Current Vacancies

 “Every so often there is a piece that touches the soul. SOLD is one such show” Music Theatre Review & Winner: Best Ensemble Music Theatre Award Edfringe 2019.   

Kuumba Nia Arts (KNA) are looking for a Lead Actress and a Production Manager for the 2023 Spring tour of their award winning show SOLD which tells the story of Mary Prince. 'A forgotten story giving one woman’s first-hand account of brutality at the height of the slave trade. Powerful and entertaining, this true story is told with traditional African Griot storytelling fused with theatre, singing, music, poetry, drumming and dance. “To be free is very sweet” 

Kuumba Nia Arts and Unlock the Chains production “SOLD is a thrilling and unimaginably skillful blend of storytelling, song, drumming and dance. Immensely powerful and artistically vibrant! A must see!” Ask the Ushers 2020  

Winner – Best Ensemble: Music Theatre Review Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2019 

Winner – Show of the Week: Week 1 Vault Fringe 2020  

Winner - Best Show Birmingham Fest 2021  

Winner - Best Lead Actor OFFies 2022  Winner - Best Supporting Actor OFFies 2022 

As a company, KNA use a collective model, where the ideas, input and creativity of all shape each piece of work, and rates of pay are equitable, based on Independent Theatre Council (ITC) rates. We looking for two new people to join our team of creatives, contributing their knowledge and experience to both the current work and the development of the company’s aesthetics and potential future projects.  We welcome applicants from African and Caribbean Heritage and diaspora.
 

KNA have been Artists-in-Residence as part of the Oxford Playhouse EVOLVE scheme and at the Pegasus Theatre. There were the first recipients of The North Wall Arts Centre & Oxfordshire Theatre Makers 2019 PROPELLER programme.
 

KNA are excited to be taking SOLD their award winning show into it’s 4th year on a Spring tour with House theatre network – touring theatre spaces in the South East.   
 

For more information on the show click here 

Lead Actress tasks include:  Being a talented multi-roling actress with singing, dance and movement ability. SOLD evolved out of a solo show so the lead actress carries most of the storyline via multi-roling characters. We have a 3 week rehearsal process to bring these multiple characters to life and to get accustomed to our African storytelling form that fuses, song, dance, poetry, movement and storytelling. There is also the possibility of becoming a regular part of the Kuumba Nia Arts creative family, as SOLD's journey continues beyond this tour. As well as performing your tasks would include:  

• Taking part in some workshops agreed with the company.  
• Assisting with putting up and striking the set (supported by fellow performer and production manager)  
• Part of panel/Q&A sessions part of each show   
• Contribute to social media 

   
Production Manager tasks include: As you’ve probably gathered, we are interested in an all-rounders and someone who is not just a technician or Production Manager. The following is not exhaustive and we try to make use of company members skills, experience, knowledge and interests in trying new things and developing their skills-set.

• Liaising with venue  
• Managing tour itinerary  
• Lighting/ running the show  
• Driving company vehicle 
• Putting up and striking the set (supported by performers)
• Documenting the tour through photographs and short video clip
• Part of panel/Q&A sessions (as appropriate)  
• Contribute to social media
  

Dates:  Rehearsals: 30th January - 18th February 

Cayman Arts Festival  24th February - 2nd March 2023 (funding dependant) 

Spring House Tour: 9th March -30th April 2023      

Funding & Contract: Funding is already in place for the Spring tour and contracts are based on ITC rates and guidelines. 

(*We are awaiting confirmation of full funding for international week at the time of posting this).

  
Next steps: We'd love to hear from you by Friday 30th December with in person meetings 

5th January for Actors and in the week commencing 20th January for Production Managers. 

To apply, please send us your CV and a covering letter  to - kuumbaniaarts@gmail.com 

We look forward to hearing from you.  

For informal conversation please contact: Amantha Edmead  on 07958 343359  kuumbaniaarts@gmail.com    
  

Deadline for acting  applications : 30th December to kuumbaniaarts@gmail.com 

Deadline for Production Manager applications extended: 20th January 2023 to kuumbaniaarts@gmail.com