Young, gifted and black?

Child actors wanted for Stafford Festival Shakespeare 2017

Calling all budding stars of the stage! Producers of Stafford Festival Shakespeare (SFS) are offering two local child actors the opportunity to play a role in this year’s production of The Tempest at Stafford Castle.

Set against the elegant backdrop of the 1930s – the golden age of luxury cruise liners, Hollywood glamour and the dying days of vaudeville – SFS 2017 will transport audiences to the exotic shores of East Africa, to the Banjuni Isles off the coast of Somalia.

For the role of young Caliban, SFS producers are seeking two boys of black ethnicity aged between 8 and 12 years old, to each perform on alternative nights. The part requires a confident individual who can take direction and be comfortable performing alongside the 13-strong cast of professional actors.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for two local actors to be part of a professional production and gain an invaluable insight into the world of theatre” commented Producer Derrick Gask.

“Our production of The Tempest draws inspiration from African culture and mythology, and as such the character of Caliban will be portrayed as a Somalian witch doctor. In Shakespeare’s original text, Caliban is the son of a witch called Sycrorax, who prevents him from establishing a friendship with Miranda when they are both children at the beginning of the play. It is this early meeting with Miranda that our young actors will be required to portray.

“This year’s show is set to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, and I would encourage any parent whose child may be interested in taking part to get in touch” concluded Gask

In ordered to be considered for the part, individuals must be able to attend a number of rehearsal held on Saturday mornings throughout May / June (dates TBC), as well as the technical and dress rehearsals (20 – 22 June), and all scheduled performances throughout June and July as detailed by the Company Manager. They would also need to arrive at the dressing room on site at Stafford Castle by the ‘half’ – 35-40 minutes before the beginning of the performance. Once their part in the play is completed, they would then be allowed to leave at a suitable time afterwards, via an exit hidden from the sight of the audience at approximately 8.30pm.

If you would like your child to be considered for the part of young Caliban, or if you require any additional information, please contact Wes Carter on 01785 619086 or email wcarter@staffordbc.gov.uk

The Tempest will open on Thursday 22nd June and run until Saturday 8th July 2017 at Stafford Castle. Established in 1991, Stafford Festival Shakespeare has fast become one of Europe's largest open air Shakespeare productions.

For the first time in its 27 year, SFS 2017 will also feature a Sunday performance on 25th June at 5pm.

Tickets range from the first night saver price of £13.50 up to £25.50 for Thurs / Fri /Sat evening performances.

Full information can be obtained from the box office on 01785 619080 or by visiting the new website www.staffordfestivalshakespeare.com