Auditions for 2012-13 SIDESHOW Ensemble Set for May 19

It’s that time of year again: Actors Bridge Ensemble has announced its upcoming auditions for the 2012-13 Sideshow Ensemble on May 19, with callbacks slated for May 21, at the Belmont University Black Box Theatre in Nashville.

Actors Bridge consistently has taken risks on emerging talent, and in 2011, the commitment reached a new level with Sideshow, an immersion training program comprised of 12 emerging resident artists. Sideshow’s second season will be led by three of Nashville theatre’s emerging professionals: Jessika Malone, Jackie Johnson and Mitch Massaro.

The Sideshow Ensemble at Actors Bridge provides a year-long training immersion opportunity for disciplined, dedicated artists seeking to take their development to the next level. Nashville artists will be selected by a panel of Actors Bridge ensemble members and current Sideshow artists for their cross-disciplinary skills, potential for growth, commitment to ensemble principles, and dedication to the longevity of Actors Bridge.

The 2012-13 Sideshow Ensemble will produce the 2012 Sideshow Fringe Festival as well as at least one progressive/experimental theatre production as a supplement to the Actors Bridge mainstage season offerings.

Special consideration will be given to performers from alternative performing arts interested in theatre cross-training. Training in the Meisner technique referred. Ensemble members will rotate roles throughout the program with each engaging in one position that’s new to them and one position that grows/advances their primary discipline in scope and strength.

According to Malone, “If you are not sure if you qualify –ask us about it!” Questions can be emailed to nashvillesideshow@gmail.com.

Malone explains that the application process includes a brief interview, audition, and portfolio review by appointment.

Performance Applicants should prepare two contrasting monologues not to exceed three minutes. For singers, prepare 16 bars, unaccompanied. Design Applicants should prepare examples of your work.

Actors Bridge Ensemble is a professional theatre company and actor-training program celebrating over 15 years in Nashville—and was named as First Night’s Outstanding Theatre Company for 2010. The company’s mission is to tell the stories that impact the community by producing provocative and socially relevant theatre, creating new theatrical works, showcasing emotionally authentic ensemble acting and fostering a nurturing environment where theatre artists at any stage in their development may train and assist in the production of professional theatre.

For further information, email NashvilleSideshow@gmail.com.