Call out for Performers

2The Rural Black History project is now looking for three Black and Global Majority identifying actors based in the Cotswolds or surrounding West Country areas, to each perform in one of our short films. 
 
About the Project
Using historical records and studies of the Black presence across the Cotswolds and the wider region, the Rural Black History Project will produce 3 short films, imagining the lives of those in the data. Our three films will explore the personal and emotional experiences of "spinster" Margaret Walden, "traveller" Thomas Davis, and the Unnamed Bust in st Kenelm's Church.

The films will be presented in a public exhibition at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester (w/c 25th October 2021). They will be shown alongside youth and community artistic responses to other local sources, and a broader exploration of Rural Black History.

Details of each role can be found below. Each role will require learning a 1-2min long monologue, and will be a total of 1 day's filming during the w/c 20th September. 


The total fee for this project is £150, with travel and lunch expenses paid in addition to this. 


To apply, please send us a self tape of yourself performing a monologue to camera, approximately 1-2 minutes long, along with your name, location, and availability w/c 20th September. Applications should be sent to hello@theruralblackhistoryproject.co.uk. Deadline to apply is midnight on the 11th September.

THE ROLES

MARGARET WALDEN:
Archival records simply state that "Margaret Walden, spinster, a ‘person of coller', was baptised" in 13 August 1817, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. 

Our Writer has interpreted Margaret to be someone with an independent, entrepreneurial spirit, someone who is busy and savvy and making ends meet by her own means. 

We are looking for a Black identifying Female Actor with a playing age of between 25-50 years old, with either the ability to do or a natural West Country accent.
Ideally this role will go to someone with links to the area or wider West Country.

THOMAS DAVIS:
Archival records state that 'Thomas Davis, 'an infirm travelling Black', was buried, 67 years old' in Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire, on the 20th June, 1826.

Our writer for this monologue has interpreted Thomas as someone connected to the nature around him, with artisan skills in carpentry and a communal spirit that have sustained his way of life. 

We are looking for a Black identifying Male Actor with a playing age of between 40-50 years old, with either the ability to do or a natural West Country accent. Ideally this role will go to someone with links to the area or wider West Country.

THE UNNAMED BUST:

Frustrated at being simply described 'a "Negro man" bust' as part of a larger memorial (belonging to the land owner Sir Henry Poole), The Unnamed Bust explores how the other memories that this church's burial ground holds can help him take back the spotlight for his legacy, and ultimately find a name for himself. 
The source for this character is Sir Henry Poole's memorial in Sapperton, Gloucestershire.

We are looking for a tall, Black identifying Male Actor with a playing age of between approx 20-30 years old, and someone who has experience with or a flair for comedic roles. Ideally this role will go to someone with links to the area or wider West Country.