It’s the time of year that Edinburgh auditions take the theatre by storm. The Fringe is the largest, most vibrant and exciting arts festival in the world. Every summer, millions of Fringe-goers descend upon Scotland’s capital, hoping to soak up some culture, scenery and Highlands sunshine… this is where you come in.

This year, the theatre is taking not one, but TWO shows to the Fringe so now there are even more opportunities than ever before for you to get involved. Both pieces are to be helmed by New Theatre veteran directors Cal Lewis and Anthony Lau. The pieces are as follows:

‘Crossing the Rubicon’
Written and Directed by Cal Lewis

Cast: 8 (5m/3f)
Venue: C Soco
Play run: 13th-25th August, 2008

An original piece that centres around contemporary social issues. ‘Crossing the Rubicon’ serves as a commentary on life in modern-day London, the trials and tribulations one faces, and the inevitable consequences of actions.

The play tells the story of Jack and his sister Lizzie, two relatively ‘normal’ adolescents, who hope for ‘good’ grades which lead to ‘good’ jobs. The attractive and playful Lizzie, is courted by Rufus, a local youth with a criminal background and a less than encouraging future. Feeling the duty to protect his sister and his family name, Jack is forced to defend his sister, bringing him into a world completely different from his own. This new, crooked environment tests the limits of Jack’s mental endurance, facing an inner battle of whether to return to the straight and narrow of his previous life, or go through with the new demands placed on him by his criminal superiors.

An ensemble, devised piece being led by artistic director Simon Thompson (see award-winning ‘Slippery Soapbox’) and produced by NT Treasurer Jackie Lee.

The Die Is Cast…

AUDITIONS:
Thursday 1st May, Portland Building West Concourse Lounge, 3-4pm; New Theatre Foyer, 4-5pm
Friday 2nd May, Portland Building West Concourse Lounge, 3-5pm

For more info or to book an audition slot, call:
Jackie Lee: 07961 771 557

‘Cross Stitching’
Written and Directed by Anthony Lau

Cast: 3 (2m/1f)
Venue: C Soco
Play run: 13th-25th August, 2008

From the production team that brought you ‘After Miss Julie’, comes a new modern day love story embedded with twists and turns rendering it closer to Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde than Romeo and Juliet.

Richard and Thomas’ burgeoning romance is limited only by their feelings of inadequacy and embarrassment as their affection in everyday situations and scenarios garner the unwanted disgust of a predominantly heterosexual society. In this surrealist piece, the consequence of such unwanted attention is Richard’s decision to have a gender-reassignment operation and thus the introduction of his post-operational alter ego, Gail. Non-linear and surrealist in style, ‘Cross-Stitching’ is an offer of new writing which has gone through the rigours of the Donmar Warehouse, whilst serving up something genuinely fresh and original in its analysis of contemporary social acceptance and perception.

AUDITIONS:
Wednesday 30th April, Portland Building D138, 2-4pm
Thursday 1st May, Portland Building East Concourse Lounge, 4-7pm

For more info, call:
Anthony: 07740 979 604
or
Sam: 07920 101 404

I cannot urge you enough to audition. You will never again have such an easy opportunity to perform in such a vibrant atmosphere as that which is uniquely presented by the Fringe. The talented people you will perform alongside and meet in Edinburgh will become part of your extended family. You will rub shoulders with producers, promoters, journalists, festival directors and other media types. In fact, the Fringe is a prime location for agents to snap up emerging talent. Many celebrities began their successful careers through the Festival: from Flight of the Conchords to Stephen Fry; Rachel Weisz to Emma Thompson. If a career in the arts (particularly theatre) is an ambition of yours, then Edinburgh will certainly give you a steady grounding in experience of the industry.

Finally, and most importantly, it promises to be the most fun summer of your life. Fact.

That’s enough from me, but keep your eyes peeled for auditions coming up. Sign-up sheets will be in the New Theatre foyer this week.

Get involved.

Tom
(NT Edinburgh Co-ordinator)