Company Ensemble
by This Is Water Theatre

Jul. 23 - Jul. 24 (2016)

This Is Water Theatre has earned a reputation for high quality theatrical work in the Brazos Valley as the only professional theatre in Bryan/College Station.  As some of our cherished Ensemble family moves on, we are excited to expand our Ensemble to include designers, technicians, actors, and a brand new intern company. Please read the following carefully if you are at all interested in being a part of our Ensemble family. We hope to see you at auditions!

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN ENSEMBLE MEMBER?

We have explored several ways of conceptualizing this over the past two years as a company, and in many ways we're still exploring. However, there are a few things we know for sure.

1. Ensemble members are our first choice. When we choose shows, we choose them around our Ensemble. When we cast shows, we pick from our Ensemble first. When we need help with aspects of a production or administration, Ensemble members are the first ones we call. In the 2016-2017 season, we are implementing a new system of participation that we hope will keep all of our members engaged and active in theatre without creating burnout. Plus, if there are other opportunities you want to pursue, we'll absolutely try to work with you.
2. Ensemble members are financially compensated. Right now, it's a stipend, and it's not always a set amount. But we try to make sure that Ensemble members don't lose money due to missing work, etc, and we always try to make sure that they come out of a show with something financial to show for it.
3. Ensemble members are committed to their own growth. First and foremost, what sets our Ensemble apart is the dedication they have to continually developing themselves as artists. Taking classes, seeking opportunities, and stretching themselves to learn new skills (both theatrical and non) are hallmarks of This Is Water Theatre Ensemble members.
4. Ensemble members care about the company. Ensemble members are devoted to doing what they can to grow This Is Water Theatre. After all, the more the company grows, the more opportunities we can provide as we work to eventually pay our artists a full wage as employees. Starting this fall, all Ensemble members will have two roles: one artistic, one administrative. They will receive training and work together in small teams to accomplish goals in areas like Social Media, Donor Relations, Marketing, PR, and others, alongside of (NOT in place of) their artistic work.

WHAT IS THE INTERN COMPANY?

Through the past several years, we have had to turn away artists for varying reasons. But we especially didn't have any opportunities for those who are just starting out their artistic careers or who are still working to build the skills, experience, and/or training we look for in our Ensemble. For this reason, in 2016-2017 we are excited to announce our Intern Company. The best part? Even our Intern Company will receive a small financial stipend for their work with the ensemble.

In addition to participating in This Is Water Theatre mainstage shows and events as assistant designers, stage managers, understudies, and even potentially actors and designers, our Intern Company will be provided with opportunities to create their own work under the mentorship of our Ensemble and Artistic Director. This might include improv performances, short play festivals, or full productions...or something entirely new.

Our Intern Company will be selected via the audition/interview process below: when you audition for the ensemble, you'll be automatically considered for the Intern Company as well!

WHAT IS THE COMMITMENT?

We know that at this point it's impossible for our Ensemble members to make our work the only work they do. We make every effort to work with individual schedules, and as a result not everyone will be involved in every production. However, Ensemble members should expect to spend at least a few hours a week working on Ensemble-related tasks even while not in a production, because at this stage, we need as many hands on deck as possible. While ideally we would like everyone involved in the company to be available the entire season, if you are only available for Fall 2016 or Spring 2017 due to school or work schedules, we are absolutely still willing to consider you.

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ENSEMBLE AUDITIONS/INTERVIEWS
&
INTERN COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENT

THIS IS WATER THEATRE WILL HOLD INITIAL AUDITIONS AND INTERVIEWS FOR ENSEMBLE MEMBERSHIP JULY 23-24, 2016.

 

Artists may both audition AND interview, in which case the Required Materials for each must be submitted/brought.
You do not need two copies of your resume, however.

TO REGISTER FOR AUDITIONS AND/OR INTERVIEWS CLICK HERE

(If there's absolutely no way you can be in College Station on either July 23 or 24, email us at info@thisiswatertheatre.com to discuss options)

And please email us at info@thisiswatertheatre.com with any questions or concerns you may have

 

AUDITIONS

Stage 1: Individual auditions (July 23-24)
This stage will consist of 4 short (approx. one-two minutes) monologues in various categories.  It is designed to allow the Artistic Director to see your range. In addition, your preparation for this stage will demonstrate your work ethic and dedication.  Please choose one monologue in each of the following categories: 

1. A role you feel you could play well and enjoy right now
2. A role you would like to play but are unlikely to be cast in right now
3. A role you feel you could never normally play
4. A role that demonstrates a significant amount of physical movement*

Optional:

• *In place of a physical monologue, you may choose to perform choreography.  You must provide your own music on an mp3 player or cellphone (we will provide the aux cable and speakers). Your choreography should be 1 minute 30 seconds maximum and tell a story; think of it as a dance monologue.
• You may choose to sing (acapella) in addition to your four monologues; it is not required. If you choose to sing, please keep in mind that your choice should function like a sung monologue.

Stage 2: Group ensemble work (Schedule dependent on auditionee availability)
This stage will consist of various group ensemble exercises including improv and physical performance.  It is designed to help explore how you work with other people and your ability to be present in the moment.  

Stage 3: Interview (Schedule dependent on auditionee availability)
This final stage will consist of an in-depth interview with the Artistic Director.  

This will not be an easy audition process, but if you are prepared it should be enjoyable.  We are seeking performers with discipline, dedication, passion, skill, and most importantly, compassion and understanding, as this ensemble will be working closely together for at least one full year.  

We will absolutely consider men, women, and nonbinary individuals of all ages, as well as people of color, those with disabilities, and those in the LGBT community. We're serious about this: we build our shows around the people we have, not the other way around.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

All auditionees should have

• A theatrical resume 
• An 8x10 headshot

 

- - - 

INTERVIEWS

Stage 1: Individual Interviews & Portfolio Review (July 23-24)
This stage will consist of a short interview about your artistic history, inclinations, and prior work. It is okay if this includes (or even is mostly made up of) classwork. We will consider artists in all technical and production fields, including:

• Costume Design
• Lighting Design
• Set Design
• Sound Design
• Properties Design
• Scenic Carpenters
• Electricians
• Scenic Painters
• Directors
• Stage Managers
• Production Managers
• and those interested in an Assistant Artistic Director position

You must submit your portfolio in advance of your interview. See "Required Materials" below for more information.

Stage 2: Group ensemble work (Schedule dependent on applicant availability)

 

This stage will consist of a small-group design challenge regarding a script you will receive in advance to read. It is designed to see how you work on a short timeline and with other artists. More information will be provided when you advance to Stage 2.

Stage 3: Final Interview (Schedule dependent on applicant availability)

This final stage will consist of an in-depth interview with the Artistic Director.

This will not be an easy process, but if you are prepared it should be enjoyable.  We are seeking artists with discipline, dedication, passion, skill, and most importantly, compassion and understanding, as this ensemble will be working closely together for at least one full year.  

We will absolutely consider men, women, and nonbinary individuals of all ages, as well as people of color, those with disabilities, and those in the LGBT community. We're serious about this: we build our shows around the people we have, not the other way around.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

All applicants should have:

• A portfolio fitting to their discipline(s), submitted in advance of their initial interview, as directed.
• A theatrical resume