WORK WITH US!
THE HAT THEATER COLLECTIVE is seeking actors who sing and move well for roles in its immersive musical production, "The Ballad of Old Manatee."
AUDITIONS WILL BE HELD BY APPOINTMENT:
Saturday, February 10 | 2PM - 6PM
Your Honeycomb Event Space in Old Manatee Historic District
426 9th Street East Bradenton, FL
Please prepare a short comedic monologue or story. We will be scheduling 10 minute audition slots. If time permits, we will also accept walk-up appointments.
To reserve your audition appointment, please email your headshot, resume, and any time preferences to danae.deshazer@gmail.com.
For those who aren't able to attend in-person, video auditions may be submitted by Friday, February 9 at 5PM. Please include your headshot, resume, and link to your audition on YouTube or Vimeo. You may be asked to submit additional callback material.
ABOUT:
THE BALLAD OF OLD MANATEE is an immersive historical drama with original folk music inspired by true events from Manatee County's origins. Produced by The Hat Theater Collective, and co-created by Danae DeShazer and Derek Brookens.
“The Ballad of Old Manatee” dramatizes the dynamic love story of James C. Vanderipe and Sarah Lee—and an intense conflict between James and Sarah's father, the Reverend Edmund Lee. This conflict, shrouded in mystery and intrigue, leads to James' death and burial in what is called "The Lonesome Grave." History meets mystery in this unique theatrical experience!
The Hat Theater Collective is a new collaborative theater ensemble created by Danae DeShazer in Bradenton, FL. Named Bradenton’s Best Live Theater (2023 Gold Winner) by the Bradenton Herald, The Hat creates innovative and immersive theatrical experiences. Proceeds from the production will be donated to the Manatee Village Historical Commission, Inc., to raise money to renovate and preserve historic buildings on-site at the Manatee Village Historical Park.
REHEARSALS BEGIN: Saturday, March 2, 2024. Rehearsals will take place on nights & weekends.
PRODUCTION DATES:
Performances will take place outdoors in an intimate, immersive-style at the Manatee Village Historical Park in Bradenton, FL.
Thursday, April 4 at 6PM
Friday, April 5 at 6PM
Saturday, April 6 at 3PM and 6PM
Thursday, April 11 at 6PM
Friday, April 12 at 6PM
Saturday, April 13 at 6PM
Thursday, April 18 at 6PM
Friday, April 19 at 6PM
Saturday, April 20 at 3PM and 6PM
SEEKING: Six Professional Actors who Sing to play the following roles:
SARAH LEE (20s, female-presenting) - a spunky, intelligent woman who falls madly in love with James, even if it is against her father's will. Must act, sing, and move well.
JAMES C. VANDERIPE (20s, 30s, male-presenting) - a rebel without a cause who sees life through a different lens. Willing to do anything for love. Must act, sing, and move well. (Basic guitar is a plus!)
REVEREND EDMUND LEE (50s, male-presenting) - a stoic man who is not only the first Clerk of the Circuit Court, but also a devoutly religious and God-fearing man. Sarah's father and Electa's husband. Acting only.
ELECTA LEE (50s, female-presenting) - Wife to Edmund and mother to Sarah. A domineering feminist who isn't afraid to disagree with her husband and wants the best for her only daughter. Must act and sing.
ELIZA BURTS (20s, female-presenting) - the silly, witty bestie to Sarah Lee and wife to William Vanderipe (James' brother). Must be a terrific improvisational actor with great comedic skills.
BO (30s, male-presenting) - the narrator and train conductor of our story. He's been around the block. Must act, sing, and play guitar.
The six professional actors will receive a stipend of $25/performance at the completion of the production run.
ALSO SEEKING VOLUNTEER ENSEMBLE ACTORS (all ages, all genders) to play atmospheric townspeople in the Village of Old Manatee. Must have good improvisational skills and enjoy working with audiences. History-lovers welcome! Will sing, dance, and play various instruments as able—including harmonica, washboard, spoons, tambourine, etc. All ensemble roles are volunteer and unpaid. These roles will not be required to attend all rehearsals or all performances.