This innovative and collaborative educational program invites those interested in opera and theatre to have the unique opportunity to work with industry professionals on a fully produced opera, The Handmaid’s Tale, composed by Poul Ruders, libretto by Paul Bentley, in a new arrangement by Dan Schlosberg, premiering at the Jenny Belzberg Theatre at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity on July 26, 2025..
Roles Required
GUARDIANS/THE EYES
We are looking for people between the ages of 20 and 60 who possess a strong stage presence, experience and the ability to convey authority and menace through their physicality. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in being part of a powerful and thought-provoking theatrical experience.
Role Profile: The Eyes / Guardians The Eyes and Guardians are the enforcers of Gilead's totalitarian regime. They are silent, watchful figures who represent the constant surveillance and oppressive control within this dystopian society. Their presence on stage contributes significantly to the tension and fear experienced by the characters. They will also lead most scene changes in the transportation of furniture and characters around the stage.
Key Requirements:
- Age: 20-60 years old.
- Physicality: Must be able to move comfortably and with purpose, often standing for the duration of a scene (approximately 3 minutes) without fidgeting or distraction. A commanding and disciplined posture is essential.
- Stage Presence: Ability to convey a sense of authority, intimidation, and unwavering presence through non-verbal communication.
- Comfort with Thematic Content: Crucially, applicants must be fully comfortable with the mature, disturbing, and often brutal thematic content of The Handmaid's Tale. This includes depictions of violence, oppression, and the subjugation of women. While all staging will be handled with artistic integrity, the roles of the Eyes/Guardians may involve being present during intense and potentially violent stage action.
Rehearsal Schedule (some flexibility possible in scheduling)
Saturday, June 28 from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm and/or 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday, July 5 from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm and/or 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Saturday, July 12 from 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm (full run, piano tech)
Wednesday, July 16 from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Super Rehearsal)
Technical Schedule (mandatory attendance required, approximately 13 hours)
Thursday, July 17 from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm (piano dress)
Saturday, July 19 from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm (orcha tech 1)
Monday, July 21 from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm (orcha techs)
Tuesday, July 22 from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm (orcha dress)
Performance Schedule (mandatory attendance required, approximately 6 hours)
Thursday, July 24 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday, July 26 from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
If you are interested in this unique opportunity and would like more information, please contact:
Ally Schuurman, Program Manager of Theatre Arts -- Ally_Schuurman@banffcentre.ca