In August 2020, RicNic Burton on Trent will stage its first musical theatre production at The Brewhouse Arts Theatre & Cafe in Burton on Trent.
The show itself will be selected by the young production team and, as with every other RicNic project, every single role on and offstage will be taken by someone aged 16-21. This includes the whole cast, creative team, band, crew, marketing and design teams.
We are currently looking for 16-21 year olds in Staffordshire to get involved in this exciting new production. If you love musical theatre and would like to spend a free summer, working with other musicals fans to stage your own show - we would love to hear from you.
We are recruiting a Producer, Director, Musical Director, Technicians, Designers, Marketing Managers, Cast, Band and Crew for this production. From choosing which show you work on through to closing night - every decision on the production will be completely down to you.
To apply for a role on the Production Team click here To sign up for notifications on company auditions, band and crew call-outs and news on the chosen show send us an email here
Here are a few FAQ's to help too!
What makes RicNic so special?
At RicNic, you really do run the show. Everything is done by 16 to 21 year olds, which is really challenging but hugely rewarding - and important in a society where young people often don't get the respect and praise they deserve.
It doesn't cost you anything. Most summer theatre projects charge fees - sometimes massive ones - but we think that can put people off getting involved. We want the most talented and passionate people, regardless of how much cash they've got, so we don't expect you to have any. (Well, you have to buy your own lunch.)
Autonomy is fun. Being in control of a theatre and a show with dozens of other people your age is pretty much the best fun you can have. Everyone who does RicNic says that.
Do I need to have previous experience? No not at all. People join RicNic with all levels of experience and they learn so much from being involved. All we ask for is that you bring enthusiasm to the project. Be willing to work alongside other people, learn from them and teach them what you know! If you can be enthusiastic and work well in a team, then there is a place in RicNic for you.
What is the level of commitment - can I work it around my other activities? The level of commitment varies depending on your role in the production but we aim to ensure that you can fit in your holidays/part time work/rehearsals for other companies wherever possible. That said, it is worth noting that our rehearsals period is extremely fun but intensive; running daily for 3 weeks. In this time you will probably be really tired but feel super-rewarded by the ability to learn things so quickly! Here is a commitment guideline:
Production Team - We recruit the Production Team members each autumn and meet with you 3-4 times between December and July for training and catch-up meetings. These are always arranged around your schedules and typically happen on a weekend or school holiday. The Team will be expected to work together and communicate with each other outside of these meetings, to prepare the show for rehearsals. Together you will then run the 3 week rehearsal period and 1 week show period in the venue in August.
Cast - Auditions for principal and chorus roles tend to run in the Easter holidays or May half term so that you know you will be involved in the project before the summer and can start getting to know what you will be doing. The actual rehearsals run Monday - Friday from approx. 10am - 5pm for 3 weeks in the summer holiday. The show week then follows with performances every evening for 4-5 days depending on the venue.
Band / Crew / Support Team - You will be needed at different points throughout the August rehearsal and show period to rehearse the show and get involved in activities. You may not be needed every day, depending on the show and how the rehearsals are planned but there will certainly be a lot to do!
I don't want to go onstage - is there a place for me? Absolutely! When we say every role is taken by a young person, we really do mean it. We look for young people to play in the pit band, help on the crew with sourcing props, costumes, building the set, running the backstage area during the show and additional people to help promote the show, organise fundraising activities, sell programmes and welcome audiences front of house, take photographs and videos of rehearsals, create social media campaigns etc etc. Everyone is welcome!
I am not yet 16, can I join? You will need to be aged 16 by the time rehearsals begin - so typically by 1st August each year.
When can I apply to get involved? Sign up to hear more about our projects as soon as you can by following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. We post all opportunities for every branch here. Alternatively you can register with us by emailing your details to contact@ricnic.org.uk or visit our Apply Now page to apply for a role on the Production Team.