“Think Monica Bill Barnes for the Amy Schumer Generation” - CULTUREBOT on cakeface

Dance theatre company cakeface is casting for the world premiere of Stairway to Stardom, which is currently in development at HERE Arts Center in Soho. As Culturebot describes in their piece, Eight Reasons cakeface’s Harold, I Hate You Is Your New Favorite Downtown Dance/Theater Piece, "cakeface is a group of fierce, funny, talented women". The company's projects thread together intricate choreography and original, abstract scripts, which contemplate the uncomfortable through the use of grim themes and an inherently wry female wit. Creative Loafing recently called their work “as disturbing as it is delightful". cakeface is founded by writer, director and choreographer Amanda Szeglowski, a HERE Resident Artist and recipient of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation's Women Playwrights Commissioning program.

Stairway to Stardom is a multi-media infused original dance-theatre work. Inspired by a public access television show, Stairway is a deeply sympathetic exploration of the disenfranchised amateur performer. As the piece investigates a distinct aspect of the American dream—what it means to “make it”—it unearths hidden truths, reminding us of our often naive notions of success and talent. 

 

Synthesizing intricate choreography and original texts by Amanda Szeglowski, lighting by Amanda K. Ringger, costumes by Oana Botez, set design by Aviva Novick and the post-apocalyptic sound and visuals of Brooklyn's Prism House: Matt O'Hare + Brian Wenner, Stairway to Stardom will premiere in September 2017 at HERE Arts Center.

We are seeking up to 2 skilled female dance artists with 5+ years of professional experience that are extremely comfortable speaking. The work has an extensive script and you will be expected to learn lines at a rapid speed. However, you do not need to have professional acting experience; there is no acting involved. We are looking specifically for someone with a keen sense of timing, incredible discipline, wit and a fierce work ethic. You'll be performing alongside the talents of Jade Daugherty, Ayesha Jordan, Nola Sporn Smith, and Amanda Szeglowski.

 

Candidates must be available from February to September for rehearsals and residencies. A rough schedule will be as follows:

 

February - Rehearsals begin

 

April - Benefit event

 

June 26-July 2 technical residency at HERE.

 

Summer - Week-long rehearsal residency outside of NYC

 

Sept 4-24 Week-long tech residency directly followed by the performance run

 

There will be a minimum of 8 performances of Stairway to Stardom at HERE. 

 

You will be well compensated for your time. Paid performances, workshops, showings, and residencies but not rehearsals. Rehearsals are usually 2 days a week - weekend mornings and weekday evenings.

 

Auditions will be in lower Manhattan on Saturday, January 28 from 10:00am - 2pm. For more information and to reserve a slot, please email your resume and a non-headshot photo as attachments labeled as follows "FirstName_LastName_Resume // FirstName_LastName_Photo" to info@cakefaceart.com by Jan 23. Feel free to include links to video clips or a reel if you have them. If you meet the criteria and space is permitting you will be given the audition location and we'll see you Jan 28!

 

www.cakefaceart.com