Factory International

Free Your Mind: Professional dancer callout

Factory International and Olivier Award-winning Boy Blue are auditioning dancers for Free Your Mind – a world-first dance adaptation of The Matrix.

A dancer leans backwards with their left arm raised. He wears a black trench coat and worker boots. The image is black, white and green with a pixelated effect.

About Free Your Mind

Specially created for the opening of Factory International, this eye-opening mass performance combines dance, music and visual effects, taking audiences on a journey through The Matrix. Free Your Mind brings together the visceral movement of choreographer Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy with a powerful score from renowned composer Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante (co-founders of dance company Boy Blue), as well as world-leading designer Es Devlin’s immense stage sculptures and the work of the acclaimed writer Sabrina Mahfouz – all directed by Danny Boyle.

What we're looking for

We’re looking for strong, physical professional disabled and non-disabled dancers with a versatile street dance background, strong choreographic execution, and great stage presence and storytelling. Sound like you? We’d love for you to come and audition at one of our Manchester or London sessions.

Applying

Applications are now closed.

  • Advanced level dancers in street dance style
  • High-level skills in floor work
  • Excellent pick-up rate with choreography
  • An understanding of movement with intention
  • Highly skilled physical dance ability
  • Comfortable and confident with storytelling through choreography

Please note that applicants must be aged 18+ at the time of the audition.

Please note that throughout this production you’ll be working:

  • In a dark space and with flashing lights
  • In an area with loud sound
  • As part of a large ensemble/group

Payment: This is a paid opportunity. We're still finalising fees for this project but we can confirm that the rates will be above equity minimum. The confirmed fee will be outlined in the offer for each role, prior to acceptance.

Dates: This full-time engagement will start with rehearsals in August 2023 and end at the beginning of November 2023.

Location: Rehearsals and performances will take place in Manchester.

Auditions

Auditions will take place in both Manchester and London:

Central Manchester: Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 January 2023 with recalls on Friday 20 January.

East London: Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 January 2023 with recalls on Thursday 26 January.

You’ll only be able to attend an audition if you’ve successfully booked onto a session and received booking confirmation. For any queries about the callout and auditions, drop us a line on casting@factoryinternational.org. If your query is related to access, please pop access in the subject line.

Please note:

  • Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer contributions towards any travel to the Manchester and London auditions and/or recalls.
  • Factory International can sponsor applicants with a Certificate of Sponsorship (subject to relevant compliances), enabling them to travel and work in the UK exclusively for this engagement.
  • Depending on country of residence, some applicants must also hold a valid work permit or visa enabling them to legally work in the UK for the duration of the engagement.

FAQS

Wear clothes and trainers or shoes you feel comfortable moving in – dance shoes are fine too. Ideally wear dark colours, or all black if possible.

Just bring some water to stay hydrated and a snack to boost your energy.

You don't need to bring music. The audition will be set to pre-recorded music.

No, you'll be taught choreography in the room. We'll be looking at your pick up rate, your understanding of movement, your dance ability and your ability to tell stories through movement.

We’ll be letting the successful dancers know in February.

There isn't one, it's free to audition.

As the audition is responding to choreography taught in the room, it won't be possible for people to send audition tapes. Unfortunately, we're not able to cover travel expenses for auditions and/or recalls.

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