Hey guys! It’s Robert Banks. I am Casting Director (and Artistic Director/Producer) of ultra interactive environmental theatre events with a modern-day homicide case theme. We’re called Keith & Margo’s MURDER MYSTERY TEXAS. murdermysterytexas Now before your minds rush to schlocky CLUE GAME re-enactments with feather boas, etc… know that ours is the anti-cheesy, anti-campy polar opposite to those other troupes out there. Since 1990, we’ve been the smart, cool alternative… designed for elite, discriminating fans of the mystery genre. And I’m on the hunt now for talented, fun-loving, adventurous actors and improvisational types to join my local troupe. THE JOB DESCRIPTIONS Facilitator/Master of Ceremonies aka “HOST” > Directs the cast (just light simple blocking). Once the show is blocked, the Detective oversees the run-throughs before a performance. [SEE BELOW re: REHEARSALS] > Oversees each event — the key decision-maker > Has strong theatre experience both onstage and backstage > Acts as MMT representative when facilitating a client’s needs and the venue’s needs > Unpacks and organizes props before the event, and re-packs all props at conclusion of event > Sets up simple audio equipment before the event, and re-packs audio at conclusion of event > Plays simple mood music cues throughout the event (CD player) > Adjusts the microphone levels when needed throughout the event > Adjusts the light level of the playing space when needed throughout the event > Gives short announcements to audience throughout the event (incl. Rules on How to Compete). Will also present the winning prizes to audience members. Must be friendly, warm, presentable and personable > Hides all clues in the dining room for the event > Cues all actors during the event > Wears upscale business casual attire. Slacks with pockets. Starting pay for 3-hour local events: $150 per event Lead Comedic Actor aka “DETECTIVE” > Oversees the blocking run-throughs of the actors before any performance. [SEE BELOW re: REHEARSALS] > Has strong standup comedy, improv comedy or comedic MC experience > Is believable as a modern-day tough-as-nails cop > Controls the crowd with good humor > Interacts and humorously banters with audience members while advancing the murder plot (showing discovered clues, improv dialogue with suspects) — all with wit and repartee > Roasts selected unsuspecting guests from the audience who are celebrating special occasions. Detective weaves in their hobbies, jobs, etc. into a humorous “criminal record”. This customization is done by the Detective at home as homework > Memorizes the final scene which is dramatic in tone. This is required homework > Wears professional suit and tie Starting pay for 3-hour local events: $150 per event Lead Dramatic Actor aka “KILLER” > Hides in plain sight as a guest — seated at a dining table alongside the other diners. Incognito, an impostor. Requires the skills of a con artist, or an undercover DEA agent. Ultra realistic (no campy, cheesy acting please) > Mingles and converses with other guests while in character. Dodges, deflects certain questions with the skill of a politician (not lying, yet not giving away the plot) > Memorizes the final scene which is dramatic in tone. This is required homework > Wears upscale business casual attire Starting pay for 3-hour local events: $75 per event. Most gigs include a dinner (while you act) — depending on the character Supporting Dramatic Actors aka “SUSPECTS” > Behaves suspiciously during the event. Often seen in whispered, improvised arguments in the corners of the dining room with other actors (no campy, cheesy acting please) > Mingles and converses with other guests while in character. Dodges, deflects certain questions with the skill of a politician (not lying, yet not giving away the plot) > May not survive till the end (you may be our 2nd or 3rd victim) > Memorizes the final scene (if you survive) which is dramatic in tone. This is required homework > Wears upscale business casual attire Starting pay for 3-hour local events: $75 per event. Some gigs include a dinner (while you act) — depending on the character Entry Level Dramatic Actors aka “VICTIMS” > Plays either a hired assassin or an innocent bystander in the first act of the show (no campy, cheesy acting please) > Supplies his own shirt which may get stage blood on it. Victim is expected to wash this shirt before the next performance > Is able to drive away right after his “death” Starting pay for local events: $40 per event. LOCATIONS OF SHOWS We perform public shows every Saturday at a historic restaurant at Fair Park, Dallas. The plots and casts change every 2 months. We also perform once to twice a month on Saturdays in Fort Worth at The Hilton. Every other month we have a gig at Maggiano’s Italian Restaurant at Northpark, and also at Maggiano’s Italian Restaurant in Plano. These are usually on Fridays. We are also at Maggianos restaurants in Austin, San Antonio and Houston. In addition we are hired for corporate private parties which can be any day of the week, any time of the day. Could be at country clubs, hotels, other restaurants, someone’s residence, an office building. REHEARSALS We use a very specific scenario peppered with short bursts of semi-scripted dialogue. The final scene, however, is about 2-3 pages of dialogue which must be memorized by the 1st rehearsal. Everything else is just you staying in character (not lying, yet not giving away the plot). All important actions (arguments, offstage murders) are cued by The HOST. Therefore, very little rehearsal is required. Typically we only rehearse 90 minutes - 2 hours before the actual event. On some occasions, when the show is more complicated, we will also meet once in the evening during the week leading up to the event and block the show quickly. All lines are to be off by that rehearsal. Robert (if available) will direct and answer all questions then. Otherwise, The HOST will direct and give the blocking to the cast. The DETECTIVE is required to run the actors through their blocking before any given performance. BUT WHAT IF YOU’RE SOMETIMES IN A PLAY? Simply decline any offered gig from MMT if you are not available. You are not penalized if you have to say “No” every so often. No worries. If we offer you a part in a 2 month run for public shows (8 Saturdays) in Dallas, and you have a couple of conflicts… we can usually cover them with other actors. INTERESTED? WHAT TO DO NEXT: > Go to this link: murdermysterytexas/contact/actor-employment/ and fill out the form > Email me your actor’s headshot and theatrical resume to: robert@murdermysterytexas
Posted on: Thu, 02 Oct 2014 19:24:00 +0000
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