Roddy Bottum (film composer and founding member of rock group Faith No More) is debuting a new, experimental work, Sasquatch, The Opera, at the Edinburgh Fringe this year. Produced by Civil Disobedience, it will be playing a full run at Summerhall this August and we’re currently casting for musicians and chorus members.
MUSICIANS
Roddy himself will be playing synths alongside our Musical Director (MD), Victoria Falconer. We are looking for the following musicians:
- A timpani player
- Two trumpets or french horns
Artists must be available 20:30-22:30 nightly, 2-27 August, and for some rehearsal time in the days leading up to the 2nd. A negotiable show fee will be paid, no but accommodation provided.
Ideally we’d like to work with performers either based in Edinburgh, or who will be here for the Fringe anyway.
CHORUS
Principal singing roles have been cast in NYC, but we’re now casting for the chorus. Again, we’d like to draw from local artists, or those already presenting at the Edinburgh Fringe. You need to be a competent (but not necessarily trained) singer, and keen to push yourself towards the avant-garde. Diversity is key here.
Artists must be available 20:30-22:30 nightly, 2-27 August, and for some rehearsal time in the days leading up to the 2nd. Per diems will be paid, but no accommodation provided.
There is potential for the Edinburgh cast to be involved with further touring opportunities, both within the UK and abroad, later in the year and beyond.
Aesthetic key words: Talent, Diversity, Unconventional, Meth Lab, Experimental, Trailer Trash.
We are looking to fill the following roles:
- 2 x bass/baritone
- 2 x tenor
- 2 x alto (non-gender specific)
HOW TO APPLY
Please email expressions of interest and supporting materials to MD, Vicky Falconer:
Title the email ‘Sasquatch Ensemble’.
AUDITIONS
Live auditions will be held in London for both musicians and singers on Monday 5th / Tuesday 6th June, but filmed audition clips will also be accepted until Monday 12th June.
Fore more details, contact Vicky (see above).
MORE ABOUT THE SHOW
This modern opera is a drug-fuelled and surreal take on the tale of the Sasquatch – a tragic myth retold, in which Bottum holds a mirror up to his own experience as the first openly gay man in the extremely macho world of rock and roll.
It’s also a dark love story that revolves around a backwoods family who make a living selling the story of the Sasquatch to willing tourists – and what happens when they come across the real monster.
Here’s what Roddy has to say about it:
“The impetus for my opera is a theme I’m particularly fond of – that of the misunderstood monster. I reference the Elephant Man, Frankenstein, King Kong and a 100lb four-year-old I once saw on Jerry Springer as characters of inspiration… It’s not your typical opera and I’m looking for unorthodox, creatively adventurous types, even newcomers to the world of theatre. Definitely seeking a queer-friendly cast, as culturally and racially diverse as possible.”
Some further words from Roddy on the project can be viewed below.
wearecivildisobedience.com 