Real Live Theatre seeks a stage manager for our Summer 2024 premier of When the Mind’s Free, an original dance-theatre piece which lifts language, ideas, and story from Shakespeare’s King Lear and places them in a contemporary context, that of a lesbian family dealing with the early onset Alzheimer’s of the matriarch and the addictions of the youngest daughter.
We are looking for an experienced stage manager, and it is a plus to have stage managed dance-theatre specifically.
The ideal candidate will:
-have excellent communication skills
-be comfortable with Google Drive, Zoom, email, etc.
-be highly organized and detail-oriented
-have a patient and supportive management style
-be a cooperative and thoughtful team player
Life experience relevant to the themes of the play are a plus.
The language in the piece is mainly contemporary and has emerged out of improvisations outlined and shaped by the director and performed by the ensemble, as well as in consultation with memory care organizations, caretakers, families, and individuals dealing with memory loss. In When the Mind’s Free, the epic arc of King Lear is condensed into one day in the life of this family. Scenes of caregiving, some of which blossom into imaginative play, others of which devolve into frustration and tears, are interspersed with dances which take the audience outside of that repetitive reality, into the inner thoughts and emotions of the characters.
We are guided in our work not only by our study of the text of King Lear, but also by these big questions: What does it mean to have accurate memories, and why do we need them? Separated from our memories, who are we? Can we maintain intimate relationships without shared memories? How can the Buddhist principle of non-attachment help us in caring for those with memory loss and those who struggle with addiction? And finally, how do we bring levity and light into our darkest hours?
A core component of this project is direct community engagement; each performance of the piece will be accompanied by a facilitated space for discussion. We hope to give audience members time to reflect on their experiences of caregiving and being cared for, to share stories and resonances, and to connect with local resources and with one another. From our own experiences, we know how lonely caregiving can be, and we hope to provide space to foster community connectedness.
The piece will rehearse and perform in the CT River Valley of Western Massachusetts between July 1 and August 11, exact schedule and dates TBD.
During that period the stage manager must be available during a mix of times, including weekdays. There will also be some minimal remote work (emailing and zoom meetings) starting January 2.
Stipend $1,500.
Please send a letter of interest and resume to Ellen and Toby at reallivetheatre@gmail.com.