SEEKING THREE INDIGENOUS WOMEN ACTORS FOR FALL 2021 PRODUCTION

WAM Theatre is currently accepting audition tapes for KAMLOOPA by Kim Senklip Harvey

ABOUT THE PLAY:

Come along for the ride to KAMLOOPA, the largest powwow on the West Coast. This high energy award-winning performance follows two urban Indigenous sisters and their encounter with a spirited shapeshifter. Together, they battle to come to terms with what it means to honor who they are and where they come from. We are invited to bear witness to the courage of these women in the ultimate transformation story, as they turn to the ancestors for help to reclaim their power.

CHARACTERS:
MIKAYA, (also Senklip the Coyote, and Ancestor 1) She/her, early 20’s, Indigenous, younger sister to

Kilawna. She is a college student eagerly diving into a journey of connecting to and reclaiming her Indigenous heritage. She is earnest and impressionable, and tends to put herself down. She is also spontaneous and playful, willing to entertain bold ideas, and is overflowing with a desire to connect to those around her. Actor should have a good sense of comedic timing, and play the ukulele or have a willingness to learn for the role!

KILAWNA, (also Grizzly, and Ancestor 2) She/her, early 30’s, Indigenous, older sister to Mikaya. She is pragmatic & logical, quick-witted, always on time, and likes to be in control. She has a daring and spontaneous side but it doesn’t often come out. She has spent much of her life assimilating and is resistant to connect to her Indigenous heritage. Actor should have a good sense of comedic timing.

INDIAN FRIEND NUMBER 1 or IDN1 (EDITH) (also Raven, and Ancestor 3) She/her, 20’s, Indigenous. Like Mikaya, she is on her own journey of connecting to and reclaiming her Indigenous heritage. She is confident and direct, and very convincing at sounding like she knows stuff (whether she does or not is another question). She takes initiative, and is committed, magnanimous, and fun-loving. She takes on the role of self-taught teacher and guide to Mikaya. Actor should have a good sense of comedic timing and preferably be comfortable with partial nudity for one scene.

[A note from the playwright on the Shifter and Ancestor roles:

The Ancestral Matriarchs are eternal and living within the 3 women. They are visible and present to those open to seeing them. They live within us, in the past, present, and future worlds. They are many things, including Protectors of the Spirit. They use SHIFTERS (SENKLIP, GRIZZLY, RAVEN …) and the Elements (Air, Fire, Earth, Blood …) to connect with us on our infinite journeys. The SHIFTERS, animals who can travel between all worlds. They are able to communicate with beings in any world and inhabit those that engage with them. They are visible and present to those open to seeing them.]

All roles are available and all actors (AEA and Non-Union) will be paid the baseline weekly salary of SPT 4/$420 per week plus other benefits (such as travel/accommodation/childcare), to be negotiated based on each actor’s needs, that will ensure minimum wage and equity in pay amongst all actors.

Rehearsals and performance/recording will take place on the ancestral homelands of the Mohican Tribe, colonially known as Lenox, Massachusetts, from September 12 – October 17, 2021 (with a possible extension for one week).

WHAT TO SEND:

• –  Taped 1-2 minute contemporary monologue or performance.
• –  Headshot or head/shoulder selfie.
• –  Resume, bio or paragraph about yourself as a performer. SUBMIT TO: casting@wamtheatre.com by June 30. Subject line of email: Kamloopa casting
• All Indigenous femme actors encouraged to submit!

“I created Kamloopa to ignite the power that lives within Indigenous femmes and peoples. This transformation story is an offer for all of us to be bold and passionate about having the courage to fully become ourselves.”

– Kim Senklip Harvey, Playwright