including rehearsals, etc. |
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including rehearsals, etc. |
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What happened so far |
The 2008 story
It is Summertime
and the year is 1510. The English Sleepy Shire of Steller’s Grove is
having a typical quiet day.
Henry the Eighth has only sat on the throne for a year but is already exacting
changes in his kingdom. A year ago The Duke and Duchess of Sussex returned
from Steller’s Grove with bad news. The money owing to The King had
been spent in order to keep pirates away from this little plagued village.
Once more lying in order to keep his falsehoods hidden, The Duke convinces
the King to invest in a Deputy for the Sheriff, who The Duke blames for the
loss of village contribution.
With The King’s Sister married to James IV, King Of Scotland, Henry
feels he has control over most situations on the sea and informs the King
of such things as piracy. James’ confidence and pride keeps him from
thinking of any pirate as a problem and continues his campaign for support
in France and Scotland. James, also a secret supporter of the ‘lower
classes’ wonders himself, if piracy is not better than his blood right
lifestyle.
Now in the process of building his naval fleet and beginning the construction
of his great ship The Carrack Michael, James was headed to France when a storm
brings him back to England and into the bay near by Steller’s Grove.
Insisting his wife join him on this latest trip (to attempt to relieve her
depression caused by the death of their children) and recognising her distress
caused by the storm, he decides to visit the small town long enough for her
shakes to disappear and they can continue on their way.
This is a surprise visit to the town so the townsfolk and the Sheriff have
not been informed. The town is caught off guard by the sudden appearance of
a King and Queen and do their best to cater to their needs.
Little does anyone know that the Captain of the King’s ship is the father
of Charity’s firstmate and that the Jade Dragon has been spotted near
by, tossed in that direction by the same storm.
| See below (or click here) for AUDITION SUBMISSION GUIDELINES |
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| The ensemble is the 'Storyline Cast' of characters. These actors are expected to set the pace for the day by opening the festival day and appearing and disappearing during the day with another section of script. These actors will need to be able to improv and then return to script, thus being able to naturally create atmosphere by interacting with the audience and keeping with script. Accents in casual conversation with a stranger as well as during scripted parts is IMPORTANT. As it was
last year, some of these characters will be sword fighting. ALL actors
For a look at last year's project(s) you can find video at: http://www.youtube.com/carrhunger http://www.myspace.com/bcrenfest and/or http://www.bcrenfest.com/events/Events.html
Characters we need to cast; *James IV, King Of Scotland: Actual Historical figure so visually as close to original king is important. Hair length and colour not vital. Scottish. 37 yrs. old. Eldest son of James III. Became King in 1488. Entirely different policies then that of his father. Showed great affability towards the lower class. Delighted to wander incognito. Had won great general popularity. More politically and religious driven than class driven. Partial to a French/Scottish union instead of the English/Scottish union. Links: 1. Wikipedia 2. Union of King and Queen 3. Luminarium project Additional note: Tiff Lawrie is playing Queen Margaret. Link: Picture of Tiff as Lady Divinia last year. *Admiral Merrin: English. Approx. early to mid 40s. Min. 5’.9” Cobbs’ father and Captain of The Leviathan (one of Henry VIII’s ships). Navel man through and through. Has been assigned to see James and Margaret safely to France. Has stretched the truth about the fate of both of his sons so that he can save face. Is not aware that his son is now a pirate. Proud. Particular. Strict. Additional Note: Cobbs is continuing to be played by Ed Appleby. Link: Picture of Ed as Cobbs last year. *Deputy Wystan: Young 20 something. After problems with the pirates the year before, he was sent by Henry’s Court to assist the Sheriff in keeping order. Young, dedicated, eager to please. The Sheriff tolerates him but that doesn’t stop him from trying to please him. Is is hoping to one day have the post of Sheriff. *Lord Ackley: Late 20s, early 30s. Married. British. Knows his importance and shows it. Steller’s Grove is his home and he owns a large property outside the village limits. He employees some of the villagers. Friend to the Sheriff. Lively. Well spirited. Quick. *Lady Lily: Late 20s, early 30s. Married. British. Knows her high value and expects all to support it. Being married to the Town Lord is luxury for her and she hopes to settle into a spoiled well set position. Polite yet firm. Social and bored.
*Villager/Messenger: Male or female. Scripted villager. Can be of any town ‘profession.’ See villager descriptions. Any special info: Singing is not necessary but recommended. At the end of the day we will have a pub sing and it would be wonderful if everyone got to sing. The King and Queen will not be singing. Once accepted as a villager and/or cast you will gain access to the Yahoo group where all of the additional info, including the pubsing tunes, are stored for all to see. |
Auditions dates and times for 2008 auditions: Feb. 8 (9:00am - 5:30pm), Feb. 9 (9am - 8:30pm), Feb. 10 (9:00am - 5:30pm) & Feb. 11 (9am - 8:30pm) Location: Theatre In The Raw Studio 2910 Commercial Dr. 2nd Floor (Commercial and 13th) Look for the BCRF crest and signs. Parking: Street parking. Transit: Commercial/Broadway Skytrain station. Walk for about 10 minutes south on the East side of the street. Just past 13th you'll see a fairly plain building with our crest in the front window. Ensemble: Please book your audition and submit a headshot and resume to: Carla at: casting@bcrenfest.com Deadline for email submissions: Feb. 6, 2008. Instructions: Please make your scan/headshot small (~700K) as you will be bringing a headshot with you to the audition. We only need your email shot for reference. Active links to a webpage with your photo and resume are acceptable BUT make sure we have any necessary passwords we need to view it. We will not 'join' any communities, groups or boards in order to view something. Make sure the webpage's settings are on 'public view' before sending any links. Please include what characters you are interested in and why. Note that there are 'unmentioned possible characters' in the Ensemble and village. Even if no lines are scripted please come and audition anyway, as if there are lines. You may wind up being perfect for another character. If you wish to submit by Mail: Submission content. See Above. Mail your package to: BC Renaissance Festival, P.O. Box 43004 Cascades, R.P.O. Burnaby, BC V5G 4S2 Attn. Casting Deadline for mail submission Feb. 1, 2008. For mail ins you MUST include a phone number where you can be reached. Carla will need your number in order to book you. It is recommended that you send an email letting her know you are mailing in a submission so that she can book you ASAP. Even though you have chosen to mail in, please make sure you bring headshot and resume with you to the audition. The mail in may not have reached us in time. BUT make sure that you are booked before coming. If you choose to crash you may wind up sitting for a long time, waiting for a spot. Please note the times that we are leaving the building by so that you do not come too late. Feb. 8 (we leave the building at: 5:45pm), Feb. 9 (we leave the building at: 8:45pm), Feb. 10 (we leave the building at: 5:45pm) & Feb. 11 (we leave the building at: 8:45pm) IMPORTANT INFO for all bookings. IF you need to cancel you must cancel within 12 hours BY PHONE at: 604-319-0849 for a chance to rebook. If there is a problem the day of, call us via the same cell number in order to inform us of this. No one will get priority when canceling or running late but we can try to fit you in later, IF you are present with a viable reason for your delay. We will not re-book anyone who sends notice by email as once we are in the audition space we are not near internet. The above cell number is only to be used during the audition times themselves. Carla may choose to give you her additional contact once you book with her so that you can give your cancellations or change request directly to her. The cell listed above is NOT Carla's cell phone. This is a cold read so arriving a minimum 15 minutes early is recommended. Sides will ONLY be available at the auditions but additional copies will be in the waiting area. Once you fill out your paperwork you will be permitted to read the sides only if there is time to do so. Crashing is acceptable BUT we will not substitute someone's spot for you. Come prepared for your audition (headshot, resume, memorised piece, etc.) and come ready to wait (book to read, mp3 player, etc) for a gap or cancellation. Please note the times that we are leaving the building by so that you do not come too late. Feb. 8 (we leave the building at: 5:45pm), Feb. 9 (we leave the building at: 8:45pm), Feb. 10 (we leave the building at: 5:45pm) & Feb. 11 (we leave the building at: 8:45pm) Bring and come prepared with: *3 min max. prepared piece (monologue). Does NOT HAVE TO be to time period but must reflect your strongest character traits. Incorporating your 'character accent' is an asset. * A willingness to improv. After your cold read we will ask you to do a bit of improv in character as you understand the character. At a renfest improv is usually used when dealing with a member of the audience, a child approaching or a customer wanting to take a picture with you. Sometimes it can include responding to an audience member's reaction to a scene. * A single verse or chorus of a song. It can be a shanty, pub/drinking song or your favourite tune but it must give us an idea of your singing voice. It will be unaccompanied. We would just like to hear how you may do at the pub sing. *A copy of your headshot and a resume. Headshots can be copied (does not have to be an original) and must be no smaller than a 5X7 image. They can be black and white or colour. If you have not developed a resume yet, please bring a 'letter of interest', which is basically a letter saying why you would like to be a member of our cast/project as well as any activities that you have been involved with that may be of interest to us. This is a non-union, volunteer production. Unless your agent will represent you to such things, come prepared with your direct contact information. All information given to us will be kept private and will ONLY be used for the purpose of casting and BCRF business. It will not be copied, handed out or shared without prior permission. Additional info and character assistance can be found at: http://www.bcrenfest.com/character.html Important: ALL POSITIONS IN BCRF ARE VOLUNTEER. All performers, command team members and staff are volunteering in order to hopefully develop a future permanent site renfest here in BC Canada. With the support and advancement of this project our goal is to eventually provide summer employment, an impressive talent showcase and unique vendor opportunities, while contributing to BC's tourism industry and entertainment community. We are sending invites and tickets out to Casting Directors and Agents and providing a tent for performers sales and promotions. Items like CDs, DVDs, your flyers, headshots, etc. can be placed and sold here. If you are planning on sales you must be responsible for your own merchandise. |
The festival itself is over a whole weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). The public hours for each day of the festival are 9AM - ~9PM. Dress rehearsal is on the Thursday of the renfest unless an opportunity is provided earlier and we can get on the property before then. For the last few rehearsals villagers will join us in order to get a feel for their part in the whole performance. Costume is recommended if available at that time. As it was last year, rehearsals will be on Sundays and will begin in June. With three months of rehearsals, one day a week, that is only 12 rehearsals in total. That number could decrease if a promo op falls on one of our rehearsal days. If your character is fighting with a sword and additional weekday (usually evening) practice will be added in order to teach the 'fight' to you so that you are safe and natural. Knowing that we may be doing parades and promo ops again (only if you choose to take part) we can begin you earlier than June - if you are interested. If you have a major obligation (example: wedding) that you know of, then we can discuses that time off. There is no tech week as we are dealing with the natural outdoors. We perform no matter what the weather and no matter what the audience size. We do attempt to have a large attendance for parades and public promos but it is not necessary for you to attend. However, we have our auditions this early so that our costumer can have your characters outfit ready for the parades if and when you agree to join us. The costumer will be given your phone number (upon casting you in the role) so that she can acquire your measurements as soon as possible. During dress rehearsal on the Thursday, we hope to have media present. Media also may show during the weekend. The story is the priority and the audience more so. During gaps in script, or with proper permission, we encourage the cast to take advantage of the media ops. Always respect your fellow actors, your costume and your weapons. Disrespect of such things can get you removed or separated. The actor will provide their own tights, shoes and socks (unless something appropriate already exists in the storage). Never be late and always call in any problems, delays or cancellations. Your whole cast is depending on you to be an active and respectful member of the team. Do remember that even though you are volunteering our PR Department with our Entertainment Department will be sending invites to casting directors, agents, press/media and other viable supporters of your art. The more put together and complete you are the more attention you will receive. Once you are added to the Entertainment Yahoo Group you will be able to see up and coming parades. We encourage all of you to try and take part as it is a major promotional tool and a chance to spend time with your fellow performers. |
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See below (or click here) for AUDITION / SUBMISSION GUIDELINES |
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All sizes of Renaissance Festivals require atmosphere. In order to make people 'feel' as if they have walked into a village in Renaissance England they need to be surrounded by characters of all sorts. These Characters keep the 'quiet areas' lively at various times of day by approaching patrons and interacting with them. They are also used to enhance the storyline at key points by providing reaction to the storyline and encouraging audience reaction as a result. One of their most important jobs is to provide a bit of a 'barrier' as well as 'set up the area' for storyline points. Removing children from the thrones or suggesting the wandering parent should move away from the bad guys before something happens, are two examples of such a thing. They also provide support at the pub sing / day's finale by socialising with the audience, singing along and/or singing a song of their own and/or with other performers. These characters can be almost anything of your making. Some examples of what we can always use are: Lords and Ladies (could be independent villagers or with no scripted lines as members of the court.) Wenches and Squires. Knights and Pages. Monks and Nuns. Metal smith, dung digger, Leatherer, Farmer, Fish Monger's Wife, Stable boy, Jester, etc. The Professional Insulter, The Washerwomen, Mysterious wanderer, Wizard, Fairy, The Green man, Troll, etc. No pirates for villagers and roaming characters as there are pirates in the storyline. If you have a pirate character please consider a stage show. These actors support the storyline and provide atmosphere during the day by being part of the 'Village of Steller's Grove'. AS they are part of the village they should be English/British (as Steller's Grove is in England) BUT can be another culture if they have a reason to be there. An example would be a Moor who's great great grandfather was brought back from the Crusades and got away from his captors only to wind up in Steller's Grove and started a family here or an Asian woman who came over with her husband on a silk trade run but since her hubby has died (you can come up with an incredible story as to how he died) she has chosen to stay because the villagers found out they like her. Villagers are responsible for their own characters (creation of the characters as well as their roaming schedule - around the storyline) but must still be auditioned or approved before being accepted as 'cast villagers'. See submission instructions and obligations below. Any special info: No swords or weapons. If your villager character carries a weapon of any kind it can not be taken out of its sheath, scabbard and/or quiver. It must remain as an accessory. If you wish to use it, you can also have a stage show but you must be approved for your show separately and only use the weapon when you are on stage. Singing is not necessary but recommended. At the end of the day we will have a pub sing and it would be wonderful if everyone got to sing. You are allowed to recommend a song for yourself or ask for one that is already listed. Once accepted as a villager and/or cast you will gain access to the Yahoo group where all of the additional info, including the pubsing tunes, are stored for all to see. You can reach Christina via the Contact us page under ensemble. Feel free to join the newsletter if you'd like to be kept up to date via email. For a look at last year's project(s) you can find video at: http://www.youtube.com/carrhunger http://www.myspace.com/bcrenfest and/or |
You have two choices. You can either come out and audition at the same time as Ensemble (see below) or submit a video or sample (DVD) of your character. The DVD should follow the guidelines set out for a villager's audition. If your character involves things like juggling, a musical instrument (not counting things like a crazy person with a bumped up penny whistle or horn), fire eating, being a minstrel, etc... You are a Stage Performer and should submit through those guidelines. If you'd like to ALSO audition for a village person as well as your extra talent then please let us know that you are submitting twice (once to each department) so we don't 'double pick you' or overlap schedules if you decide you want to wander as well as perform a show on stage. All contact info can be found here. If you'd like to come out and audition your villager or show in person: Auditions dates and times for 2008 auditions: Feb. 8 (9:00am - 5:30pm), Feb. 9 (9am - 8:30pm), Feb. 10 (9:00am - 5:30pm) & Feb. 11 (9am - 8:30pm) Location: Theatre In The Raw Studio 2910 Commercial Dr. 2nd Floor (Commercial and 13th) Look for the BCRF crest and signs. Parking: Street parking. Transit: Commercial/Broadway Skytrain station. Walk for about 10 minutes south on the East side of the street. Just past 13th you'll see a fairly plain building with our crest in the front window. Please book your audition and submit a headshot/photo and resume to: Carla at: casting@bcrenfest.com Deadline for email submissions: Feb. 6, 2008. Instructions: Please make your photo small (~700K) as you will be bringing a photo or headshot with you to the audition. We only need your email shot for reference. Active links to a webpage with your photo and resume are acceptable BUT make sure we have any necessary passwords we need to view it. We will not 'join' any communities, groups or boards in order to view something. Make sure the webpage's settings are on 'public view' before sending any links. Please include a brief description of your character and/or show. If you are coming in person you do not need to submit a disk. IF you need to cancel you must cancel within 12 hours BY PHONE at: 604-319-0849 for a chance to rebook. If there is a problem the day of, call us via the same cell number in order to inform us of this. No one will get priority when canceling or running late but we can try to fit you in later, IF you are present with a viable reason for your delay. We will not re-book anyone who sends notice by email as once we are in the audition space we are not near internet. The above cell number is only to be used during the audition times themselves. Carla may choose to give you her additional contact once you book with her so that you can give your cancellations or change request directly to her. The cell listed above is NOT Carla's cell phone. Crashing is acceptable BUT we will not substitute someone's spot for you. Come prepared for your audition (headshot, resume, sample piece, etc.) and come ready to wait (book to read, mp3 player, etc) for a gap or cancellation. Please note the times that we are leaving the building by so that you do not come too late. Feb. 8 (we leave the building at: 5:45pm), Feb. 9 (we leave the building at: 8:45pm), Feb. 10 (we leave the building at: 5:45pm) & Feb. 11 (we leave the building at: 8:45pm) Bring and come prepared with: *5min max. sample of your character. Incorporating your 'character accent' is an asset. * A willingness to improv. After and introduction to your character we will ask you to do a bit of improv in character. At a renfest improv is usually used when dealing with a member of the audience, a child approaching or a customer wanting to take a picture with you. Sometimes it can include responding to an audience member's reaction to a scene or various ways to keep the audience where we need them during a scene. * A single verse or chorus of a song. It can be a shanty, pub/drinking song or your favourite tune but it must give us an idea of your singing voice. It will be unaccompanied. We would just like to hear how you may do at the pub sing. *A photo of you and a resume. Photos can be copied (does not have to be an original) and must be no smaller than a 5X7 image. They can be black and white or colour. If you have not developed a resume yet, please bring a 'letter of interest', which is basically a letter saying why you would like to be a member of our village/project as well as any activities that you have been involved with that may be of interest to us. If you would rather send us a disk (Ensemble MUST audition-Villagers can send a disk)..... Submitting by Mail: Submission content. See Above. What is in an audition should be on that disk/VHS tape Mail your package to: BC Renaissance Festival, P.O. Box 43004 Cascades, R.P.O. Burnaby, BC V5G 4S2 Attn. Casting THIS IS ONLY FOR SELF CREATED VILLAGER CHARACTERS NOT FOR ENSEMBLE OR CAST!!! Deadline for Villagers DVD/VHS tape mail submissions is Feb. 22nd, 2008. For mail ins you MUST include a phone number where you can be reached. ---------------- This is a non-union, volunteer production. Unless your agent will represent you to such things, make sure we have your direct contact information. All information given to us will be kept private and will ONLY be used for the purpose of casting and BCRF business. It will not be copied, handed out or shared without prior permission. Additional info and character assistance can be found at: http://www.bcrenfest.com/character.html Important: ALL POSITIONS IN BCRF ARE VOLUNTEER. All performers, command team members and staff are volunteering in order to hopefully develop a future permanent site renfest here in BC Canada. With the support and advancement of this project our goal is to eventually provide summer employment, an impressive talent showcase and unique vendor opportunities, while contributing to BC's tourism industry and entertainment community. We are sending invites and tickets out to Casting Directors and Agents and providing a tent for performers sales and promotions. Items like CDs, DVDs, your flyers, headshots, etc. can be placed and sold here. If you are planning on sales you must be responsible for your own merchandise. Stage Performers can be jugglers, fire eater/dancer, musician, comedians, storytellers, puppeteers, sword fighters, pirates (can be stage but not wandering), wenches, singers, etc. For these we ask that you submit via the stage performance area. Some characters can be both villager and stage. Approval must be given in order to do so. |
The festival itself is over a whole weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). The public hours for each day of the festival are 9AM - ~9PM. Dress rehearsal is on the Thursday of the renfest weekend unless an opportunity is provided earlier and we can get on the property before then. For the last few rehearsals villagers must join the cast/ensemble in order to get a feel for the storyline and where you are needed during the day. Other than the script obligations, you are free to set your own daily schedule. Costume is recommended if available at that time. As it was last year, rehearsals will be on Sundays. You are not due to arrive at rehearsals until it is stated as 'open or villager time' on the Yahoo Group (that all performers are put on when they are accepted). There is no tech week as we are dealing with the natural outdoors. We perform no matter what the weather and no matter what the audience size. Knowing that we may be doing parades and promo ops again, you will be informed of those days (via the group) and be given an option to join us. We do attempt to have a large attendance for parades and public promos but it is not necessary for you to attend. However, we choose cast this early so that costumes can be ready ready for the parades if and when you agree to join us. As a Villager you are required to put together your own costume. There are some pieces and excess fabric that gets donated and they are first come, first acquire and our costumer is accessible to you and can choose to help you, when she has time. She is not obligated to do the work for you (she has a whole storyline cast to dress) but she is willing to help you out to whatever capacity she can. During dress rehearsal on the Thursday, we hope to have media present. Media also may show during the weekend. The story is the priority and the audience more so. During gaps in script, or with proper permission, we encourage the villagers (along with cast) to take advantage of the media ops. Always respect your fellow actors and above all, the attendees. Disrespect of such things can get you removed or separated. Your fellow villagers and storyline cast are depending on you to be an active and respectful member of the team. Do remember that even though you are volunteering our PR Department with our Entertainment Department will be sending invites to casting directors, agents, press/media and other viable supporters of your art. The more put together and complete you are the more attention you will receive. Once you are added to the Entertainment Yahoo Group you will be able to see up and coming parades. We encourage all of you to try and take part as it is a major promotional tool and a chance to spend time with your fellow performers. |
| See below (or click here) for AUDITION / SUBMISSION GUIDELINES |
| Like
last year we are planning 4 stages. (2 music, one general and one children's).
This is the standard number of stages most young and temporary site Renaissance
Festivals have.
We are looking for music, juggling, fire, all types of dancing, puppets, silly characters, magicians, character driven humour, fencing, swords and weapons.. There is a great variety of performers that can be found at a renaissance festival. If you do a quick search on youtube, myspace videos, Google videos (or anywhere else that may have videos uploaded) for "Renaissance Festival" OR "Renaissance Faire" OR renfest OR renfaire (Copy and paste the whole suggested search phrases to find all alternatives - leave the capitol 'OR' in) you will find a great variety of performers who do the renfest circuit. Many renfest performers have volunteered for a number of the renfests in the circuit and now, just on reputation, work the festivals for a living (or continue on a casual basis) . Most renfests take 5 - 8 years to develop and pay their more popular performers. Like the our more established counterparts we are beginning our festival with volunteering performers. Our goal is to be able to establish ourselves to a point where we can create additional paid opportunities for talented, underused performers. With this in mind we can provide our performers with the chance to introduce themselves to something new to BC, an opportunity to challenge themselves and their talents, introduce themselves to a different and wide variety of audience attendees and promote themselves on a level that is usually overlooked. Stage performers will be: *Listed on the webpage and in the program book. *Featured on our MySpace page. *Given the opportunity to join cast and villagers on promo ops (media like BTV, parades, radio station interviews, etc.). * One pass for each performer (The performer MUST be part of the show) with a max. of 5 passes. One additional pass will be permitted if you planning on handing out promos and/or doing sales at the entertainer's tent while you are on stage or are planning on wandering and want someone to man your product. *Access to the entertainers tent. This space is provided for promotions and sales related to our stage, village and cast performers. IF you have CDs/DVDs or other performance related materials to sell, you can sell them from here. If you have promotional material you can leave them at this table for people to pick up. Cast and villagers leave their resumes and headshots (or other promo items like postcards) at this tent. You share the tent with others who are performing but since the vendors pay a fee for the right to sell items, you are being provided this for free in trade for your time and talent. At this time we do not have a safe way to insure 'basket babes' (People who walk with baskets, selling CDs, etc., during the show) so we can only guarantee the tent. If there are enough requests for the basket babes and/or an acceptance of a 'release' for basket babes, we will find a way to make it happen BUT please keep in mind that we are dealing with BC laws AND paying vendors. *Access to the Greenroom (Or Green tent ^_^ ) and any sponsor provided items. Last year we acquired a sponsorship from a sunblock company, we had a water sponsor and the head of the greenroom brought a large selection of teas for us. We are hoping to manage a powerbar or snack sponsor this year as well. *Greenroom area will be set up for warm up so that you can warm up before going out. Stage Performers are responsible for their own characters and shows but must still be auditioned or approved before being accepted as a stage show. See submission instructions and obligations below. Any special info: No swords or weapons unless on stage. If you are wandering the grounds or are also a villager you may carry a weapon of any kind but it can not be taken out of its sheath, scabbard and/or quiver. It must remain as an accessory while roaming the grounds. You only use the weapon when you are on stage or hidden in practice (Greenroom area). It is recommended that you 'ribbon' peace bond your weapon so that security does not peace bond it with a zap strap. If you are musical you may request participation in the pubsing. You are allowed to recommend a song for yourself or ask for one that is already listed. Once accepted you can ask for access to the Yahoo group where all of the additional info, including the pubsing tunes, parade schedules, notices, and the script are stored for all performers to see. Feel free to join the newsletter if you'd like to be kept up to date via email. For a look at last year's project(s) you can find video at: http://www.youtube.com/carrhunger http://www.myspace.com/bcrenfest and/or |
You have three choices. You can either come out and audition at the same time as Ensemble (see below), submit a video or sample (DVD or VHS tape) of your show or invite the Entertainment Coordinator out to a one on one or one of your shows. At this time we do not have an Entertainment Coordinator. Feel free to request Christina's attendance via the ensemble address found on the contact page. If you'd like to ALSO audition for a village person as well as your stage show then please let us know that you are submitting twice (once to each department) so we don't 'double pick you' or overlap schedules if you decide you want to wander as well as perform a show on stage. Submitting by Mail: Submission content: *The stage performer's contract (coming soon). As the 2008 form has not been created yet, you can still submit/audition then look over and sign the contract when it is created. *Include a sample of your show. We will accept Disk or VHS tape. *Please include a photo and resume and/or intro letter and/or printed promo. Any preferred time spot (Later submissions has less choice. See last year's schedule for a guideline. Mail your package to: BC Renaissance Festival, P.O. Box 43004 Cascades, R.P.O. Burnaby, BC V5G 4S2 Attn. Casting THIS IS ONLY FOR STAGE SHOW AND/OR SELF CREATED VILLAGER CHARACTERS NOT FOR ENSEMBLE OR CAST!!! Deadline for stage show (unless you are also doing a villager - please see villager submissions deadline) DVD/VHS tape mail submissions is Aug. 1st, 2008. For mail ins you MUST include a phone number where you can be reached.
If you'd like to come out and audition a piece of your show in person: Auditions dates and times for 2008 auditions: Feb. 8 (9:00am - 5:30pm), Feb. 9 (9am - 8:30pm), Feb. 10 (9:00am - 5:30pm) & Feb. 11 (9am - 8:30pm) Location: Theatre In The Raw Studio 2910 Commercial Dr. 2nd Floor (Commercial and 13th) Look for the BCRF crest and signs. Parking: Street parking. Transit: Commercial/Broadway Skytrain station. Walk for about 10 minutes south on the East side of the street. Just past 13th you'll see a fairly plain building with our crest in the front window. Ensemble: Please book your audition and submit a headshot and resume to: Carla at: casting@bcrenfest.com Deadline for email submissions: Feb. 6, 2008. Instructions: Please make your photo small (~700K) as you will be bringing a photo or headshot with you to the audition. We only need your email shot for reference. Active links to a webpage with your photo and resume are acceptable BUT make sure we have any necessary passwords we need to view it. We will not 'join' any communities, groups or boards in order to view something. Make sure the webpage's settings are on 'public view' before sending any links. If you want us to view a video DO NOT ATTACH VIDEO!! LINK TO IT!!! Please include a brief description of your show. If you are coming in person you do not need to submit a disk. IF you need to cancel you must cancel within 12 hours BY PHONE at: 604-319-0849 for a chance to rebook. If there is a problem the day of, call us via the same cell number in order to inform us of this. No one will get priority when canceling or running late but we can try to fit you in later, IF you are present with a viable reason for your delay. We will not re-book anyone who sends notice by email as once we are in the audition space we are not near internet. The above cell number is only to be used during the audition times themselves. Carla may choose to give you her additional contact once you book with her so that you can give your cancellations or change request directly to her. The cell listed above is NOT Carla's cell phone. Crashing is acceptable BUT we will not substitute someone's spot for you. Come prepared for your audition (photo, resume, sample piece, etc.) and come ready to wait (book to read, mp3 player, etc) for a gap or cancellation. Please note the times that we are leaving the building by so that you do not come too late. Feb. 8 (we leave the building at: 5:45pm), Feb. 9 (we leave the building at: 8:45pm), Feb. 10 (we leave the building at: 5:45pm) & Feb. 11 (we leave the building at: 8:45pm) If would like to invite us to see you please send an email to the Entertainment Coordinator with the invite or mail us an invite/ticket. Contact information can be found on the contact page ---------------- This is a non-union, volunteer production. Unless your agent will represent you to such things, make sure we have your direct contact information. All information given to us will be kept private and will ONLY be used for the purpose of casting and BCRF business. It will not be copied, handed out or shared without prior permission. Additional info and character assistance can be found at: http://www.bcrenfest.com/character.html Important: ALL POSITIONS IN BCRF ARE VOLUNTEER. All performers, command team members and staff are volunteering in order to hopefully develop a future permanent site renfest here in BC Canada. With the support and advancement of this project our goal is to eventually provide summer employment, an impressive talent showcase and unique vendor opportunities, while contributing to BC's tourism industry and entertainment community. We are sending invites and tickets out to Casting Directors and Agents and providing a tent for performers sales and promotions. Items like CDs, DVDs, your flyers, headshots, etc. can be placed and sold here. If you are planning on sales you must be responsible for your own merchandise. Stage Performers can be jugglers, fire eater/dancer, musician, comedians, storytellers, puppeteers, sword fighters, pirates (can be stage but not wandering), wenches, singers, etc.. Some characters can be both villager and stage. Approval must be given in order to do so. |
The festival itself is over a whole weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). The public hours for each day of the festival are 9AM - ~9PM. You must show before your programmed stage time. It is highly recommended that you show 'backstage' 15 minutes before your show. Please do not disturb or distract your previous performers or any of the other performances going on at that time. Feel free to add to the atmosphere (supporting not distracting) but never distract or interrupt. Any rehearsing or warming up will be done in private (greenroom area or pre arrival). Dress rehearsal is on the Thursday of the renfest weekend unless an opportunity is provided earlier and we can get on the property before then. It is recommended that you visit us on the Thursday in order to get a feel for the property and festival layout. There is no tech week as we are dealing with the natural outdoors. We perform no matter what the weather and no matter what the audience size. You are not obligated to be at rehearsals. If you wish to attend one storyline rehearsal please send a request to the ensemble email address. We will have 'open or villager time' rehearsals. They will also be mentioned on the Yahoo Group (please make sure you request an add to this group when you are accepted). Knowing that we may be doing parades and promo ops again, you will be informed of those days (via the group) and be given an option to join us. We do attempt to have a large attendance for parades and public promos but it is not necessary for you to attend. No swords or weapons unless on stage. If you are wandering the grounds or are also a villager you may carry a weapon of any kind but it can not be taken out of its sheath, scabbard and/or quiver. It must remain as an accessory while roaming the grounds. You only use the weapon when you are on stage or hidden in practice (Greenroom area). It is recommended that you 'ribbon' peace bond your weapon so that security does not peace bond it with a zap strap. Even though we are historically influenced we are a Renaissance Festival. Please feel free to do a quick search on youtube, myspace, Google , Flickr (or anywhere else that may have photos uploaded) for "Renaissance Festival" OR "Renaissance Faire" OR renfest OR renfaire (Copy and paste the whole suggested search phrases to find all alternatives - leave the capitol 'OR' in) and allow previous renfest performers inspire you. Keep in mind your focus audience and the feel of the village. There are some pieces and excess fabric that gets donated and they are first come, first acquire and our costumer is accessible to you and can choose to help you, when she has time. She is not obligated to do the work for you (she has a whole storyline cast to dress) but she is willing to help you out to whatever capacity she can. During dress rehearsal on the Thursday, we hope to have media present. Media also may show during the weekend. The story is the priority and the audience more so. During gaps in your schedule, we encourage the performers(along with villagers and cast) to take advantage of the media ops. Always respect your fellow performers and above all, the attendees. Disrespect of such things can get you removed or separated. Your fellow performers, villagers and storyline cast are depending on you to be an active and respectful member of the team. Do remember that even though you are volunteering our PR Department with our Entertainment Department will be sending invites to casting directors, agents, press/media and other viable supporters of your art. The more put together and complete you are the more attention you will receive. Once you are added to the Entertainment Yahoo Group you will be able to see up and coming parades. We encourage all of you to try and take part as it is a major promotional tool and a chance to spend time with your fellow performers. |
| For All | Additional Characters | Singing |
ALL: This is live and there are no microphones. You must be able to project to your audience. Think of it as an outdoor theatre in a round. Your accent must carry into conversation when improving. Because we are so close to our audience there will be chances to improv and socialise with the attendees. Dropping your character (including accent) will break the atmosphere. Please resist anything that you cannot maintain. |
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Village folk and Additional Characters: Your characters are your own so it is up to you on your accents. Even though we are in 'Britain' you can be other cultures that would be around then. You can be French, Italian or go with the English, Irish, or Scottish accents BUT NOTE... This is live and your audience must understand what you are saying first time out of your mouth. If an accent is TOO strong or is overpowering your own character then you will loose your audience. Please keep careful control of your accents. Many Renfest performers who play the stages do not bother with accents but simply 'speak clearly' in order to give that 'European flavour' to their routines. Do follow the links to various all ready existing performers for your inspiration. |
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| Singing:
The Finale or Pub Sing: All characters and cast are to be at this performance but don't HAVE to sing. Stage performers can choose to be there if they like. The Finale (or Pub Sing) is the wrap up of the main storyline. It comprises of a series of songs sung by the cast and performers in a relaxed 'pub type' atmosphere. If you know you have a great voice when singing or would like to team up with other cast and performers for a song or two then let us hear your singing voice at the audition (or on your demo) and we will make sure that there is a song or two just for you at the pub sing. If you play an instrument and know a 'Ren Song' or are able to learn one we can give you, then also note that on your audition and/or submission forms. As all the songs are designed to have the public join in (on the chorus or on whole) then the cast will join in. Join in on the songs that suit your character most or go nuts and join in on all the songs giving your fellow characters weird looks for doing so. Everyone will be provided with the words and they will all be songs commonly found at existing Renfests |
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| For All | Additional Characters | Stage |
ALL: All performers must be responsible for their own footwear (unless a sponsor can be found for such things) and accessories like tankards, jewelry, fans, mirrors, daggers, pouches, satchels, purses, hats, etc. We are hoping for donations and sponsorships (we also have some items already) but many Renfest performers make their costumes their own by acquiring these types of items for themselves. You must approve items with Tiff (costumes), Christina (producer) or Martin (producer) before being added to your costume. If you decide to loan to someone and/or borrow from someone we are not responsible for its well being and you must return the items or pursue the items from those you loaned them to. |
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Village folk and Additional Characters: We are asking Non-Ensemble characters and actors to provide their own costume. In the case of "villagers" we can help you as best as we can (we don't know what fabric/pattern/clothing donations are coming yet) by loaning you spare costume pieces or helping you find patterns, supplies, and/or inspiration. We can also assist with ideas as to how to turn everyday into Renaissance. Any donations of materials, costume and costume pieces, (that you do not need) will become the property of BCRF but will be loanable to people for the weekend of. If you donate items to be used (in costume or on the grounds) your name will be added to the donations page and a link (If you would like) will be provided to your webpage, promo page or agents/representative's page. For Sponsors and Donations information please go to the BCRF mainpage and either click on the donations link (if you have an item of use or a financial donation) or our list of sponsors (if you'd like to see who has donated or sponsored already) link. Any of the village folk must be as 'Period' as possible. The pirates are the exception (no 1700's Jacks but more 1500s with a hint of pirate recognised pieces) as we take great creative licence on their wardrobes (& weapons) in order to make sure they stay recognisable as pirates. Looks can range from Medieval to Elizabethan England. This does not mean you HAVE TO BE English, just make sure your Spanish, Asian, Moor, French... et al... looks like it would belong during approx. 1400 to 1600. |
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| Stage: Costumes must suit the character and be 'Renaissance' like. We say Renaissance like as there are many performers at the Renfests who do 'Shakespeare type' performance and therefore wear a very Romeo & Juliet type costume, which is more Elizabethan then Tudor. Our time period is earlier than that but that look and feel has been acceptable at Renfests for years and these performers are extremely entertaining. Many performers have also aimed earlier than that and have done a more 'Medieval' look and that is also fine by us. | ||
For all stage performers please contact us via the email or mailing address on the contact page. for additional information and guidelines. The new 2008 application form is coming soon. We are still confirming dates, location and require an entertainment coordinator. Remember. We will be sending out invites to various entertainment industry people and providing a promo and sales area for performers who wish to make available their promos and/or sell CDs, DVDs, Books, Magic Tricks, etc.... Items that can help them advance in their careers. |
| For a look at last year's project(s) you can find video at: http://www.youtube.com/carrhunger http://www.myspace.com/bcrenfest and/or http://www.bcrenfest.com/events/Events.html
Entertainment Coordinator Acquires and signs up the stage talent. Handles contracts and agreements associated with non-emsemble (and villager) characters and performances. Handles the Jousters and their contracts. Handles demonstrators (if outside of a vendor's booth). Sets the schedule up with the assistance of the producers. Signs in the talent on site and makes sure that they have appropriate passes/handstamps/ID. Tends to the Entertainers' tent where promos for ensemble and villagers are displayed and where stage performers are able to sell their items (CDs, DVDs, etc...) This is a Command Team Position. If you are interested please contact Christina via: ensemble@bcrenfest.com Please title the email Entertainment Coordinator for BCRF or the system may mistake it as spam.
Pub Sing Coordinator Works with the director in order to structure the pubsing. Works with the actors in order to harmonize them and get them singing. This may mean working songs in order for each actor to sing in their own 'natural' tone/octave/etc. and/or working with the actor to get them to match the song. Takes part in the pubsing itself (as their character) in order to keep the order straight and the cast 'together'. Can be someone who IS a villager or stage entertainer or can be an individual person/character. Can not be a member of the storyline ensemble. Prefer a performer who can play an instrument. Guitar is the most flexible for pub sings. If you are interested please contact Christina via: ensemble@bcrenfest.com Please title the email Pubsing Coordinator for BCRF or the system may mistake it as spam.
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Added for a smile... And possible guidance. What Renaissance Performer Are You? Quiz
Note: All Historical Inaccuracies are due to creative licence. ^_^
copyright 2007
