Do you need other performers?
Yes and no. We need other performers but so sporadically it’s almost embarrassing to make someone go through the process of auditioning and memorizing. You won’t make a lot of money with us but we pay our performers more than the Pentacle does :). All that being said, here’s what we look for: theater/improv experience (even high school), ability to relate to people of all ages (our shows are right on the floor with the audience, most of the time), willingness to memorize a script for one show and then move onto another one, and dependability. All-around performers are the best fit for us, performers who like to perform for children and adults and can keep a span of ages entertained. Having several talents is a plus, such as: juggling, balloon twisting, face painting, dancing, singing. Those skills come in handy for children’s parties, wandering characters, and singing telegrams.
What do I do to apply?
Email a resume. We’ll call to set up an interview and audition time. Again understand, we use other actors infrequently (1-3 times a year) but if you’re game for that then email.
Why do you use such plain props and sets in your shows?
The short answer is 1) we’re a traveling theater company and we have to keep the load light; and 2) for the sake of the children. We want them to say to themselves, “They just used a stool [or a bowl or a piece of cloth]; I can do that.” The more often they think that, the better.
Marian, how long have you been miming?
Since 1977. (Don’t be too efficient with the math, please.)
Can you do the box?
Yes, a 100 different ways, more or less.
Do you perform at other places than just on board the Willamette Queen?
Yes
Where else do you perform?
We perform in banquet rooms, living rooms, outdoors, conference rooms, etc.
How far do you travel?
Regularly, we go west to Newport, north to Seattle, east to La Grande and over to Utah, south to Grants Pass and Klamath Falls. We’ll go wherever anyone’s willing to pay the travel fees. Any takers in Alaska or Hawaii?
Can children audition to be in your shows?
Not at this time. We use children during our shows but we don’t have them as regular performers. The one exception: our children sometimes perform in the shows.
Do you have classes for children?
Yes. We usually teach at other places and through other organizations. We have classes at A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village, the Kroc Center, through the Salem Art Association (usually for after-school programs)and for individual schools. If you want to arrange for us to come and teach classes at your school, let us know. We can give you details to give to your principal or PTO. Classes we’re currently teaching are listed here.
Do you give discounts for non-profits?
We don’t give discounts to groups just because they’re non-profits. But we do give discounts to groups (schools and libraries, for instance) that schedule multiple shows at one time. The shows do not necessarily need to be on one date, or at one location. There is also a discount for two or more shows on the same day.
Do you need technical assistance?
Actually, no. We’re a traveling theater company that specializes in interactive shows. For the most part we’re not on a stage but among our audience. All of this means we don’t have much to haul and we don’t have stage lights.
