The Low Rent Ensemble (TLRE) was founded by me, Christopher Anderson, and Bob Mahnken in the 1980s as a collaborative ensemble dedicated to exploring the lives of people living on the edges of society. Crazy by Design (CBD) is seeking individuals to join in re-forming TLRE performance art troupe; the ensemble will form as the core of all programming. We are looking for dynamic individuals (18+) with classical training and/or a background or interest in multimedia performance art. Ultimately, we would like to establish a nonprofit organization to support the ensemble. All writers, designers, performers, artists and thinkers interested in collaborating on this and future projects are welcome.
A Dark Carnival
This show/installation will open on Halloween weekend. Performances will be performed October 29 (preview), Halloween and the subsequent Saturday evenings as agreed upon by the ensemble. The gallery will be installing a show on the same theme; we are considering all media for the group show. I see this as a performance art submission by TLRE.
Themes
Temptation, be careful what you wish for, punishment of evil, vanity, what is real vs imagined. Inspired by Dante’s Inferno, Ray Bradbury’s, Something Wicked this Way Comes, Insane Clown Posse's Joker’s Cards, Alice Cooper’s Welcome to My Nightmare, Tom Waits Temptation, Pau Teixidor’s Purgatory and the inner-world perception/view of someone with de-realization, an aspect of dissociative identity disorder.
General Concept
I want to create living tableaus for each of our four display windows; the performers in the window would come out of the tableaus to perform in the gallery. CBD has a small stage upon which the actors could perform monologues; they could work the crowd or use the gallery space in whatever ways we can conceive. I see these vignettes as Carnival Sideshows or Attractions, Freak Shows, Midway Games with Carnival Barkers, Ringmasters and Clowns. This is a starting point; I want to hear what others have imagined.
Rehearsal and Production Dates & Locations
Monthly meetings dates are to be determined by the ensemble as are rehearsals and performances.
Compensation
Compensation will depend on our success in fundraising.
Seeking Talent
Ensemble Members: All 18+ years are welcome regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, personal philosophy or political affiliation. The only thing that will not be tolerated is intolerance.
Auditions
CBD will be hosting a coffee salon on Sunday, March 27, 2016 at 11:00 am to gather together all who have expressed interest and those who want to find out more. Our friends on the east coast can join us via Facetime or whatever platform we need put in place. They will have to brew their own coffee.
Ensemble Values
TLRE members:
-Hold each other to the highest standards with kindness and support
-Find joy in the process and each other
-Value hard work
-Are open and receptive to trying new things and methods of working/creating
-Are artists as well as performers
-Value the intellectual and physical aspects of storytelling
-Value an equal playing field for women and men
-Are willing to commit themselves to the betterment and growth of the company, including, but not limited to fundraising, audience growth and retention, and season and project development
-Are ambassadors of TLRE in the community
-Are open and willing to assume leadership roles when called on and eagerly take on and seek out support roles
Ensemble Benefits
-Artistic home to safely explore, grow, and play
-First casting consideration for performance opportunities throughout the year
-Opportunities for hands-on experience running a growing theater company
-Opportunities to spearhead projects of interest
-Support, friendship, and community
Ensemble Responsibilities
-Attend monthly meetings with an open and curious mindset (Dates and times to be determined by the ensemble; I am thinking Saturday or Sunday morning coffees once a month.)
-Make best effort to be available for performance opportunities
-Take ownership of at least one support task in marketing, fundraising, and community building
-Respond to emails in a timely manner (within 48 hours)
-Attend events (shows, workshops, fundraisers)
-Attend bi-annual company meeting
Contact:
14114 Market St.
PO Box 394
Walnut Grove, CA 95690
916-776-2684
crazybydesign@mycrazybydesign.com
mycrazybydesign.com