next to normal (Seabass Theatre)
Venue/Date of Show: Bidding Oxford Playhouse MT26
Content Warnings: Deep explorations of mental illness (bipolar disorder, depression), grief/loss of a child, suicide attempts, self-harm, medical trauma, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Deadline: Saturday WK3 (Feb 7th) @ 23:59
Seabass Theatre's production of next to normal is looking for crucial team members to join us to bring this incredible show to life!
THE SHOW
Dad's an architect; Mom rushes to pack lunches and pour cereal; their daughter and son are bright, wise-cracking teens, appearing to be a typical American family. And yet their lives are anything but normal because the mother has been battling bipolar disorder for 16 years. next to normal takes audiences into the minds and hearts of each character, presenting their family's story with love, sympathy and heart.
This deeply moving piece of theatre provides a wonderful opportunity for performers to explore dramatic material and showcase vocal talents with an energetic pop/rock score. next to normal is an emotional powerhouse that addresses such issues as grieving a loss, ethics in modern psychiatry, and suburban life.
WHAT THE HELL IS SEB PLANNING ON DOING TO IT
In true Seabass style, I don't want to approach this show traditionally. I want to peer inside of Diana's head, and realise in a kind of visual collage what exactly makes her tick, and how we can understand her now in a post-lockdown world of open conversations about mental health.
The theatrical language will be very stark. I'm hoping to employ several key visual media, such as an open/ bare stage; extensive use of flies; the slow decaying of household appliances as a baseplate; and projections. There's method to the madness, and it goes a hell of a lot deeper than what I can realistically say here without sounding like a pompous dick. I promise I have thought it through, though, and it'll be really exciting to explore these concepts as a team.
WHAT ROLES DO WE NEED FILLING
There is absolutely no experience requirement for any roles. Though some roles would definitely benefit from it (mainly for your sake so you don't get overwhelmed!), enthusiasm is the most important thing here.
PRODUCER As this is a Playhouse show, this is an ideal role for someone with previous production experience.
MUSICAL DIRECTOR
PRODUCTION MANAGER Again, this is an ideal position for a more experienced theatrician.
MARKETING MANAGER
SET DESIGNER
Seabass Theatre is an inclusive company, and we encourage everyone to apply, especially Freshers and people from backgrounds usually underrepresented in Oxford Drama. In light of current events, we would like to emphasise our commitment to diversity and inclusion and actively encourage LGBTQ+, BAME, disabled, and state-school educated creatives to apply to this crew call. There is no minimum experience level.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to email me (Seb, director!) at sebastian.carrington@magd.ox.ac.uk.
Link to Further Information/Sign Up Form: https://forms.gle/NmfVHJGVQwr6NJNb8