Theatre Performer
ChatterBox Theatre Society has been dedicated to delivering a meaningful theatrical experience to young audiences through interaction and humor. We aim to teach children positive values and offer them support in all stages of their development. In addition, we strive to build a stronger community by encouraging public engagement and dialogue, while nurturing and promoting our local artists.
What do we do?
ChatterBox Theatre provides positive and interactive theatrical experiences for children in the community. Our purpose is not only to create unique and enjoyable productions but also to teach children concepts of feelings and how they influence the world around them.
Apart from the education and entertainment of our unique plays, we also offer support for the local artistic community by creating development opportunities for young performers. We also help connect the public with emerging artists, offering space for exhibitions and periodic events.
Purpose of the Position
The theatre performer will foster the interactive nature of ChatterBox Theatre Society plays by bringing children from the audience into the middle of the story being acted out. Using humour and a safe environment, that includes parents/guardians in the audience, the Theatre Performer will perform with children and help them increase their confidence and creativity by working through complex social issues children may experience. Social issues may include topics like bullying, gender inequality, peer pressure, trust, and more. The Theatre Performer will draw out different perspectives from the children to help teach them and the audience about the social issue(s) being addressed.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Attend and participate in rehearsals and additional training to build skills in acting, improvisation, theatrics production, interaction with children, ethics and teamwork.
- Read and memorize scripts, take cues, and partner with other theatre performers to create memorable shows for the audience that they will enjoy.
- Interpret the work of the Script Writer under the instruction and support of the artistic director.
- Practice and convey characters with special personality traits and emotions to connect with the audience and foster learnings within the story.
- Incorporate humour into roles through speech, gesture, and body movements to entertain or inform the audience about the social issue(s) being portrayed in the play.
- Improvise the reactions of a character within a particular social situation.
- As required, research apart by reading material or shadowing a person similar to the character being portrayed in the production.
- Encourage audience participation for an optimal theatrical experience.
- Ensure costumes are properly maintained and that the costume designer is aware of any deficiencies that need to be addressed.
- Ensure all props and equipment are handled with care before, during and after performances.
- Promote ChatterBox Theatre Society productions within the community, through interviews, posts on social media platforms, etc.
- Collaborate with other organizations and groups within the community to build partnerships.
- Invite existing and new theatre partners to get involved with special events being organized.
Skills and Knowledge:
- Creative or artistic skills in story/script writing, stage management, professional acting and improvisation, choreography, stage set design, costume design, music, dancing, lighting, etc.
- Experience acting as characters in theatre productions to share stories and connect with audience members on an emotional level is considered an asset.
- Ability to collaborate with team members to achieve desired outcomes that support the organization’s mission.
- Strong problem-solving skills to improvise when technical challenges arise during shows.
- Strong work ethic and passionate commitment to advancing the mission of the organization.
- Willingness to learn new techniques related to theatre, history, performance, voice and dance.
- Strong communication skills to cultivate community and audience connections.
- Ability and confidence in telling a compelling story about the organization that others believe in.
- Friendly, professional demeanor and considered approachable by others.
Qualifications:
- Demonstrated work, school, or volunteer experience in interacting with audiences through public expression, public speaking, or other creative skills.
- Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts is considered an asset.
- Experience working with non-profit organizations is considered an asset.
- Passionate interest in theatre and education of the fine arts in the Calgary community.
- Legally entitled to volunteer in Canada, with the ability to meet volunteer screening requirements (e.g. criminal check, including a vulnerable sector verification).
- Class 5 driver’s license is considered an asset.
Note: performers must be located in Calgary or the surrounding area.
To Apply
