Spectra Seeks Storyteller/Writer – Woods for the Trees
Spectra Seeks Storyteller/Writer
Spectra is looking for a Storyteller/Writer to contribute to the development of our new show, Woods for the Trees. During the challenges brought by 2020, we researched and developed our first online multi-sensory show. Woods for the Trees is the next stage of that work, continuing our exploration of how we connect as we navigate the changed and changing landscape around us.
Blending pre-recorded film, live performance, digital delivery, and sensory parcels for our audience, Woods for the Trees will invite us to play with perspective as we move from hand crafted versions of nature in terrariums to the grand scale of the outdoors. We will explore our keen interest in the natural world alongside questions of agency, control, the impact of small actions, and the power and limit of our effect on the world around us.
Spectra creates fierce and joyful performance through authentic collaboration. We seek to cultivate a world that celebrates brains that work in different ways. Our neurodiverse company produces interactive adventures that engage all of our audience’s senses. We’ve developed a reputation for aesthetically-driven shows that lovingly challenge audiences, inviting them to imagine intensely positive possibilities: ‘It made me laugh and cry. It was delicious in every way. Renewed my faith in the world!’ (Audience).
Our creative process usually sees us weaving the golden moments that come from our collaboration into a wild and whimsical tale. We are interested in working with a Storyteller/Writer so we can play with what happens when we put the narrative first – and devise our golden moments in response.
In the first instance, the Storyteller/Writer will work with the performance company to lead a day of work exploring different ways of creating narrative. This day will be part of our initial work on Woods for the Trees and we are very open to what the day includes – we look forward to being excited by your ideas. Following on from this, there is the possibility of three further days with the Company in Autumn 2022 to collaborate more directly on the development of the narrative for the show. The Storyteller/Writer role is a non-performance role focussed on supporting our Performing Artists and Director during the devising process.
Our Performance Company is neurodiverse and we are dedicated to using our work to cultivate a world that celebrates difference in all its wonderful forms. Our creative process and the work we create are actively inclusive. We take the same approach to curating the pool of freelancers we work with, seeking to shift imbalanced representation within our sector by warmly welcoming and prioritising applications from Black and Brown practitioners and those who identify as working class, D/deaf, Disabled and or LGBTQI+.
Application process: please send an expression of interest to kate@wearespectra.co.uk. This expression of interest should tell us why the work interests you, how your experience relates to the work, and give us an idea of how you might approach work with the company. We’re not expecting a full plan for the day, just one or two ideas of where you think you might start our work together. This should be no more than two sides of A4 or a 4 minute video/audio recording. If you have access requirements, please get in touch to talk about how we can support you in making your application.
When you submit your expression of interest, please also complete the equal opportunities monitoring form here: https://forms.gle/fkANEGCtBsdu8Um47. This form and your personal information will be kept separate from your application when it is reviewed by the panel.
Deadline 9am, Monday 8 November 2021
Informal interviews will be held on the afternoons of Friday 12 and Tuesday 16 November with a panel of three (Spectra’s Creative Director, our Creative and Strategic Development Officer, and an Artist who is also a Board Member). We will send you the interview questions in advance.
Day of facilitated storytelling work will take place from 10am-4pm on either 14 Dec 2021, 11 Jan or 18 Jan 2022 (all Tuesdays). Please make sure you are free for one of these dates if you are applying. Potential sessions in Autumn 2022 will be scheduled to suit all parties nearer the time.
Fee: £250 inclusive of planning, travel and expenses. The daily rate for future sessions will be the same.
Location: Birmingham, TBC.
Insta: @spectraartscompany
Facebook: @SpectraArtsCompany
Twitter: @Spectra_Arts
YouTube Channel: Spectra Arts
This project is supported by public monies from Arts Council England.
