What Jester Shows Look Like In General Nature of the Shows Run time is about an hour. The cast comprises five or six performers. Shows are ensemble. Performers usually play more than one character. Our shows are ‘academic.’ This is to say, we teach about math and social studies (though not in the same show). Our goal is as much entertainment as education; pedantry and dullness are forbidden. So don’t worry–we’re going for laughs and wow as much as we can, though we can be serious as needed. Live band accompanies. The music score channels Old-School Broadway in contemporary fashion–the score is not rock, pop, rap, or western. Think “Spamalot” or “Avenue Q.”
Performing Abilities Needed Strong singing is needed, though acting is no less important. The ability to create distinct characters is a plus. Dancing required; experience helpful but not needed. Choreography is accessible to non-dancers; our performers work hard to make the choreo crisp and sharp.
Working Conditions–Rehearsals Table read about three weeks before rehearsals begin (unpaid). 10-12 rehearsals. Weekdays 6:00-10:00 p.m. in S.E. Portland. Usually two evenings per week. Paid.
Working Conditions–Performances One performance day per week for four or five weeks with a double show on each performance day. Performance run begins on a Saturday with two daytime shows open to the public. We perform in grade schools; hence, performances are on school days. Performances are paid; more for a two-show day (some weeks might have only one show). Performances are in the Portland area, usually East Portland. Company members are obliged to get themselves to rehearsals and performances. Ride sharing is encouraged, but not arranged by management.
Other Fine Points of Interest for Performers Costumes are provided; occasionally performers will be asked to provide a specific costume item. Performers are responsible for providing their own footwear–usually black character shoes. Extensive music rehearsal tracks are available online and for downloading. Unfortunately, we’re not able to offer contracts to members of AEA, SAG/AFTRA, or AFM Local 99.
Stage Managers JET works with two stage managers for most shows. Rehearsals and performances paid. For “The Revolutionary Revue,” one stage manager has the pleasure of donning a gorilla suit and taking the stage for several silent walk-ons. This, as you might guess, guarantees that you will be the star of the show.
House Manager This is a volunteer position. Works with the Stage Manager to prepare the seating area (‘house’) as needed. Greets classes as they enter. This is an important job, but doesn’t require preparation before the day of show; no theater experience required, though comfort talking to teachers and being around a lot of kids is needed.
Audition Auditions are by invitation. It’s pretty easy to be invited, so please inquire about coming opportunities. We seek a production company onstage and off that has a variety of theater experience and physical attributes. Performing experience and training are of less interest to us than what you can do right now, so if you’re interested in this show and our company seems like a good fit for you, you can audition at any time for us; we move quickly when it’s time to form the company, so making yourself known to us earlier than later generally works to your advantage.
If you’re interested in working on “The Revolutionary Revue,” we encourage you to watch our film capture available on demand through this website for a nominal fee. We can get you a code to watch for free–please inquire for the link at Kevin@thejesters.info. The film will give you a clear vision of what it’s about and the performing level we work at.
Characters in “The Revolutionary Revue” Some of these characters are fictional, some are historical, and some are unnamed generic. Performer 1: Wild Billy Jeen (cow poke from Old West), Paul Revere, Salem Citizen, Sailor, Explorer, Asst. Floor Manager/Trio, Colonist 1. Performer 2: Floor Manager/Trio, Tituba of the Salem Witch Trials, King Louis (French accent needed here), George Washington, Colonist 2. Ideally, this performer is Black as they play Tituba and sing the lead on “Go Down to the River,” a bluesy spiritual. Hear Kirstie Williams in our film capture for a knockem’ down rendition of this song. Performer 3: Penobscott Bumphree (cheesy game show host of Settlers’ Feud!), Native American, Joseph Warren, Salem Citizen, Ventriloquist Asst., Colonist 3. Performer 4: Uncle Sam, Johnny Brightly (announcer for “Settlers’ Feud!”), Pete Larrabee (a cow-poke out of the Old West), John Proctor, Redcoat 1 (British accent needed), Colonist 4. Performer 5: Columbus (as in Christopher–don’t worry, he gets no sympathy in this show), Suzie Lovely (co-host on Settlers’ Feud!), King’s Proclaimer (British accent needed), Thomas Paine, Minuteman, Colonist 5. Performer 6: King George (British accent needed), Judge in Salem Witch Trials, Redcoat 2 (British accent needed), Asst. Floor Manager/Trio, Colonist 6. Additionally, one performer does a fake ventriloquist act, so a funny yet clear voice is needed. See Ashley Moore in the film capture or Nina Conte or Paul Zerdan on Youtube to get the gist.
OUR SUPERSTAR DONORS WYSS FAMILY FOUNDATION | BRAEMAR CHARITABLE TRUST | AUTZEN FOUNDATION | JUAN YOUNG TRUST | WINDERMERE FOUNDATION | ALLISON COUCH | RICHARD STEIN
All artwork and text copyright 2022, Jester Educational Theater.
