seeking creators & performers for Spectrum Stories, an original, devised play on neurodiversity

About the project and the company

From sorcerers to scientists, autistic people throughout history have found ways to thrive using their unique skills, often in the face of incredible oppression.  Yet much of this story has never been told onstage. ArtsWest is proud to partner with Theater of Possibility (TOP), serving neuro-divergent communities since 2010, to present Spectrum Stories, an original work of devised theater to be written and performed by a neuro-diverse creative team working with lead writer and director Lauren Goldman Marshall.

We seek actors, improvisors and collaborative writers who are on the autism spectrum, or otherwise identify as neuro-divergent, along with neurotypical allies, to audition for the devising team and/or performing ensemble.   Adult theater artists of all races/ethnicities, gender identities, disabilities and neuro-diversities, and ages (18 and up) are encouraged to audition.  You can indicate on the audition form whether you are interested in the devising team, the performing ensemble or both.

Spectrum Stories will perform March 16-April 9, 2023 at ArtsWest as part of its mainstage season.

Location of Audition

SEPT 17 - University Heights Center, auditorium (rm 209), 5031 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105 / SEPT 18 - ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116 / CALLBACK: SEPT 24, University Heights Center, auditorium

Other details

DEVISING TEAM: flexible group size, ideally around 5-8
This group will meet regularly in fall and early winter to develop an original theatrical work called Spectrum Stories to be premiered at ArtsWest in March 2023. It is intended for artists who want to collaborate to create original material--funny, serious or both--on the subject of neurodiversity. Participants will also be trained in, and final work may include audience-interactive techniques from Augusto Boal's Theater of the Oppressed.
Meets: October 1 - mid February (skipping Thanksgiving weekend and breaking for winter holidays)
Saturdays 11-1 at University Heights Center; some meetings may be by zoom or at other north Seattle location (note: Dec 17 meets 1-3 PM); and Thursdays 7-9 PM by zoom
Plus some writing on your own time.

PERFORMING ENSEMBLE: one AEA contact, plus 3-5 non-union
First rehearsal: Feb 15, 2023
Rehearsals (tentatively); Tue-Sun, weekday afternoons/evenings and weekend days, 20-34 hours/week, depending on size of role (Details TBA)
Tech: Friday March 10-Sun March 12
Invited Dress: Tue March 14
Preview: Wed March 15
Performances (16): March 16-April 9, Thu-Sat @ 7:30 PM; Sun @ 3 pm

We will do our best to make this project accessible to neuro-divergent artists, and to provide help with transportation to West Seattle (such as a designated carpool driver) for those who need it. Some parts may be double cast to make it easier for those who cannot commit to the full performance schedule. We'll find out what people's needs are and do what we can to make this work!

Because this play is in development, some roles may be filled at a later date. For now, we are focused on choosing artists who will be devisors or devisors/performers. Artists who are only interested in performing are encouraged to audition now, as we want to know about you, but we may not make final casting decisions until we have a better sense of what the play will need.

Please see ArtsWest audition website for audition form and additional info, including COVID policies.
https://www.artswest.org/auditions/

For more info about Theater of Possibility, see
http://www.laurenmarshall.com/TheaterOfPossibility.htm

Audition requirements

No preparation necessary. Audition will consist of a two-hour group collaborative session, with sample theater games and improv activities. Callback will involve more in-depth version of same, and may include a short creative writing exercise for prospective devisors. Optional: email link to video of you performing any material (monologue, song, etc.). If longer than three minutes, please indicate where you want viewer to start watching. Deadline for video submissions: 12 PM on 9/24/22.