Noveltease Theatre Opens Call For BIPOC Writers

Noveltease Theatre, Seattle's premier literary burlesque theatre company, is soliciting pitches from BIPOC writers and writer/choreographers for a new adaptation of a work of public domain literature to be featured in their 2022 season.

THEIR MISSION

Noveltease Theatre produces contemporary burlesque plays, blending neo-burlesque styling with the theatrical roots of burlesque theatre in the 1880s. Though a combination of text and dance, they seek to embody literature and create shared community around storytelling. They stage unique burlesque adaptations of classic works of theatre and literature in order to reclaim and rework the canon from a sex-positive, queer, feminist, and anti-racist standpoint that enlivens and transforms classic works for contemporary audiences.

HOW THEY WORK & WHO THEY'RE LOOKING FOR

Their shows adapt works of classic literature through a unique blend of text and dance. They think of dance as an integral, diegetic part of their storytelling. They use burlesque as a core part of their dance and storytelling vocabulary. Some of their shows have been created by a writer in collaboration with a choreographer, while other more movement-driven shows have been created by a single writer/choreographer. They are open to either scenario. They are looking for writers who love literature, and understand how movement can enliven a text. Proposed projects should work within their "House Style," which is detailed on their website.

TIMELINE

The Call for Writers will remain open until January 15, 2021. Selection will be made by March 1. The selected writer will be contracted to begin developing the work by the end of March 2021, pursuant to the following timeline:

• May 2021: Storyboard/outline of adaptation submitted

• July 2021: 1st draft submitted

• July 2021: Table read of 1st draft with Company

• September 2021: 2nd draft submitted

• September 2021: Table read of 2nd draft with Company

• October 2021: Final draft of script submitted

• November 2021/December 2021: Choreography Development (relevant to writer/choreographers)

• Projected Production Dates: March/April 2022

COMPENSATION

Writers will receive a $250 stipend, commensurate with stipends for Noveltease Theatre Core Company members, paid in installments upon completion of the first draft of the script and the final, accepted draft. Writers who are also choreographing their own adaptation will receive an additional $250 stipend for their work as choreographer, paid at close of show.

For further information and submission requirements, visit www.novelteasetheatre.org/call-for-writers