Casting Puppeteers for White Snake Projects’ “MONKEY: A Kung Fu Puppet Parable”
White Snake Projects is casting experienced puppeteers, physical theater performers, and Kung Fu practitioners to animate puppet characters and perform as a movement-based ensemble in a new opera, MONKEY: A Kung Fu Puppet Parable inspired by the epic Chinese fable Journey to the West. Composed by Jorge Sosa with libretto by Cerise Lim Jacobs, this adventurous production will feature three life-scale puppet characters:
Monkey – A Bunraku-style puppet performed by 1 to 3 puppeteers
Zhu, a pig-man – A wearable backpack/body puppet performed by 1 puppeteer
Sha, a sand-spirit – An ethereal mask-and-fabric puppet performed by 1 to 3 puppeteers
The characters will be voiced by opera singers (already cast) and brought to life by the puppetry ensemble in full view of the audience. The puppets are designed and built by Tom Lee and the Chicago Puppet Studio with stage and puppetry direction by Roxanna Myhrum and Kung Fu choreography by Calvin Chin.
We are seeking to cast a diverse ensemble of performers with a wide range of performance experience, body types, and movement skills. In addition to established professionals, we welcome submissions from individuals with a passion for the subject matter who bring unique perspectives and skills to the project. While not required, prior experience with theatrical-scale puppetry, music/opera, dance, Kung Fu, and/or Chinese cultural performance styles are welcome and should be noted in application materials. Ensemble members should all bring a willingness to learn, play, experiment, and work collaboratively with members of a team.
Location & Time Commitment:
Rehearsals will take place in Boston and Brookline August 21-September 21, with calls in the afternoons and evenings. Performances will be September 22, 23, 24 at the Paramount Theatre in Boston. An additional 1-day movement workshop will take place before the rehearsal period, targeted for late spring 2023.
Fee Range
$2500-$3500, depending on the role, rehearsal availability, and experience.
While performers outside of Greater Boston are welcome to apply, please know we are unable to provide housing as part of the contract.
To Apply
To be considered, please fill out the brief form below by March 20th expressing your interest, skills, and availability. If selected, additional application materials may be requested by e-mail. Selected candidates may be asked to participate in a movement-based audition / interview either over Zoom or in person. Casting decisions will be made by the end of April 2023.
White Snake Projects is an equal opportunity employer. As an activist opera company, we encourage BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals to apply