Auditions & Casting Calls

Merlyn Productions Theatre Company is auditioning actors and actresses ages 10 to 65+ for its 2023 Winnipeg Fringe Festival production, "The Blabbermouth, the Puff Monster, and the Wolf" (July 19 to 30).

This fast-paced comedy for child & family audiences features an ensemble cast presenting three "topsy-turvy tales from Ukraine" in under 60 minutes. (Knowledge of Ukrainian is not required; the play is presented in English for Western audiences.)

All cast members play "travelling storytellers" who take turns narrating and becoming various characters in the 3 folk tales. The script has a flexible cast of approximately 12 performers, and relies heavily on humour and imagination: any Storyteller can theoretically take on any role, regardless of age or gender.

AVAILABILITY REQUIREMENTS

1. Performers must not be cast in another Winnipeg Fringe production, due to the high potential for schedule conflicts.
2. Rehearsing takes place in the Merlyn Productions studios at 63 Albert Street in the Exchange. A small number of rehearsals will be held in April/May (about one per week), increasing to 2 or 3 weekly rehearsals in June. Rehearsals will only be scheduled on weekday evenings (Monday to Thursday), or weekend afternoons. A limited number of conflict days can typically be accommodated (within reason), if they are known in advance.
3. In May, the Winnipeg Fringe Festival will assign seven (7) show times between July 19 and 30. These are non-negotiable, and will include a variety of daytime and evening shows on both weekdays and weekends. All performers must have the ability to be available for all performances, given more than a month's notice.

Please audition only if you meet the availability requirements.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

To request an audition, e-mail info@merlyn.biz with your acting résumé and headshot.

The company will follow-up to schedule audition appointments later in March — these are anticipated to take place the week of March 19th.

Merlyn Productions does not retain a permanent stage management staff, but seeks one out on a per-show basis: providing regular opportunities to become significantly involved in local live theatre "behind the scenes".

The company welcomes expressions of interest from potential future stage managers at any time.

The typical stage management team consists of:

STAGE MANAGER (SM) -

Supervises the cast & crew. In rehearsal: serves as the Director's right-hand, and maintains the prompt-script. In performance: oversees the running of the show, and the calling of light & sound cues from the control booth.

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER (ASM) -

Provides general assistance to the Stage Manager throughout the production run, and manages the backstage area during performances: supervising curtain pulls, scene shifts, and other onstage technical changes.

Reliability and punctuality are a must. Prior production experience is considered an excellent asset, but not required — the company will train suitable candidates.

AVAILABILITY REQUIREMENTS

Rehearsals begin 4 to 5 weeks prior to show, and are scheduled on 2 or 3 weekday evenings between Monday and Thursday, plus Sunday afternoons.

• The Stage Manager typically attends all studio rehearsals (unless any are to be covered by an ASM).
• The Assistant Stage Manager typically attends only a minimal number of studio rehearsals.
• Both must attend technical rehearsal, dress rehearsal, and all performances.

APPLICATIONS

To express interest in stage managing with Merlyn Productions, e-mail info@merlyn.biz. Résumé of past theatre experience, if available, should be forwarded to the same.