about the project
Seeking neurodivergent, female-identifying or non-binary actors for "Argos Archives."
Synopsis: In "Argos Archives," a young woman tracks the story of her life using the Argos catalogue as both a container and an inspiration. The play centre’s a young autistic woman who, deceived and exhausted by life’s rules, finds structure and acceptance in the Argos catalogue. Stuck in an everlasting cycle of attempting to understand the rules of behaviour, she navigates the complexities of human relationships. The endless surveillance she experiences is highlighted by the character Argos, the all-seeing god. The woman barely copes and wears a mask in public for fear of rejection and humiliation until she decides she won’t do that anymore.
A cast of three will perform this new play to mainstream audiences across the UK, with a particular focus on engaging audiences with experiences of neurodiversity.
The cast will be accompanied by a Company Stage Manager and expected to work together for all get-outs and get-ins and any additional "push and pull" work required during the performance.
There will be a handful of post-show Q&As which the production will expect the company to attend.
Rehearsals begin 27 Feb. 2025 (4 weeks) in London; tech and preview 23-25 Feb in London.; runs 25 Feb.-15 March in London; tours 16-30 March.
Pay Rate: £573.00 / week
Total Pay:£5,157.00 for an estimated 9 weeks of work.
Touring subs and accommodation will be covered during the two-week tour. Accommodation and subsistence will be provided for overnight stays outside of London. The company will travel together via a van, driven and managed by the Company Stage Manager.
role 1 | actors | female
playing age: 18 - 30
role languages: English
Female-Identifying, mid-20s. Spirited, resilient, and deeply reflective, balancing humor and poignancy. She is unfiltered, honest, and curious about people, often sharing her thoughts without restraint. Throughout the play, she shows vulnerability, discussing complex personal histories and societal frustrations while also trying to imagine a hopeful, self-determined future. The actor playing the Woman should be able to switch between comedic and tragic tones seamlessly. She should have a strong, warm stage presence with the ability to engage directly with the audience, especially during interactive or improvisational parts of the play. Emotional range is key for delivering the depth of her personal story, as well as her confrontations with Argos and Archives. This role requires active physical engagement, and the character may also need to sing.
role 2 | actors | female
playing age: 18 - 99
role languages: English
Open to female-identifying and non-binary actors, all ages over 18 welcome. Personifies both the Greek mythological character (a multi-eyed watcher) and the Argos shop. Friendly and sometimes try to help the Woman, but they are also bluntly dismissive of her at points, revealing a dual nature: part guardian, part bureaucratic barrier. Casting considerations: The actor for Argos should have an air of authority but also be able to convey empathy, or at least the illusion of it. This role may benefit from someone with an ambiguous or stoic presence, who can also bring subtle irony to the performance. This role requires active physical engagement, and the character may also need to sing.
role 3 | actors | female
playing age: 18 - 99
role languages: English
Open to female-identifying and non-binary actors, all ages over 18 welcome. Analytical, factual, and often dispassionate, delivering historical and catalogue information with precision. Representing systems that catalogue, judge, and retain facts, Usually contrast with the Woman's more subjective, emotional perspective. Takes a meticulous approach to history and facts, sometimes frustrating the Woman who desires a more human connection. The actor should be able to portray an emotionally reserved character yet subtly affected by the Woman's challenges to their authority and methods. This role requires active physical engagement, and the character may also need to sing.
