Please note this is a paid performance opportunity in Philadelphia, PA.

Lyons and Tigers (lyonsandtigers.org) seeks performing collaborators for the 2023 Fringe Festival performance of Known/Unknowns, a collaboration with visual artist Ivia Sky Yavelow (iviaskyyavelow.com). (Photo by Ryan Collerd)

**NEW** APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 14, 2023

About the project:

This particular piece is about how we live with and confront unknowns as well as the metaphorical darkness that can surround them.

By interacting with physical manifestations of unknowns represented by Yavelow's moveable set pieces/sculptures the performers explore the ways in which darkness and unknowns can be sites for inquiry rather than fear. Rather than ignoring or shying away from the dark sculptures, they investigate them. These unknowns can be comforting, even cuddly, instigating, or scary. Quiet moments among them can generate new discoveries. The sculptures are objects representing "nothingness" , however by interacting with them the performers rely on their existence. They cushion, support, and direct them.
The content of the piece will vary based on the performers’ current feelings about unknowns - specific unknowns and "the unknown" as a general concept. Movements may become increasingly agitated, calm, structured, etc. We consider this changeable nature central to the piece.

By becoming comfortable with darkness and unknowns perhaps we can better understand them and how they impact “known” parts of life. We find this particularly relevant in this time when 1) many are driven by fear of the unknown and 2) space exploration, physics, and advancements in psychology and neuroscience have shown us that spaces we once thought to contain “nothing”, such as the sleeping brain, are in fact full of information and influence.

Our collaborative improvisation practice is based on bringing personal experiences to public conversations via physical interaction with materials. We are inspired by our own emotional lives as well as encountered textures, shadows, and situations.

This cross-disciplinary approach grounds movement and performance in physical objects - and then takes those objects off of the pedestal or wall to become part of life. We consider the space of the stage and architecture of the locations we perform in to be part of the piece.

What we are looking for:
Creative, expressive performers with a background in modern dance, theater, and/or improvisation. We are looking for bold, courageous performers who thrive in a collaborative creative environment. We are looking for artists that are kind and reliable in terms of showing up fully and on time to rehearsals and performances. Collaborators should be available to share their own experience of the unknowns verbally, physically, emotionally, and intellectually throughout the creative process.

Applicants should be available to rehearse mid may through September- Thursday nights and every other Saturday afternoon. There will be at least one to two weeks of breaks from rehearsals. Rehearsals will take place in Philadelphia, PA. Performances will take place on 9/23 at 8 PM and 9/24 at 5 PM with a tech Friday night 9/22. Rehearsals and performances will be held at Sound Space Performing Arts, 1501 N 31st St 1st Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19121

After video application there will be an invitation ONLY call back in person audition: May 20, 2023 1:30- 4 PM, arrive at 1:15 PM at the Fidget Space- 1714 N Mascher St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Rehearsals every Thursday night 7-9 PM June 1- September 21, 2023
Saturdays 1:30-3:30 PM- 6/3, 6/17, 7/8, 7/22, 8/5, 8/12, 9/9, 9/16
(Please note that Saturday rehearsals are every other week in June and July and then two back to back weeks for August and September.)
No rehearsals: August 19-26, 2023
PAID PERFORMANCES! Backpay for rehearsals may be possible pending fundraising.
PLEASE do not apply if you are not available for those rehearsal times. Please relay rehearsal conflicts for vacation, etc in email with audition video. Thank you!

How to apply:
BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities are encouraged to apply.
Please compile the following and email to unknownsperformance2023@gmail.com:
1) Video of yourself dancing- in your apartment or studio (does not need to be fancy) 5-10 minutes. See below prompt for details.
2) Resume or CV
3) Artist statement or bio
4) Photo of Covid 19 Vaccination Cards
Video prompts:
Please compile a large soft, large bundle of laundry and a small bundle to use in video as makeshift soft sculptures. Yavelow's sculptures for the piece will be bundle shaped and of varying sizes, and able to be moved/touched/thrown/etc. In your improvisational dance, the large laundry and the small bundle is the unknown/sculpture.
Interact with your bundles:
-Discover that there's something you don't know
- Investigate the unknown
- Curiosity about the unknown
- Obliviousness to the unknown
- Fear of the unknown
- Hate of the unknown
- Comfort with the unknown
- Knowing the unknown, getting to know it partially and fully
- Existing side by side with the unknown
- Sinking into the unknown
- Exploring the unknown
- Defining the unknown
- Using the unknown
- Love of the unknown
- Awe of the unknown
In your video, be sure to do the following in creative ways:
- stand on the unknown
- trip on it
- hold it, caress it, carry it
- pick at it
- kick it to or away
- step on it
- look at it
- look into it
- lay on it
- lean on it
-sing a lullaby to the unknown
-hum to the unknown
-yell at or into the unknown
-whisper secrets to the unknown