Edinburgh Music Theatre is proud to announce their next major production, CHESS.
This local company, based in the heart of Edinburgh, are making marks on the amateur musical theatre scene in Scotland’s capital, which can boast an active and talented assortment of groups producing excellent shows in this genre.
In the past 5 years they’ve offered up a variety of musicals, and continually try to push the boundaries by selecting productions that wouldn’t necessarily be the easy, go to favourites. In 2010, the company presented the Edinburgh amateur premier of the ultimate toe-tapping, feel-good, musical Footloose, which they followed in 2011 with the poignant Rent, partnering Waverley Care, Scotland’s leading charity providing care and support to people living with HIV and Hepatitis C.
Following these two polar opposite and equally successful shows, EMT upped the ante again with their ingenious staging of Sondheim’s sinister Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, complete with fully integrated BSL at every performance – another first for an amateur company. Then they changed the tempo again, taking on the retro and off-the-cuff How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, showcasing tantalising tap, office kitsch and cartoon comedy.
Their latest production this year, Boogie Nights, was an astounding success as EMT once again threw a new twist into their repertoire, showcasing a Sing-a-long performance of the show, stacked to the brim with classic 70s hits.
Now, this exceptional company are taking on CHESS, with original music from the ABBA boys and lyrics by Tim Rice, and who better than to hear about the company’s next venture from than the director of the production, Michael Davies, who is looking forward to the challenge:
"Edinburgh Music Theatre are back with a bang, and whilst Scotland faces the biggest decision in its history, EMT will be bringing you one of the most politically poignant musicals ever written.
"Set under the dark cloud of the Cold War, CHESS tells the story of two grand masters – an American and a Russian – both battling for world supremacy and, of course, the love of a woman. But to what ends will the political propaganda shape their futures… sound familiar?
"EMT is a fun, dynamic amateur theatre company with professional standards and high aspirations and as such, we are always on the lookout for new talented performers. If you are an actor, singer or dancer... or hey, even if you have all three, we'd love to see what you've got."
If you’re interested in going along to audition, all the details are below. Get involved with a local company who are going from strength to strength – you’re move.
Dates and Times:
Introduction and Company casting workshop
Wednesday 17th September
7pm – 10pm
Barclay Viewforth Church Hall, Edinburgh, EH10 4HR
Be prepared to learn a dance and a musical number during this session which you will then perform in small groups at the end of the evening to the production team as an audition for a place in the Company.
Principal Auditions
Saturday 20th September
The Scout Association, 15 Valleyfield Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9LP
Following a successful audition for a place in the Company, you will be eligible for a PRINCIPAL audition. For this, you should prepare a monologue and a song (this should NOT be from Chess).
Your song choice should include notes at the very top of your range and MUST be sung to a piano accompaniment which the MD will play for you (i.e. please bring sheet music - backing tracks will NOT be allowed). Don't worry if the song is not in the correct key for you - the MD will transpose it into the appropriate key.
Recalls
Wednesday 24th September
Barclay Viewforth Church Hall, Edinburgh, EH10 4HR
You may or may not be recalled for a further audition. If you are not recalled, this is NOT necessarily an indication that you have been unsuccessful. Often the production team is able to make a decision based on the qualities you present at the first audition and may not need to see further evidence of your talents. If you ARE recalled, this will usually be to confirm the team's assessment of your initial audition and they may also wish to hear you alongside another candidate for reasons of vocal balance/look, etc. You will be told what to prepare for this audition.
Direction by Mike Davies, Musical Direction by Neil Metcalfe and Choreography by Sarah Aitken.
Rehearsals will take place on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings in Barclay Viewforth Church Hall from September 2014.
CHESS will be performed at the Church Hill Theatre from 10th – 14th March 2015.
For queries or further information please contact [email protected]
www.edinburghtheatre.co.uk