News and Events
3 February 2010

Naked Stage Noir
Four Twisty New Plays for Week Three
Sunday 7 February 2010
5 pm
Larkum Studio, ADC Theatre, Park St Cambridge
Tickets £5/4
Book free online: www.adctheatre.com
Box Office: 01223 300085
First Two Weeks Sold Out - Book Early!


The Rose-Bearer
By David Geasor
With echoes of Oscar Wilde's "Picture of Dorian Gray", The Rose-Bearer tells the story of Stuart, a painter in New York who has started a relationship with a younger man named Joe. Stuart is convinced his happiness with Joe will be short-lived, likening his fate to that of a character in his favourite opera, Der Rosenkavalier. When Harold, a rather bitchy friend, drops by unexpectedly, Stuart’s worst fears are realized.
Directed by Paul Holloway
Cast:
Stuart: Stephen Von Schreiber
Harold: Robert Jezek
Joe: Jacob Mullin

INTERVAL

No Through Road
By John Parry
Sandra would like to something for people less fortunate than herself, down the road at the  Immigration Reception Centre. Her husband wishes she'd find something more useful to do.  Does she know what she'd letting herself in for? How much does she know about her latest good cause?
Directed by Richard Latham
Cast:
Sandra: Heather Yeadon
Neil: Colin Woodham
Harris: Jules Boswell
Gulwinder: Nigel Bailey

Debt Collection
By Lynne O’Sullivan
A seedy café on a wet afternoon, a handsome stranger, a waitress who never forgets a face, and a customer who makes the fatal mistake of returning.
Directed by Diane Moules
Cast:
Clare: Clare Kerrison
Waitress: Michelle Golder
Marty: Colin Woodham

Small-Talk
By Sevya Bonin-Briginshaw
One stop. One carriage. Two couples. A history.
Directed By Diane Moules
Tannoy Announcer: Julia Bolden
Sue: Clare Kerrison
Michael: Colin Woodham
James: Paul Holloway
Anna: Erica Dupuy

WRiTEON Script Feedback Group
Next Meeting: Tuesday 2nd March, 7.15pm
36a The Limes, Harston, CB22 7QT

The WRiTEON Script Feedback group, which meets regularly to read and discuss scripts in progress, continues to grow with 11 new writers sharing their work at the last meeting. One of the group members had this to say about group organiser Julia Bolden: "you put everybody at ease with tea, coffee and biscuits, arrange things so that the nervous ones don't have their script read first, and after each reading you start the discussion with positive and relevant feedback which...encourages others to come forward with their opinions."

New participants are always welcome - you can attend even if you don't have a script to share yet. Contact julia@writeon.org.uk to sign up or with any questions.

Talks and Workshops

What is Scenography? A Talk by Pamela Howard
Saturday 20 February, 3 pm (followed by questions and book signing)
ADC Theatre, Park Street, Cambridge, CB5 8AS.
Admission FREE -  no ticket required.

A lecture, with practical aspects, for all those who are involved as designers, actors, directors, costume makers - and not forgetting the vital ingredient of spectators who complete the event of theatre making.

Pamela Howard has an international reputation as scenographer, director and theatre maker.  During her tenure at the University of the Arts London (Central St. Martins College of Art) she set up the prestigious International MA in Scenography and is frequently invited to work with students all over the world.  She is a visionary and dynamic teacher and writer and her book, 'What is Scenography?' - now in its second edition - has become a seminal textbook for students.  Pamela has recently returned from the Czech Republic where she was commissioned to direct and design the opera, The Marriage by Bohuslav Martinu.  She will be returning there next year to direct and design Janacek's opera The Excursions of Mr. Broucek.  In 2008, she was awarded the OBE for services to drama.

For more information please contact Jenny Culank, Artistic Director, Classworks Theatre 01223 321900 or email info@classworks.org.uk

www.classworks.org.uk
www.twitter.com/classworks83

Directing and Acting For Film
Sunday, 7th February, 2pm
Saunders Room, Newnham College
FREE
Please contact Mike at ms822@cam.ac.uk to book a place on the workshop.

Local filmmaking collective CineCam has organised this workshop led by WRiTEON member and professional actor Robert Jezek. Drawing on his own experiences in the professional world, this workshop will cover a variety of themes, such as what an actor needs from a director, the extent of the director's responsibility, preparation needed from the actor and how to coax a good performance from an inexperienced actor. If time permits, Robert will also explore with the audience a neutral script and how it could be directed and filmed through many unique interpretations.

BIO:

Robert has been working as an actor for over 25 years; in theatre he spent 2 years with the RSC then regional reps. from Lancaster to Chichester and Clywd to Salisbury; T.V. work includes Dr. Who (the old series),The Professionals, The Bill, Taggart, Shameless, Doctors and even Rosemary and Thyme!! Films have included Event Horizon with Sam Neil, Last Chance Harvey with Emma Thompson, Casino Royale and coming soon, The Glass House with the BBC's own Robin Hood, Jonas Armstrong.
Documentaries galore and even a music video for Fat Boy Slim round out his CV so with a lot of experience to draw from and the enthusiasm to share, come and join our afternoon of 'film acting'!!

Writing Opportunities

Lost Festival Seeks Productions
Deadline:  Sunday 28th February
Performances take place in May
Entry fee of £85 payable upon acceptance of your script.

The Application process for Lost Theatre's 26th Annual One Act Festival is now open.

Running over two weeks, the One Act Festival presents a diverse and stimulating programme of both new writing and more established work. You submit your script or idea and if chosen you are given a slot in which to stage your own production. Each show must consist of only one Act and be between 20 and 45 minutes in length. One of the primary aims of the Festival is to encourage the development of new talent. Every year an adjudicator watches all the shows and provides constructive comment and criticism. If you are a budding Director with no play or a writer with a play and no Director, we also welcome your entries and will try and match you up.

Mr Jeremy Kingston (one of The Times’ drama critics) will once again be doing us the honour of being our Festival Adjudicator.

Please visit the website for further information.

The Windsor Fringe Marriott Drama Writing Award
Deadline: 04 Mar 2010
   
Amateur playwrights are invited to submit unpublished one-act plays for the SEVENTH £500 Windsor Fringe Marriott Drama Writing Award. Three winning scripts will be selected for performances during three Drama Nights at the Windsor Fringe on October  the 7/8/9th. One of the three scripts will be chosen, purely on the writing, for the £500 prize.

Eligibility

Only amateur playwrights are eligible; only one script per author will be accepted. Each play must be an original work by the entrant, and submitted scripts must not have been previously published or performed.

Criteria

Each play must be no more than 30 minutes long, have a cast of no more than six actors, and be suitable for staging in a studio theatre.

Submission guidelines

Author’s name must appear on the cover page only, not in the script. Writers should submit two copies of their plays, printed on loose sheets of A4 paper with no binding or stapling. Pages must be numbered. No submissions will be accepted by email; no scripts will be returned. The cover page must show the name of the play and the author’s name, contact details and signature. A £5 reading fee will be charged per entry. Please make cheques payable to Windsor Fringe. Scripts should be sent together with the reading fee to:

The Windsor Fringe Marriott Drama Writing Award
Suite 640, 24-28 St Leonard’s Road
Windsor, Berks. SL4 3BB  U.K.

Selection process

All submissions will be evaluated anonymously by a panel of readers, and the final short list by our judges.

The three winning authors will be notified by the middle of June 2010. Results of the competition will be announced through the media, the Windsor Fringe website and to writers groups receiving this notice. Rehearsals will start at the beginning of August; performances will take place on the last three evenings of the Windsor Fringe Festival, and the winner of the £500 award will be announced on the last night.

The Windsor Fringe Marriott Drama Award will underwrite the staging of the three plays with selected directors.

For additional information: Contact Ann Trewartha tel: 01753 863218 or  e-mail: ann.trewartha@btinternet.com

Note: The Windsor Fringe was established in 1969, making it the oldest Fringe Festival in England and the second oldest, after Edinburgh, in the UK. Run by an all-volunteer committee, each year the Windsor Fringe stages an inspired and innovative programme of music, dance, comedy, drama and art. The Windsor Fringe web site is at  www.windsorfringe.co.uk

National Ten Minute Play Competition 2010
Deadline: 23 April 2010
   
The Sussex Playwrights’ Club, in association with The New Venture Theatre, Brighton welcome entries for its national 10 Minute Play Competition.

Prize: Up to eight scripts will be chosen for a production in the theatre’s studio from July 10th - 17th 2010.

Criteria:

Post Entries to: 10 Minute Play Competition, The New Venture Theatre, Bedford Place, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2TP to arrive no later than the 23rd April 2010.

Judge's announcement will be published on the Websites for New Venture Theatre and Sussex Playwrights Club early June 2010 and winners will be notified by post / email.The decision of the judges is final and we cannot enter into any correspondence concerning the results, nor feedback given on individual scripts.  The judging panel comprises three members from New Venture Theatre and three from the Sussex Playwrights’ Club and will include both writers and Directors.

Enquiries can be directed to us by using the contact form on the Sussex Playwrights’ Club website  or alternatively should be addressed (with and SAE please) to: - Ian Black, The New Venture Theatre, Bedford Place, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2PT

Creative Writers Wanted to Review Theatre
London
No Deadline Given

Volunteer Creative Writers with a passion for theatre and performance wanted! Our online publication is increasingly well-regarded for the quality and integrity of its writing. As such, our writers are invited to review productions all over London.

If you are responsible and thoughtful and have the ability to write clearly and imaginatively in English, please send us a writing sample of approx 1,000 words (review or other), two checkable references, a photo of yourself (to go with reviews if chosen), mobile number and reasons why you feel you would make a good reviewer.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted - at which time they will receive the relevant information about our site and what would be required of them as reviewers.

No prior reviewing experience is necessary, though the ability to communicate effectively, clearly and personably through the written word is essential. Though this is an unpaid job, it is one capable of providing invaluable experience via free nights out!

We're not looking for critics, self-professed journalists, students of journalism or professional journalists. This opportunity is for CREATIVE WRITERS only!

Contact: Editors mfc_scribbler@yahoo.co.uk

Acting Opportunities

Actors and Director Wanted for Buxton Fringe Festival
Deadline for application 28th February 2010.

Writer Keith Large (Carrot Nappers, Every Vote Counts) is looking for actors and a director interested in helping him produce some of his new writing for the Buxton Fringe Festival in July.

Performance will take place on Tuesday 13th July, 2010 with rehearsals once a month in April, May, June, early July during the weekend in Cambridge. Keith is offering expenses of £100 per actor for travel/overnight accommodation for the performance night.

The seven parts available are:

Keith is also looking for an experienced director willing to direct this piece. He is offering expenses of £100 for travel/overnight accommodation for the performance night.

Auditions will be held in March in Cambridge.

To apply, please contact Keith at e-mail keith.large2@btinternet.com to arrange an audition. Please include an acting CV and photo.
 
Actors Wanted for Feature Film
London, One-off Fee Paid
Auditions - 11am-4pm on the 6th, 7th & 13th February at Kensal House, Ladbroke Grove W10 5BQ  

S.P.I.D. theatre company and Transient Film Exchange are casting for their feature film, The Affected. The film is supported by the Film Council and builds on award winning collaborations with the BFI and the BBC. We are looking for young people to play:

Supporting characters (in no more than 3 scenes):

Some remuneration is available - £300 for the main roles and £20 for the supporting roles.

Preparation workshops and the film shoot will take place in different London locations.  Workshops - 15th, 16th & 19th February, Film shoot - 3rd-18th  April, Reshoot dates - 1st, 2nd, 8th & 9th May

Please email a CV to Helena Thompson at spaceperformance@yahoo.co.uk with ‘Affected’ and the part you are going for in the subject header. In the body of the email please give your mobile number, availability for both auditions and shooting, and your address postcode.

Actor Wanted for TIE Project
Rah Rah Theatre Company
Closes: Thursday 4 February 2010 
London, Paid  
   
Rah Rah Theatre Company is looking for a male actor aged between 18-35 for their High School TIE show, Enterprise: The Next Generation, which introduces pupils to the idea of enterprise. This is an exciting new project for Rah Rah Theatre Company and we are looking for an actor who will help develop the script as well as act in the show.  The successful actor must have good comic timing, improvisation skills and strong stage presence. The tour will consist of a number of one-off dates during term time. Rehearsals will be during February/early March and will be scheduled around the actors. The company is based in South West London. The tour will take place in London and the Home Counties and the actor should be based in London and be happy to travel. The chosen actor will be paid well for each show. Travel expenses for the shows and rehearsals will be paid. The successful actor will become part of the company and will be considered for the company’s other shows and workshops. Please send CV and photos to Rah Rah Theatre Company, 9 Heath Drive, Raynes Park, London, SW20 9BE or via email at Jude Spooner info@rahrahtheatre.com

Actors Needed, Ragroof Theatre
Closes: Wednesday 17 February 2010, 5 pm
Paid, Equity

Ragroof Theatre (Brighton) are seeking 4 actors and/or boxers for their new show Gloves On, an exciting outdoor night-time production touring nationally in 2010. Gloves On is based on the memories and experiences of young, current & ex-boxers from Brighton and London's East End.

We are offering equity rates for 6 weeks' rehearsals.

You will need to be a strong physical performer with good vocal technique, improvisation skills and be comfortable with collaborative devising.

Experience in outdoor/street theatre is preferable.

We are casting for 4 performers -

Rehearsals will take place in Brighton for 6 weeks between the 29th March ~ 14th May. Performances expected between May ~ September.

A 2 hour workshop audition will be held in Brighton on 27th February with possible call backs the following week.

Please send a CV, headshot and a letter of interest to Laura Wright: info@ragrooftheatre.co.uk

For more information see www.ragrooftheatre.co.uk

Actors/ Children's Entertainers, The Bedlam Bunch
Closes: Friday 5 February 2010
Paid   
   
Children's entertainment company The Bedlam Bunch caters for private parties and corporate events. We are currently looking for actors/children's entertainers that can fulfil ad hoc, ongoing bookings in London and surrounding counties.

If you are lively, creative, great with kids, experienced in children's entertainment and available for weekend work, then we'd love to hear from you. We are especially interested in hearing from actors with skills such as balloon modelling, face painting, juggling and puppetry.

Pay is £45 - £60 per hour, depending on skills, experience and type of event.

All entertainers MUST be CRB certified. If you are not, but still wish to apply then please mention this in your application. If you're asked to come on board, you must be willing to undergo a CRB check before you can attend any bookings.

A driving licence and car would be an advantage, but not necessary.

The Bedlam Bunch website can be viewed here.

To apply, please send your CV, photo and tell us about your relevant experience: info@thebedlambunch.co.uk for the attention of Midge.

British South Asian Actress, Soulfire Theatre
Closes: Monday 8 February 2010
Paid 
   
Soulfire Theatre is casting for a play-in-development by Hussain Ismail.

We are casting for a  British South Asian actress to play age 24- 30 years old.

Auditions will take place on Tuesday 9th February between 5pm and 9pm in Whitechapel.

Send your CV and headshot photo to hussain@soulfiretheatre.org.uk

Community Events

Special Offer on Costume Hire from Classworks

Planning to attend Salon Rouge? Classworks Costume hire is offering a 10% hire discount this month on our fantastic range of romantic 1930's original underwear (as yet unworn!), frilly petticoats, 1930s/40s corsets, modern basques, Spenser bras, nightwear, kimonos & capes.

Classworks is based in central Cambridge and has many theatrical costumes & props available for hire. Prices start at £10 per costume including accessories. Open most days from 10.30am-4.30pm, but please give us a call to make sure we are available on 01223 321900 or email us info@classworks.org.uk.

Address is Classworks Theatre, Eastern Court, 182 -190 Newmarket Road, Cambridge, CB5 8HE. Entrance & parking is at the rear of the building on Harvest Way.

Fen Song, A Ballad of the Fen
Friday, February 5th. 8.p.m
The Shop Jesus Lane Cambridge
Tickets £5.00 or £2.50 (concessions).

Described as inspirational and magical this is a point where new songs and poetry meet. Acoustic guitar and mandolin
from singer songwriter Penni Mclaren Walker with mandolin from Bryan Causton and poetry from Clare Crossman.
Also an exhibition of work from Land Lines Arts Collective.

John Hegley: The Adventures of Monsieur Robinet
Friday 19 February, 7.15pm (doors 6.45pm)
The Maltings, Ship Lane, Ely, CB7 4BB.
Online tickets www.adec.org.uk
Tel: 01353 616991.
In person from ADeC, Babylon Gallery, Waterside, Ely, Burrows Bookshop, and the Maltings.
£10/£8/£32 (family/group of 4)

‘One of the funniest men alive’ New Statesman.
'Typically brilliant songs and stories about a Gallic small-town hero with a dog called Chirac' The Guardian

A regular sell-out at The Edinburgh Festival, John Hegley is widely known as one of the country's most innovative comic poets with several best-selling volumes of poetry to his name.  He is a regular guest on Radio 4 - Loose Ends. In The Adventures of Monsieur Robinet Hegley weaves tales about a Frenchman with some unusual habits, which include burying his dog’s kennel and his own luggage pieces. The stories appear alongside other new works, which include an address to aliens on the subject of transport, a poem about a non-talking parrot and some animal impersonations with the aid of a handkerchief. Suitable for most people over seven. The audience are invited to sing along. But not to dance. Much. ,

Call for Entries - The Strawberry Shorts Film Festival 2010
Deadline: noon on Friday 23rd April.

The Strawberry Shorts Film Festival is looking for short films by local filmmakers for the 2010 Film Festival, which will be held on Midsummer Common, Cambridge, Friday the 4th and Saturday the 5th of June.  Films can be of any genre but should be less than 20 minutes long. Films are accepted on DV, Data DVD or DVD.  To submit films, fill in the submission form linked on the Fair's webpage http://tinyurl.com/43p228 and return with the film/s to the address given at the bottom of the submission form. For more details on film submission email cabaret@simonmullen.com.

For more information on Strawberry Fair visit http://www.strawberry-fair.org.uk