performer would play a major role in the musical fabric.  Dorset accent.

Female, mid 20s: BATHSEHBA EVERDENE in the Hardy plus a variety of roles in the documentary depending on musical ability.
Bathsheba: Beautiful, dark haired, one of Hardy’s great heroines.  Headstrong, independent, determined to make an impact on the world yet flawed by her instincts, passions and some very bad decision making.  Dorset accent.

Female, mid to late 20s: LIDDY SMALLBURY in the Hardy and a range of roles in the documentary depending on musical ability (MAC or KERRY)
Liddy Smallbury: warm, enthusiastic, energetic.  A country lass delighted to be promoted to the role of companion to the lady of the manor, but still partial to enjoying gossip and scandal.  Dorset accent.
Kerry: a young mum with a fantastic voice.  Full of hope, optimism and energy, her enthusiasm lights up the stage.

Female, early 20s: FANNY ROBIN in the Hardy and a range of roles in the documentary depending on musical ability (SAM or MAC orKERRY)
Fanny Robin: the tragic young woman who falls in love with a soldier but finds herself abandoned and outcast, yet in death triumphs over her rival.  Dorset accent.
Sam: only 14 years old but already a star in the making. A young man with genuine charisma, good looks and talent.  Being mobbed by fans and the media is already an ordinary day’s work for him. Good rock voice, drums desirable but not essential
Kerry: a young mum with a fantastic voice.  Full of hope, optimism and energy, her enthusiasm lights up the stage.