Actors Bridge Announces New SIDESHOW Training Program

Nashville's Actors Bridge Ensemble, named as First Night's Outstanding Theatre Company of 2010, today announces the creation of SIDESHOW: An Immersion Training Program for Emerging Professional Theatre Artists. Interviews and auditions for entrance into the new training program will be held May 7, from 9 a.m. to noon and 4 to 8 p.m. by appointment.

"I firmly believe that the future of theater depends on talented multi-disciplinary trained artists. SIDESHOW is our investment in the future - ensuring that we will all be in capable hands," says Vali Forrister, ABE producing artistic director.

"Actors Bridge has always taken risks on emerging talent. In 2011, we are taking this commitment to a new level. We are selecting 8 emerging artists (actors, designers, directors, producers, stage mangers, etc. of any age in the first three years of their professional career in Nashville) to form an ensemble to engage in a ten-month training immersion program," she explains

"This is an opportunity for disciplined, dedicated artists to take their development to the next level. The SIDESHOW ensemble will produce three professional theatre events as a supplement to the Actors Bridge 2011-12 mainstage season. All artists will further their training in their primary discipline while cross-training in another theater discipline."

Actors Bridge is a professional theater company (in residence at Belmont University) and actor-training program committed to the Meisner Technique. Applicants are theater artists of any age in the first three years of their professional career in their current discipline (for example, a long-time actor who is shifting career focus to directing would qualify).

SIDESHOW's inaugural season will be led by three of Nashville theatre's most outstanding emerging professionals Jessika Malone, Jackie Johnson and Mitch Massaro. The ensemble will produce three performance events as supplements to the Actors Bridge season.

Acting and directing candidates should have solid foundation in Meisner training (having completed at least the equivalent of Belmont Acting Two or Actors Bridge Level Three). Design and production applicants will be evaluated by individual consideration and portfolio review. All artists will rotate roles throughout the 10 month program, each engaging in one position that's new to them and one position that grows/advances their primary discipline.

The application process includes a brief interview, audition and portfolio review by appointment. Participants will be selected for their cross-disciplinary skills, potential for growth, commitment to ensemble principles, and dedication to the longevity of Actors Bridge. There will be compensation opportunities (no entrance fee or tuition charges).

"We believe the more artists hone our craft together, the deeper and more honest our work on stage becomes," Forrister explains. "We value the cultivation of new talent and are excited to provide the space for emerging artists to take creative risks. SIDESHOW offers practical knowledge to make emerging theatre artists more innovative, versatile, and marketable."

To schedule an appointment, or for further information, email NashvilleSideshow@gmail.com. Auditions will be held at Belmont University's Black Box Theatre, 1575 Compton Avenue. Audition requirements are as follows:

• Performance Applicants: Prepare 2 contrasting monologues under three minutes. For singers, prepare 16 bars, unaccompanied.

• Design Applicants: Bring your portfolio and any supporting materials for review.

• Stage Management Applicants: Bring previous production prompt books.

Actors Bridge Ensemble is a professional theater company and actor-training program celebrating over 15 years in Nashville. Itsr mission is to tell the stories that impact our community by producing provocative and socially relevant theater, creating new theatrical works, showcasing emotionally authentic ensemble acting and fostering a nurturing environment where theater artists at any stage in their development may train and assist in the production of professional theater.

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