Summer Employment Opportunity in Sipekne'Katik / Call For Artists
You?
Are you a member (on or off reserve) of Sipekne’katik First Nation?
Are you looking for a summer job?
Are you interested in making art?
Do you work well with others?
...Wanna create and perform in A PLAY in Sipekne’Katik this summer?
Applicants
Applicants must:
-be a member (on or off reserve) of Sipekne’Katik First Nation
-be 15 years or older (including adults of all ages and Elders)
-be able to work full time (30 hours/w) for 8 weeks during July and August.
-be able to perform during evenings and on weekends at the mid/end of August.
-have a desire to make or learn how to make theatre.
-want to work well with others.
ARTISTS and ASPIRING ARTISTS OF ALL AGES AND FROM ALL MEDIUMS, LOCATIONS AND LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.
Number of positions - 9
Employers
William Taylor Youth Project (WTP) is a community organisation, based in Sipekne’Katik, that aims to reconnect Indigenous people with their indigeneity through artistic expression and experience.
Zuppa is a 26 year old theatre company based in Kjipuktuk/Halifax. We create plays from scratch with collaborators that bring new life experiences, perspectives and/or skill sets to the table.
What
WTP and Zuppa seek to hire artists (actors, musicians, dancers, writers, clothing and textiles, designers, circus, visual, sound, etc.) from Sipekne’Katik to create and perform in Caliban of Sipekne’Katik, a new theatrical production that considers Mi’kmaw stories and history and how they relate to aspects of Shakespeare’s The Tempest.
The artistic team will gain skills and valuable feedback in theatre creation, production and performance under the supervision of Reconciliation In Action Advisor, Richard Taylor, and Zuppa Co-Artistic Director Ben Stone. As part of the creation process, the team will be mentored by Richard, a Mi’kmaw artist and cultural carrier and founder of The William Taylor Youth Project. He will lead the team in the construction of a traditional longhouse that will serve as part of the set for the production. The team will also build drums, traditional skirts and complete red ochre paintings that will augment the set, costumes and props of Caliban of Sipekne'Katik. During this time, they will also learn traditional music, singing, dancing, legends, and history.
For the final two weeks of the contract, the team will perform Caliban of Sipekne’Katik to the members of Sipekne’Katik First Nation and the general public.
Hourly Wage paid to participants: $20/hr - $24/hr
Number of hours per Week: 30
Where
Sipekne’Katik (Shubie, Indian Brook)
When
Anticipated Start Date: July 2, 2024
Number of Weeks: 8
Anticipated End Date: August 25th
Number of hours per Week: 30
Creation/Rehearsals (6 weeks) Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm
Performances (2 weeks) Wednesday - Sunday 3pm - 9pm
Why
The Caliban of Sipekne'Katik production will provide Sipekne’Katik community members with the first hand experience of being a part of a professional production ensemble. We will decolonize Shakespeare’s work by Indigenizing it with our Mi’Kmaq influence. Along the journey, we will engage with and create Mi'kmaw art. The purpose of the production is to accentuate and celebrate the artistry of Sipekne'Katik, with a particular emphasis on the artistic journey and examination of self, community and life.
How
Send an email of interest to Richard and Ben stating:
#1 - Why are you interested in creating and performing in Caliban of Sipekne’Katik?
#2 - Why do you think you are a good candidate for being a member of the creative team for Caliban of Sipekne’Katik?
*We want everyone to feel comfortable applying for this opportunity. If you do not feel confident writing an email and would prefer to chat about it, no problem. Or, if you would prefer the more conventional approach of submitting your resume, go for it! Express your desire to participate in any way you feel comfortable.
Deadline for applications Friday May 24th, 2024
To submit an application or to ask questions contact:
Richard Taylor @ richardsimontaylor@gmail.com
And Ben @ ben@zuppa.works
Thank you to our funders and partners:
The Cultural Innovation Fund at The Culture and Heritage Development Division of the NS Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
The Canada Council for the Arts
NSCAD Univesirty
Sipekne’Katik First Nation