DANCERS & PROP MANIPULATORS - Download this Info > HERE <

Odyssey is a production comprised of young women who possess the highest level of performance skill. The following audition guidelines must be completed in full to be considered for employment. Although we expect your audition video to adhere to the requirements listed, do not loose sight of the fact that you are auditioning to be a PERFORMER for an international touring show! Those who “perform,” those who make what they have to offer special, will always be given first priority.

Odyssey celebrates all types of women and will represent diverse looks and personalities. To assure minimal injuries as well as maintain the desired appearance on stage, all cast performers are expected to maintain a physically fit and healthy appearance. Performers may also be required to change other parts of their appearance as well (hair length, color, etc.).

Your audition packet should contain the following:

1. Application
2. 2 copies of your Audition Video
3. 1 page resume
4. At least 1 letter of recommendation (from a professional who has the background to verify your qualifications for this job)
5. Current color headshot (no smaller than 5X7)
   
   * All applicants must submit a valid passport (cannot expire before 2009) before their employment will be finalized. Some applicants may be asked to attend a live callback audition in the Spring of 2008.
   
   Please mail all materials to:
   Odyssey Auditions: Brass
   Attention: Ray Linkous
   227-A Main Street Fort Mill, SC 29715

AUDITION VIDEO REQUIREMENTS
All applicants must submit an audition video in one of the following formats: DVD-R (preferred method), Quicktime Movie format, or VHS tape. *Please do NOT submit videos in mini-DV format or mini CD.

Following the guidelines listed below, please prepare your video audition in the following sequence:
1. Introduction
2. Singing demonstration
3. Acting example 1 & 2
4. (optional for musicians) Trained dance skill demonstration
5. Dance / movement demonstration while playing example 1 & 2
6. Primary skill demonstration
7. Extraordinary skills

INTRODUCTION (approx 3 minutes)
This portion of the video allows us to get to know you and your personality.
• Clearly state your name, age, and hometown.
• Elaborate on your background, including both past and present experiences.
• Tell us about your training in the area that you are applying (performance ensembles, guard/dance experience, etc.), and describe any special abilities, hobbies, and or “obsessions” you may have.
• Explain to us why you are qualified for this position, and what unique qualities you possess that makes you the best choice for a role in the cast.

ACTING (each example approx 1-2 minutes)
Acting is an essential part of any stage production, and “spectacle” theatre like Odyssey is no exception. Your ability to communicate with the audience through gestures and nonverbal communication is key toward the audience connecting to what is being conveyed on stage. A cast performer in Odyssey must possess (or have the potential to develop) acting skills that demonstrate a high level of body awareness, emotional range, humor, and above all, vulnerability.

Please select 2 of the following examples to be used in your video. Each example should be acted out nonverbally. You are encouraged to use your body as much as possible. The use of props is acceptable but should be used frugally. Some examples are left open-ended so you may make use of your creativity.

• You have been waiting to receive your college application results in the mail for weeks - you have been wanting to go to this school for years. It finally arrives in the mail.
• You are trying to hail a cab in crowded, downtown Chicago on a windy, rainy, and extremely cold night.
• You are a magazine fashion model who discovers a pimple on her forehead minutes before the shoot begins.
• You are sitting at the movies with your boyfriend. The theatre is packed and he decides to dump you just before the movie starts.
• You are in the wilderness camping and you hear “strange” sounds in the middle of the night.

VOCAL (approx 1 minute)
All cast performers must possess vocal skills. Accompaniment is optional, but you must provide a starting pitch on a piano or pitched instrument. Your selection should showcase your abilities,
but can be as simple or complex as you like. If you are skilled in a pop or secular style, feel free to include a brief example.

TRADITIONAL PERFORMANCE PIECE (approx 10 minutes)
This portion of the video is intended for you to display equipment and movement skills, as well as your expressive range. This can be done in one extended piece, or two or three shorter pieces. These
examples must contain pre-recorded music and/or words. It is important that the performer displays strong and consistent timing. You should also include areas that you may have ability regardless
of your training. For example; if you have had experience on rifle, but do not consider it to be your primary strength, we would still like to see what your skill level would be on that particular equipment. Odyssey does not require all performers to have identical abilities.

Your performance piece(s) should include at least 2 or more of the 3 standard equipment pieces (flag, rifle, and/or sabre). When producing your video, consider the following when using your equipment:
1. wrist flexibility
2. ambidexterity
3. full-body usage
4. a variety of tosses and catches (higher tosses of 5 or more use standard catch)
5. integration of movement with the equipment work
6. emotional expression through the use of your equipment

From a dace and movement perspective, consider your use of the following:
1. variety of qualities
2. flexibility
3. balance
4. jumps
5. turns
6. exploring movement both “in” and “out” of the ground
7. expressive range

EXTRAORDINARY SKILLS
This portion of your video should demonstrate any special abilities or skills that you believe would add to your value as a stage performer such as:
• musical skills (including woodwinds, brass, percussion, strings, singing, etc.)
• baton twirling skills
• gymnastics & tumbling
• acrobatics
• juggling
• rollerblading/skateboarding
• stilt walking
• contortion
• ability to spin “non-traditional” implements
• martial arts
• traditional R.O.T.C. style color guard
• skill with ethnic and folk dance idioms
• advanced skills for manipulating objects through space such as: Frisbee, pitching/throwing a ball with exceptional control, in-door kites, boomerang throwing, etc.