Date: Feb 25, 2024

Time: 1:00pm-6:30pm

Location: Villainy Alternative Dance Studio, 3718 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407

Please complete the linked google form at least 24 hours before the audition to be considered. https://forms.gle/cHDr4Q7LLD4gW8Gv7

Schedule (times are approximate)

1:00-1:15 Welcome/Intro Dance Portion
1:15-1:30 Warm-Up
1:30-2:30 Dance 1 Audition
2:30-2:45 Break/buffer time
2:45-3:00 Warm-Up
3:00-4:00 Dance 2 Audition
4:00-4:15 Break/buffer time/ Set for Singing
4:15-5:15 Singing Audition
5:15-5:30 Break/buffer time/ Set for Acting
5:30-6:30 Acting Audition
The NDU, in collaboration with Triple Threat Entertainment, is based in Minneapolis and books our performance Troupe primarily in the Twin Cities and surrounding area, along with occasional travel gigs in the US. We have performed at MN Pride, The State Fair, Rough Rider Ink & Iron Expo, Aria Minneapolis, Hewing Hotel Minneapolis, CONvergence, Fan Expo Chicago, Phoenix Theater, In the Heart of the Beast, Mixed Blood Theater, The Southern, The U of M, Blackhart St. Paul, MN Zoo, etc. as well as many private and corporate gigs.

We have been producing for over 10 years, and our collective works boast several hundred 5 star reviews. We create multiple productions per year (approx 20) in varying genres including, but not limited to:

Cabaret Variety Shows: (Burlesque, Drag, Pole Dance, Aerial Arts, Circus, Singing, Group Dance, etc) such as The Dynamite Variety Show, Hewing Hotel, Naughty Revival Kink Convention, Rough Rider Ink & Iron Expo, etc.
Parody Musicals: 80’s era Peter Pan, 90’s era Grinch, 20’s era Mario, etc.
Nerdlesque: Critical Strike Variety Show at various Cons
Shadowcasts: (Similar to Rocky Horror) Princess Bride, Jurassic Park, Twilight, etc.
Fantasias: (dance-only shows) Nutcracker Noir, Wonderland, Wizard of Oz, Grimm Tales
We are seeking individuals who are interested in creating with us in these multiple genres, utilizing the following talents:

Dance Styles: Heels Dance, Chair Dance, Sensual Floorwork, Burlesque, Hiphop, Twerk, Modern, Jazz, and Theatrical Dance ***
Acting Styles: Comedic, Light Dramatic, and Traditional Vaudeville (Think Carol Burnette)
Singing Styles: Musical Theatre, Lounge, and Cabaret
***You do not need to know how to dance in each style to join initially, but will need to learn provided skill sets from our choreographers during rehearsals. (Burlesque is never a requirement). Dancers are given the opportunity to express interest in projects and routines prior to casting.

All applicants must be able to dance at a musical theater level or higher, and act at a community theater level or higher.

Singing ability is not required, but highly preferred.

Things to Know About Being in Our Troupe:

Rehearsals

-Rehearsals are held at Villainy Alternative Dance Studio. Exact dates and call times are communicated per production, however general days/times are:

Sundays 9:00am-12:00pm
Sundays 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Wednesdays 8:30pm-10:00pm
– We generally have 3 to 4 hours to learn a new dance to proficiency, therefore high focus is required at our rehearsals, as is punctuality.

– Our rehearsal schedules are divided to 15min accuracy. We communicate any scheduling changes ahead of rehearsal days and require members to stay abreast of changes. Members are required to communicate changes in their availability in a timely manner to respect and utilize everyone’s time most efficiently.

– Members are expected to communicate availability and attend required rehearsals for shows to which they have committed.

Participation

– Members are not required to participate in all shows in a season to be considered a member. Members must participate in one show per calendar quarter to be considered active. Non active members can reactivate anytime during the season. If you are not active for more than 9mos you will need to re-audition to re-join.

– Members must be able to self regulate participation, as we offer more opportunities than it is generally possible to participate in without experiencing burn out. We require members to be responsible in metering their own physical needs, mental health, and boundaries, and communicating them to the captains, jr. captains and SMs.

– Taking breaks is highly encouraged and has no effect on your future casting, outside of exceeding the 9mos hiatus. Members will be responsible for communicating the desire to return following a break.

– Members will be provided a handbook and waiver that must be signed in order to participate. Each major production has a separate contract that must be signed to participate.

Physical Requirements

-We are a very fast paced and athletic group that learns multiple dances in varying styles for each production. Our dances necessitate a certain stamina and strength level, however we make no judgments on what strength and stamina looks like. If you can keep up, you can participate.

– We have no height, weight, gender, “look,” or age (18+) requirements or expectations. If you have the time and talent, we’d love to have you.

– If a member sustains an injury, we will do what we can, within the bounds of production integrity, to accommodate the member still being able to participate in a given show, if desired. We will never pressure a member to dance injured.

– The style of performances we create often necessitates close proximity, touching each other, partner tricks, simulated intimacy, stage combat, etc. We practice professional consent, and do our utmost to check in when choreography, blocking, etc is established. (If you have boundaries that exclude you from being touched, respectfully this troupe will not be a good fit for you.)

Costumes

-Primary costume pieces are provided, unless otherwise communicated and agreed upon by the whole group. We have a very large costume stock from which members can borrow.

-Staple base layer pieces and shoes will need to be purchased by individuals.

Production Duties

-We are a grassroots style troupe that operates on a tight budget. Members are expected to assist in advertising for shows, light production duties, as well as hauling, setup, and strike for performances.

-These duties will not exceed a reasonable level of difficulty or skill knowledge. Members sign up for duties based on their interests and show needs. (ex. costume wrangling, light painting, crafting, etc)

-There are paid tech opportunities in addition to performance opportunities, should you wish to participate in a production in this capacity according to your skill set.

Troupe Culture

-While this endeavor is not politically focused, our collaborative process for writing and directing welcomes and encourages participants’ opinions on socio-political aspects of our works, and actively seeks out opinions from the cast when making decisions about representation.

– The Troupe participates in age blind and integrated casting. Additionally, we participate in color conscious casting when considering roles that traditionally represent underprivileged demographics.

-We intentionally consider the performer’s race and ethnicity, with regard to the character they play, to oppose racism, honor and respect cultures, foster stronger productions, and contribute to a more equitable universe.

– We practice the use of fusion dance that includes dance styles (ex belly dance, bolly, hip hop, twerk, folk, etc.) that have been disseminated from varying cultures for general enjoyment, along with influences from our troupe members and their backgrounds and heritages. We believe in unity through movement and celebrate many forms of movement, particularly to combat the idea that hetero, white, or privileged group traditions are the default for entertainment. We strive to execute dances in a manner that honors their roots while not appropriating sacred or closed practices.

– We are a queer, gender diverse, and neuro-varied womxn owned company, with widely varied socio-economic backgrounds and professional experiences. We are SW and SWA welcoming.

Compensation

-Dependent on show, ranging from volunteer, to bar stipend plus tips, to tickets split, to $250 plus tips per night. Our median payment falls in the $30 – $50 per night range. Compensation will be communicated prior to each contract when opportunities for casting are presented.

– Your participation in paid gigs vs volunteer gigs has no bearing on your casting throughout the season. We understand everyone has different circumstances when it comes to unpaid time.

Auditions

– For the Dance Audition, please wear fitted black clothing for movement. Bring character shoes, jazz shoes, a water bottle, and your boss self! You will be learning choreographies from two group dances, then will audition them in small groups.

-For the Singing Audition, please prepare 30 seconds of a song to sing acapella.

-For the Acting Audition, you will be given a page of script from our upcoming production, “Like, Totally Peter Pan” to read with other performers.

-You are able to participate in the portions of the audition that you are interested in. You are not required to stay for the portions of the audition for which you do not have interest. (ie if you would like to dance and sing, but not act, you would be dismissed after your portion is complete.)

Please complete the linked google form at least 24 hours before the audition to be considered. https://forms.gle/cHDr4Q7LLD4gW8Gv7