13/02/2024
***CASTING CALL: The Paddington Bear Experience (Immersive) – GLOBAL MAJORITY CALLOUT for Performers to play MRS BROWN & MRS BIRD, EXPLORER, STATION MASTER, EXPLORER ASSISTANT & MR BROWN (Please see further character breakdowns below!)***
Gamepath are seeking global majority performers, to act in their new family-friendly London attraction, The Paddington Bear Experience, based out of County Hall.
All performers will learn two or more roles, as per the combinations outlined in the briefs. Performance-based front of house duties (in-character welcomes or ticket-checks) may also be required on a rotating basis. Light resetting duties will also be required between scenes and audience groups.
The experience is scripted and kept to a tight run-time. You will be expected to use your improvisational skills to suitably field any customer questions/interactions while keeping scenes to their set length.
Strong improvisation and hosting skills will be needed, to manage audience groups (up to 30 people at a time) through their journey and immersive experience is a plus.
You will lead a new audience group every 7-15 minutes with requisite break times accounted for. You will also be scheduled to alternate in a swing capacity.
The operation runs 7 days/week, with all actors guaranteed a designated rest day in their contracts. Working hours will normally fall between 8am and 8pm.
Please be advised performers are required to travel through backstage areas. Please only apply if you are comfortable with tight, low-light spaces.
Please also note that audiences will be allowed to take photos in parts of the experience and you will have to be comfortable having photos taken in character with members of the public.
**PLEASE NOTE: At this time we are only looking for performers from the global majority. Please only apply if you meet these criteria and you are available for an in-person audition on Tuesday the 20th February 2024.**
Production dates:
Initial contracts can be 4 or 8-month terms, with a paid rehearsal period in advance of the performance period. After initial contract, there is potential to extend at 4-month intervals, yet this is not guaranteed and will be reviewed based on the individuals’ performance, closer to the time.
Please note: there is no break-clause in the contracts and performers must see out their full contract term. Please consider this carefully if opting for an 8-month contract.
Character development days will take place week commencing 15th April 2024 and the rehearsal period will take place 29th April – 2nd June 2024 (inclusive). During the rehearsal period, performers are expected to be available Monday – Saturday working a guaranteed minimum 30 hours over 5 days per week.
The first 4-month performance period is 3rd June – 29th September 2024 (inclusive).
Please note there is a holiday embargo from start of character development up until (and including) 9th June 2024 – no requests for N/As will be accepted between these dates.
Contract info:
Rate of pay is £13.75/hour, plus standard pension contribution, holiday pay and SSP, as PAYE employees.
All contracts are based on minimum guaranteed hours over a set number of days, with additional hours available in peak periods.
There are guaranteed 5 days/per week (minimum 30 hour) and 2 days/per week (minimum 12 hour) contracts available.
5 day/week contracts must be available for shifts Monday-Sunday (Monday or Tuesday is a guaranteed rest day).
2 day/week contracts must be available for shifts Monday-Friday (Thursday is a guaranteed rest day). Additional weekend shifts may be available in peak periods.
Please state your preference for a 5 or 2 day contract when applying and whether you are seeking a 4-month or 8-month initial contract.
Production Location: London, United Kingdom
Production Company: Gamepath [Performers are General Managed by Selladoor Worldwide]
Agreement type: Non-union - commercially financed
Casting details: In-person auditions – Tuesday 20th February 2024 (SIDES TO BE LEARNT)
Please only apply if you are able to attend the audition in person.
Offers will not be made before Wednesday 28th February 2024
**To apply, please email your CV including headshots to [email protected] before Thursday 15th February at noon.**
PERFORMER (MRS. BROWN AND MRS. BIRD)
AT THIS TIME WE ARE ONLY LOOKING FOR PERFORMERS FROM THE GLOBAL MAJORITY.
Performers cast in this role will be required to play Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Bird on alternating days or weeks, or as per their rota.
Mrs. Brown is sweet, kind and sympathetic. She sees the best in most situations but that’s not to mean she is a walk over. She knows her own mind and isn’t afraid of standing up for herself. She is an artist and sees the world in full colour, every moment is an opportunity to seek enjoyment. Mrs. Brown is married to Mr. Brown. NSE (Neutral Standard English) accent required.
Mrs. Bird is practical, officious and no-nonsense in her approach to any problem. A kindly soul at heart but gets very cross when people take advantage of others. A great believer in the power of butter for getting things ‘unstuck’. Scottish accent required.
Playing age: 30 - 55
Height: Any height
Gender: Female-identifying
Appearance: Must be willing to be aged up with wig and makeup as Mrs. Bird
PERFORMER (EXPLORER, STATION MASTER, EXPLORER ASSISTANT & MR. BROWN)
AT THIS TIME WE ARE ONLY LOOKING FOR PERFORMERS FROM THE GLOBAL MAJORITY.
Performers cast in this role will be required to play Explorer, Station Master, Explorer Assistant and Mr. Brown on alternating days or weeks, or as per their rota.
Mr. Brown is a bit of a worrier who likes things on time and in order. He has a good heart and is well intended but needs not worry so much as things usually have a way of working out. He is immensely grateful to Paddington and the joy he has brought to the Brown household and believes the family has truly blossomed since he moved in with them. A proud gardener who has lots of time for his prize marrows. NSE (Neutral Standard English) accent required.
The Explorer is enthusiastic, assertive and passionate about nature. Inquisitive and one for a challenge they rally the audience through challenges and guide them with various activities. Any accent.
The Station Master is experienced and sage with a cheeky glint in his eye. He has an incredible knowledge of trains, nothing gets passed him when it concerns Paddington Station. Londoner, RP (Received Pronunciation) accent required.
The Explorer Assistant is an in-world reset track with dialogue. Any accent.
Playing age: 30-50
Height: Any height
Gender: Male-identifying
PERFORMER (EXPLORER, STATION MASTER & EXPLORER ASSISTANT)
AT THIS TIME WE ARE ONLY LOOKING FOR PERFORMERS FROM THE GLOBAL MAJORITY.
Performers cast in this role will be required to play Explorer, Station Master and Explorer Assistant on alternating days or weeks, or as per their rota.
The Explorer is enthusiastic, assertive and passionate about nature. Inquisitive and one for a challenge they rally the audience through challenges and guide them with various activities. Any accent.
The Station Master is experienced and sage with a cheeky glint in his eye. He has an incredible knowledge of trains, nothing gets passed him when it concerns Paddington Station. Londoner, or NSE (Neutral Standard English) required.
The Explorer Assistant is an in-world reset track with dialogue. Any accent.
Playing age: From 20
Height: Any height
Gender: Any gender