Out of Joint and Sheffield Theatres have announced open auditions for all roles in their co-production of Close Quarters, a new play by Kate Bowen. The auditions will be held in Sheffield, Glasgow and London in May and June.
Set in the near future on a British Army base overseas, Close Quarters is a taut drama about the first generation of women in close combat roles, offering audiences a fascinating look at gender politics in the world’s most dangerous workplace. It will play at Sheffield Theatres Studio in October and November, directed by Out of Joint’s artistic director Kate Wasserberg.
Announcing the auditions, Kate Wasserberg said: “Close Quarters evokes the cameraderie and pressure cooker atmosphere of the best war films, putting women at the centre of that world. Kate Bowen has created a memorable and diverse cast of characters from a range of backgrounds, including several working class squaddies, and open auditions seemed a great way for us to meet actors who will bring both the authenticity and skills we’re looking for, as well giving an opportunity to actors who might not make it to the audition room through more traditional routes. I’m blessed to be working with two wonderful casting directors, Lucy Jenkins and Sooki McShane, who are supporting these auditions as part of our casting process.”
One of the play’s roles demands skills in parkour, the free running-style discipline inspired by military assault courses. And the military setting brings other demands: a second round of auditions will see shortlisted actors put through their paces in a combat workshop with fight directors.
Actors interested in taking part should read the character breakdowns and application instructions on Out of Joint’s website and then apply for an audition slot. Suitable applicants will then be offered a time-slot. Kate and the team will see as many actors as the time allows.
