APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED!!
Applications are now closed and
selections will be announced Friday 27th April 2018.
Mɛlənɪn Box Festival hopes to bridge the gap, break down stereotypes and bring all the nuanced experiences and subcultures of Black Britons to light.
A two-day showcase of theatre, dance, live PA's and short film. The first of its kind in London, UK.
Curated by Award Winning Artist Damilola K Fashola developed by Initiative.dkf artists - Creative Producer: Wofai and Theatre Maker: Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu.
Pandora and Synergy Awards are the true essence of Melanin Box.
Pandora Award: Theatre
Includes: Dance Theater, Musicals, Combined Arts etc
10 will be shortlisted and 6 will be chosen
Synergy Award: Actors
6 will be selected from the audition
FILMS
We will also be screening short genre-bending films or the first episodes of powerful, narrative-challenging web-series
TAKING PART
What Were looking for?
Non-conventional narratives, creativity, editing, genres, and ways in which we express them. The stories unheard. The stories undefined. Stories which push and pull boundaries. Disregarding the box. Simple and Wild. Tender and Raged. Stories we haven't been allowed to tell. Work which expands the narrative.
Eligibility
The Lead Artist (Writer/Director/Creator) who submitted an application must be of African, Caribbean or Indigenous Australian decent. This includes people of dual heritage. Participating/partaking creatives (cast, team etc.) can include ALL heritages and/or backgrounds.
Terms & Conditions
Upon submission, all applications will be screened alongside our selection panel. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interview. Those selected will present their 15min piece/extract on August 4th or 5th at the festival. An audience vote will determine Pandora & Synergy Award Winners. An additional guest judge can choose to cast a 10 point gold vote, which may alter the outcome!
Applicants must be 18yrs+; the festival may include adult themes. If your piece includes under 18s contact us via the support page before submitting for an assessment to be made.
If you wish to withdraw from the submission process requests should be made in writing before the submission window closes on midnight, Tuesday 17th April 2018.
Initiative.dkf takes no responsibility for any errors in details submitted by companies for publication online or in any programmes. We do our best to proof-read and double-check everything that is sent to us, but responsibility to give us the correct information in the first instance is ultimately the applicants.
Artistic Director Fashola, with Synergy Award Winner '15
Tobi Bamtefa and MBF Associtae Director Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu
THEATRE
Performance/Company
Part of this process is to give you the experience and chance to be really hands-on - putting together your own creative team and production.
If you are in dire need, we may be able to assist via our networks. MBF Associate Director, TFA will be available to support.
PRIZES
Pandora Award Winners will take part in Melanin Stages. A Further development opportunity to display an extended showing/progression of their work, alongside a £400 Bursary.
Dates
Interviews: 6pm, Mon 23rd April
Festival: August 4th & 5th
Selections Announced: April 27th
FILM
Eligibility
Note all public links to any film submissions must be taken down once confirmations announced to be screened at Melanin Box Festival 2018. Copyright for any film submission must belong to the applicant, or proof of permission from the owner for the film to be screened at Melanin Box Festival 2018 must be provided.
Dates
Interviews: 6pm, Mon 23rd April
Festival: August 4th & 5th
Selections Announced: April 27th
Previous winner Tobi Bamtefa has now acted alongside Breaking Bad's Bryan Crankston in the National Theatre's Network and features in Sky's Atlantic's Tin Star!
Audition Preparation?
TWO monologue pieces that are 60 - 90 seconds each
MUST be contrasting pieces i.e. different accents, genres (comedy, drama), or timezones etc.
You can be as inventive with these as you like. They do not have to be from published plays; they could even be song lyrics, from books, newspaper headlines, essays, self-written pieces etc. No matter what you choose, monologues must have a strong sense of character behind them to engage an audience.
Also be prepared for physical and movement work so bring water & comfortable clothing
Terms & Conditions
If you wish to withdraw from the submission process requests should be made in writing before the submission window closes on midnight, Tuesday 17th April 2018
Initiative.dkf takes no responsibility for any errors in details submitted by applicants for publication online or in any programmes. We do our best to proof-read and double-check everything that is sent to us, but responsibility to give us the correct information in the first instance is ultimately the applicant's.
ACTORS
At Melanin Box we are all about the unconventional.
Synergy is our evolution from showcase to theatrical experience.
What is Synegy?
six chosen actors will have an opportunity to demonstrate their versatility and skills in an innovative piece interweaving powerful monologues with movement.
You will be directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu (Bush Theatre, Young Vic, Royal Court, National Theatre) and movement directed by Damilola "DK" Fashola (Theatre Royal Stratford East, Royal Court, Roundhouse - Mr Eazi)
Who is this open to?
Actors aged 18+, BME, all genders.
PRIZES
Selected participants will compete for paramount prizes:
Showreel material with professional film company, an Actors Masterclass from Triforce Entertainment, creators of the ever-popular Monologueslam!
and the 2018 Synergy Trophy
18 applications will be put forward to the audition of which,
6 will be selected.
Dates
Must be available for all dates to take part
Audition: April 21st
Selections Announced: April 27th
Rehearsals: July 1st, 22nd & 29th
Festival: August 4th & 5th
London address will be disclosed to successful applicants only