CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS - DEADLINE MAY 7 2021, 5PM EST (CLOSED)
Project: Humanity is pleased to announce the launch of Proximity Lab, a Verbatim Theatre research-creation project supported by the Ontario Arts Council through the OAC Arts Response Initiative. We are seeking 4 diverse theatremakers to imagine, discover, and test new “pandemic-proof” methods of presenting Verbatim Theatre to audiences while retaining the ethics of care, compassion, and multiplicity of voice which are central to our practices.
Under the mentorship of Verbatim Theatre artist and Project: Humanity Artistic Director Andrew Kushnir, participants will undergo a Verbatim Theatre intensive and engage with expert consultants Lisa Marie DiLiberto (artistic director of Theatre Direct, founding artistic director of Fixt POINT Arts and Media and co-creator of The Tale of A Town -- Canada ), Chris Altorf (director/editor/cinematographer, partner at ISTOICA, and technical director of On The Dot Studios) and Camille Turner (founder of Outerregion, and explorer of race, space, home and belonging through media and performance). Proximity Lab participants will then undertake an independent research-creation process in order to stretch the bounds of Verbatim Theatre and explore new models of presentation (such as but not limited to podcasting, interactive online performance, land-based immersive theatre, and hybridizations of these and other forms).
the details
Each participant will conduct their own Verbatim experiments using original interview materials they’ll generate. Participants will have access to limited budgets for resources (such as materials and technology) that they may need in order to develop short Verbatim “etudes” or experiments. We will work with Lindsay Valve of Quilin to analyze and document discoveries from Proximity Lab in a report to be shared across the sector, as performing artists of all disciplines source new ways of connecting with audiences. Participants will retain co-authorship of this report, as well as full authorship of the short Verbatim Theatre works they develop in the Lab.
Proximity Lab will take place between May and July 2021. Participation is compensated with a $1750 honorarium per participant, for a time commitment of no more than 75 working hours each (divided between approximately 30 hrs of workshop time and 45 hours of independent creation). Activities will take place primarily online, or possibly outdoors with proper public health protocols in place (and the consent of all participants) if circumstances allow.
who we’re looking for (AND why)
Verbatim Theatre holds the potential to reinforce structures of colonialism, paternalism and white supremacy. This form of theatre should constantly be challenged and scrutinized. As we continue to interrogate and reimagine the future of Verbatim Theatre, Proximity Lab is one step PH is taking towards removing barriers to training and opportunities in this field. While PH will be creating a space, offering tools, and providing resources, each Lab participant will work independently to explore their own curiosities. This is a paid research-creation opportunity extended to equity-seeking artists in an effort to support diverse creative leadership. Experienced and emerging theatremakers are equally welcome to apply.
We invite submissions of interest from theatremakers who:
Either have experience or interest in Verbatim or Documentary Theatre
Live in or are based in the GTA
Have a ‘growth mindset’, are interested in experimenting with form, and can detach from traditional notions of success in pursuit of discovery and creative risk-taking
Identify as a member of an equity-seeking group (i.e Black Artists, Indigenous Artists, and Artists of Colour; Disability-identified, neurodivergent Artists, and/or Mad / Artists with lived experience of mental illness; 2SLGBTQIA+ Artists; Artists who have faced barriers due to their gender identities; Artists who are low-income; and any other Artist who has faced barriers in their practice due to their identities and/or lived experiences.)
how to apply:
Please express your interest in Proximity Lab by May 7 2021 at 5:00PM via this Google Form, which accepts audio, video, or written submissions. Click here to view a sample of the Google Form prior to accessing it.
You may also email us at info@projecthumanity.ca at any time to ask questions, or to discuss additional forms of application if those included in the Google Form pose a barrier to access for you. All applicants will be notified regardless of result by May 15 2021.
