January 25, 2011

WANT TO BE PART OF SOMETHING? 

Long Cloud Youth Theatre is calling for auditionees for its 2011 intake. Long Cloud looks for ambitious, talented and motivated 16-21 year olds who want to embark on a yearlong rollercoaster ride of actor’s training and making theatre together. Students of Long Cloud get classes in voice, movement and acting, as well as the opportunity to work towards several stage productions throughout the year.

The audition for the 2011 intake will be held on Saturday 12th February from 10am-1pm at Whitireai Performing Arts Centre, 25-27 Vivian St, Wellington. If you want to sign up for an audition please send an email with your name, contact details, age and theatre/drama background to longcloudyouththeatre@gmail.com.

This application must be received by Monday 7th February.

Artistic Director Willem Wassenaar: “I feel excited to be working with a talented group of young theatre makers in the structure of this Company. In this programme you have the opportunity to grow as an actor and, at the same time, make theatre with likeminded passionate people. I am especially looking for anyone who wants to make a big commitment and investment in being part of Long Cloud Youth Theatre. The programme is intense with two classes each week, and you need to be available in some weekends and holidays as well. It is like doing sports at a very high level.” 

The Long Cloud programme runs for four terms alongside the school year. The first class starts in the week of 14th February 2011. The training fee per term is $300. 

Long Cloud believes that in order to improve your craft you need regular performance exposure. The company provides ongoing opportunities in the year to do so. The first Long Cloud year is focussed on training in the basic and elementary acting skills, whereas older members of the company get the chance to perform in productions on a regular basis. 

Entry to the company is by audition only. The members of the Company come from different ethnic and social backgrounds and schools and show huge commitment in being part of Long Cloud Youth Theatre. A majority of the actors involved intend to pursue a career in the performing arts. Various members have enrolled into Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School and are already working in the industry for stage, television and screen. 

Long Cloud Youth Theatre is a hothouse for New Zealand’s most exciting young acting talent. It is a unique training and production company for actors aged 16-21 years. Entering its sixth year in 2011, the Company gives young actors the means to enhance their theatrical skills through experience in practical performance and the opportunity to work with NZ’s foremost directors and tutors. Company credits are: EQUUS (2010), THE MISANTHROPE (2010), THE SEAGULL (2010), THE LITTLE PRINCE, (2010) VERNON GOD LITTLE (Downstage, 2010), TITUS ANDRONICUS (2009), THE CRUCIBLE (2009), GRIMM & COLONY! (2008 & 2009) and SPRING AWAKENING (2008).

WILLEM WASSENAAR (ARTISTIC DIRECTOR)

Originally from The Netherlands, Willem has studied and worked as an actor, director and acting tutor. He holds a Master of Theatre Arts in Directing at Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School and Victoria University of Wellington, as well as having completed the Master in Theatre Studies at Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (The Netherlands). His New Zealand works include directing productions at Auckland Theatre Company, Te Whaea Theatre, Circa Theatre, Centrepoint Theatre, Downstage Theatre, BATS Theatre and the Basement Theatre.

Directing credits include THE GLASS MENAGERIE, ANTIGONE (for International Arts Festival Oerol in The Netherlands), A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, SPRING AWAKENING, THE LITTLE DOG LAUGHED, WOLF’S LAIR, BLOOD WEDDING, THE CRUCIBLE, TITUS ANDRONICUS, VERNON GOD LITTLE, BROKEN CHINA, EQUUS, THE SEAGULL, THE MISANTHROPE and ANGELS IN AMERICA; PART I MILLENNIUM APPROACHES, for which Willem won the 2007 Chapman Tripp Award for Most Promising New Director. Willem directed ROMEO AND JULIET for the Auckland Theatre Company in 2011.

He is Co-director of Almost A Bird Theatre Collective and Artistic Director of Long Cloud Youth Theatre.

LONG CLOUD YOUTH THEATRE
Whitireia Performing Arts Company
36 Vivian Street
Wellington

Telephone (04) 238 6225
Facsimile: (04) 385 0486
longcloudyouththeatre@gmail.com