EdFringe Gin Time
Casting call for new amateur theatre company
New Edinburgh-based amateur theatre company Gin & Chronic has put out a casting call for its first production, Elegy for an Echo, to be staged at the fringe in 2017.
The company will be holding auditions for the play, written by Chris Townsend, in an Edinburgh city centre location on Monday April 3 2017. Rehearsals will generally be on Sunday and Monday evenings.
Founded in January with the aim of creating “professional scale” productions, this is Gin & Chronic’s first show. It will play a full 21 date run during the fringe, opening Friday 4 and closing Saturday 26 August 2017.
Artistic Director Katie Stephen told Æ that the company: “strives to provide a platform for amateurs, be it recent graduates or life-long enthusiasts, to be involved with a professional scale production.
“With the aim to gain funding for our own theatrical season in 2018, we are debuting at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe with a new-writing piece by Chris Townsend.
“We are looking for a cast of five dedicated, passionate actors eager to tackle a full 21 show run in the heart of Edinburgh’s Festival Fringe.”
Harsh reality
Elegy for an Echo follows Connor who has been involved in an unsuccessful clinical trial. He is now facing the harsh reality that he will never see his his late fiance Jen again – until a seemingly simple proposition offers up a life-altering solution.
Townsend’s dark drama “delves into the overpowering effects of addiction and it’s imperative position as a cog within a wider system,” according to the company.
The play is not completely new. It had a one performance outing in Milton Keynes, in 2015, from Intangible Productions. The script has subsequently had a read-through from Gin & Chronic, so Chris Townsend can make any necessary alterations and updates for the #EdFringe slot.
Previous experience is desirable but not essential for auditionees. This is an amateur production and it is a condition of taking part that all the cast available for the full run of the show, 4 to 26 August, technical rehearsal on Thursday 3 and rehearsals on Sunday/Monday evenings (schedule to be confirmed).
Anyone wishing to audition for the play (roles detailed below), or who wants more information or audition sides, should email ginandchronictheatre@gmail.com with the subject: “CASTING”.
Listings
Elegy for an Echo auditions
Central Edinburgh
Monday 3 April.
Email ginandchronictheatre@gmail.com with the subject: “CASTING” for details.
Audition details on facebook: www.facebook.com
Elegy for an Echo
TheSpace @ Jury’s Inn, 43 Jeffrey Street, EH1 1DH (Venue 260)
Friday 4 to Saturday 26 August 2017.
Evenings (not Sun 6, Sun 20): 8.10pm (50 mins).
Gin & Chronic on Facebook: GinAndChronicTheatre
Gin & Chronic Twitter: @GinAndChronicTC
Character Profiles
CONNOR: Male, playing age 20-30.
Connor is an artist, suffering after the death of his fiancé Jen. He is using Exspira as part of a clinical drug trial in order to maintain his memories of Jen and as a way of coping with his loss. He is a conflicted individual with a prevailing addictive personality and who faces a serious moral choice in the course of the play.
JEN: Female, playing age 20-30.
Jen is Connor’s deceased fiancé whom he adores. With a bright, witty personality, she flirts and argues with Connor in equal measure. She appears through Connor’s drug induced hallucinations but remains a character who is full of life.
MITCHELL: Male, playing age 30-40, Age Negotiable
Mitchell has lost his wife, Annie, and is also part of the Exspira drug trial. As part of the support system which accompanies the trial, Mitchell is appointed as Connor’s ‘buddy.’ He acts as a voice of reason and a pragmatic figure but is soon faced with major decisions of his own.
FLORA: Female, playing 30- 40, Age Negotiable.
Flora is an isolated woman, imprisoned physically and mentally. She is in a desperate state; grief-stricken, alone and vulnerable following the loss of her baby son, Tommy. Flora is exploited as part of the Exspira supply chain, and meets Connor as he pursues his need for the drug.
SUPPLIER: Male or female, Age Undefined.
The Supplier is a mysterious figure who offers Connor the chance to ensure he never loses Jen again. In exchange, however, they expect a favour, the details of which are not disclosed. The Supplier is a charming but shady character with unclear intentions and whose omniscient air is both humorous and disconcerting.
ENDS
