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Artist Opportunities

Child casting Callout for Macbeth at Bristol Old Vic

ETT and Bristol Old Vic are on the lookout for two children to take part in their upcoming production of Macbeth at Bristol Old Vic.

Dates*
Rehearsals – Tuesday 23rd – Wednesday 24th January 2024
1 st Preview – Thursday 25th January
Performances – Thursday 25th January – Saturday 10th February 2024
*You can find a full performance schedule here.

What is the audition process like?

In the first instance, please send a short film of your child reading the part of Son from this extract to ETT’s Interim Assistant Producer, Ellen Larson – elarson@ett.org.uk.

You might find it helpful to read this contemporary translation of the scene first – it should give you a clearer idea of what the scene is about.

We will contact you after you have submitted to tape to let you know if you’ve been invited to audition in person or not – you will receive communication from us at every stage in the process.

Please send your audition tapes by midday on Monday 13th November. Audition tapes should be shot in landscape against a plain background and can be filmed on your phone. Please begin the recording by stating your full name, age, and location.

There is no need to edit it or add any special effects. Simply attach the clip to an email with the subject line ‘MACBETH CHILDREN – BRISTOL’ and send it over – we just need to be able to see and hear the child clearly. You (or someone else) will need to read the scene with them but from off camera, so the focus is on the child.

Audition tapes will be deleted once the selection process has been completed.

Please be aware that the scene refers to a father being murdered. Don’t worry though, we find out later in the play that he’s not really dead! There is also a mention of traitors being executed by hanging. You may want to read the scene to check you’re comfortable with your child seeing it.

When and where will the in-person auditions take place?

Auditions will take place on Tuesday 5th December at the Clore Studio, Bristol Old Vic, King Street, BS1 4ED (please note auditions are at the theatre, not at the drama school). You will be given a slot between 3pm-7pm.

How old do I have to be to audition?

Child Casting Call Out We are looking to cast two children doubling as one role:

1. Playing age between 6 and 10 (could be a young looking 12/13 year old)

If I am cast in this show, what will the time commitment be like?

The two children will alternate performances, performing in both matinees and evening shows. For matinees, we will likely ask actors (including kids) to arrive at the venue at about 12pm. For this 7 show week, one child will perform in 3 shows and the other will perform in 4 shows.

Rehearsals will take place on either Tuesday 23rd January or Wednesday 24th January. We will let you know in good time what the arrangements for rehearsals are and communicate this clearly.

Is this a paid role?

Yes. Your child will be paid £75/day.

What happens after the audition?

If you are offered a role, your adult with parental responsibility will need to fill in a consent form and read the play so they know what is involved.

If you are not offered a role, we will email you to let you know.

We will apply for a licence for you to perform through your local council and we will be in touch with your school to gain permission for your young person to leave school for performances.

Denise, our Children’s Administrator, will be in touch with you to gather the necessary information for the licence application.

As a parent, what will I be expected to do?

Firstly, to support your child. They will be learning dialogue so it would be great for you to listen and watch them at home.

Secondly, you need to be able to drop off and collect your child at the theatre on their allocated dates.

A licensed chaperone will meet you who will then be responsible for your child whilst they are at the theatre.

What if I have more questions?

For more information, please email ETT’s Interim Assistant Producer Ellen at elarson@ett.org.uk

ETT is a committed equal opportunities employer with responsible child safeguarding practices in place.

About ETT

ETT are a UK based international touring company. We create theatre of outstanding quality, imagination, and ambition; work which interrogates and celebrates contemporary England and reflects the diversity of our nation.

About Bristol Old Vic

Our mission is to create pioneering twenty-first-century theatre in partnership with the people of our energetic city; inspired by the history and magical design of the most beautiful playhouse in the country. We strive to be welcoming, professional and boundlessly curious; playful, ambitious and rigorous; resourceful, honest, and generous; collaborative, Bristolian and world class.