sketch / 'skech / 1 a : a rough drawing representing the chief features of an object or scene and often made as a preliminary study b : a tentative draft (as for a literary work) 2 : a brief description (as of a person) or outline 3 a : a short literary composition somewhat resembling the short story and the essay but intentionally slight in treatment, discursive in style, and familiar in tone b : a short instrumental composition usually for piano c : a slight theatrical piece having a single scene; a comic variety act

Sketchbook is a celebration of the artist's sketching mind, a bazaar where artists and audience come together forming an artistic community and sharing discoveries. A lively celebration of staged theatrical works, music, and fine art, Sketchbook is a short play festival like no other, featuring 15-20, 6 minute or less world premiere plays. Before, between, and after the performances, a musical guest creates a sonic environment that influences and expands the world of the festival. Throughout the space, contemporary visual art is installed and exhibited in dialogue with the mood and spirit of the plays, music and art direction.

Audition Guidelines for 2007

This year, we are proud to announce that Collaboraction’s 7th annual SKETCHBOOK Festival will be presented at the Steppenwolf Garage as a part of Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s Visiting Company Initiative May 31st-July 1st, 2007. (Steppenwolf’s Visiting Company Initiative provides the opportunity for other theater companies to present work in all three of the Steppenwolf theatres. These residencies are supported by the artists and staff at Steppenwolf. In creating relationships with Visiting Companies, Steppenwolf enriches the artistic dialogue among its artists and audiences.)

Tech will be the preceding the week and weekend (week of May 21). Yes, that is Memorial day weekend. We will be dark on Memorial Day, Monday May 28.

If you have no major conflicts during this time period, please continue reading for audition specifics:

Auditions will be held on March 31 (men) and April 1 (women) at the Steppenwolf Theatre Administration Building at 758 W. North Avenue, 2nd Floor. Please bring three headshots/resumes for distribution among the directors.

Preparation

In the spirit of the festival, we ask each auditionee to prepare 30 seconds for their audition. We request that you stay away from the traditional monologue...try something new that's fun for you and shows us your personality. How can you use your 30 seconds to make an impression on the 16 festival directors? Successful auditions from the past have included readings from your high school yearbook, lyrics from Bruce Springsteen's "Glory Days" delivered as a monologue, a recap of the greatest moments in football history, fire juggling and hysterical laughter. We want you to feel free to sketch in the same creative way in which we ask our directors and playwrights.

Once again, SKETCHBOOK will take place at the Steppenwolf Garage from May 31 through July 1. We will run Thursdays through Sundays with two shows on Saturdays. Each sketch will run approximately 14 times throughout the run of the festival.

Available auditions slots are determined by gender and age range. Directors will only be present for the slots that fit the needs of their particular piece. Signing up for an audition slot outside your gender or age range would mean being seen by the wrong set of directors.

If you cannot audition in the appropriate time slot, sign up for a time that works with your schedule and then email sketchcasting@collaboraction.org with 1) your name 2) your time slot 3) your true age range and gender (if applicable).

Problems?

Should you have difficulty signing up for a time or need to change your time, please email sketchcasting@collaboraction.org. You will not receive a confirmation for your audition slot. Please DO NOT email in regards to that... we audition over 600 actors and do not have the time to respond to all of you.

Callbacks will be held through April and casting will be announced by the end of April. As we are casting 16 short plays, it does take time. There will be no double casting. Collaboraction is the casting authority.