CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: 2018 Directors’ Lab

Rumble Theatre invites applications from emerging directors to participate in the sixth installment of Directorsʼ Lab, a series of in-studio workshops, rehearsals, investigations and roundtable discussions facilitated by a Master Director. This yearʼs Lab will be facilitated by Canadian director Weyni Mengesha and will be held February 27 - March 3, 2018 at Progress Lab 1422 (PL1422) in Vancouver, British Columbia. Directorsʼ Lab is a workshop for emerging directors who want to get rigorous with the foundations of their craft, unhindered by production and scenographic considerations. Using an established text as a working model, the Lab will focus on the director’s preparation process, early stages of rehearsal and assessment and critique of the work. Over five days, participants will discuss principles of directing, examine and analyze a text, rehearse scenes with an ensemble of actors and reflect on the processes. Master Director Weyni Mengesha Weyni Mengesha started her career directing ’da Kink in my Hair, helping build it into an international sensation, and composing its Dora-nominated score. The show went on to make history, selling out some of the largest houses in the country. Some of her other directing credits include: Father Comes Home from the Wars by Suzan-Lori Parks (Soulpepper Theatre), which won Outstanding Production at the 2017 Dora Awards; Butcher by Nicolas Billion (Why Not Theatre), which won Best Direction at the 2016 Doras; Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun (Soulpepper), which received six Dora nominations in 2010; and, in 2011, Kim’s Convenience by Ins Choi (Soulpepper), which broke box office records, won two Toronto Critic Awards (including best new play), and is now a hit CBC TV show. Weyni is also a committed mentor of new talent. She has been the co-director of the acclaimed AMY (Artists Mentoring Youth) Project, training young women in performance arts since 2005, and she continues to guest teach at acting training programs across the country, including The National Theatre School of Canada. Eligibility The Lab is open to emerging artists who are committed to the craft of directing and who want to engage in a rigorous exchange about the discipline. Rumble defines “emerging artist” as a theatre practitioner who is within five years of their professional debut. The ideal emerging artist has completed (or nearly completed) formalized training, is not yet a full member of a professional artistsʼ association (e.g. CAEA) and intends on making their living in the theatre (alternatively defined as an artist who self-identifies as “young-in-craft”). Applicants must be able to demonstrate some experience as a director, a passion for the craft and a willingness to dedicate time to the lab process. Application Requirements Interested artists are required to submit the following materials:

• A letter of intent outlining your personal goals as a director, including a brief reflection on where you are in your artistic path and why you have chosen directing as a career pursuit. You are also encouraged to comment and reflect on the kind of theatre that is most important to you.

• A current theatre CV, highlighting your directing experience. Selected candidates will be expected to thoroughly familiarize themselves with a script selected by the facilitators. Fees & Financial Assistance Application is free. Applicants from outside Vancouver are welcome to submit, however we cannot provide travel or accommodation for participants. The registration fee for participation is $175. Two financial bursaries are available for artists who can demonstrate financial and/or accessibility needs. To be considered for financial assistance, please include a brief statement in your application outlining how you would benefit from being awarded one of the bursaries. Assessment Ms. Mengesha and Rumbleʼs Artistic Director Stephen Drover will select eight directors for the Lab. Participants will be chosen based on the thoughtfulness of their applications and compatibility with the training offered. Applications can be submitted in-person, by post or via E-mail and must be received by January 5, 2018. Successful applicants will be notified by January 15, 2018. E-mail applications should be sent to: jhood@rumble.org with the subject line “Directors’ Lab Application 2018”. Or send via mail/in person to: Rumble Theatre, 1422 William Street, Vancouver, BC V5L 2P7 For more information, please visit the Rumble website at www.rumble.org or call the office at (604) 662-3395.