Calling young Cornish actors…

Would you like to perform in one of

Britain’s most prestigious youth events at

The Royal Albert Hall?

Cornwall Youth Orchestra are seeking three actors to narrate

the ancient Persian story of

Prince Zal and the Simorgh

at the Music For Youth Schools Prom at the Royal Albert Hall on

rd November 23 2015.

Prince Zal and the Simorgh by composer David Bruce and librettist Sally Pomme-Clayton is a setting for narrator and symphony orchestra of a story from the Persian Book of Kings, the Shahmaneh. The performance also involves players of traditional Iranian instruments and an ensemble of young violinists in addition to the orchestra. In total some 150 young people will be on stage; a collaboration between Cornwall Youth Orchestra, Northampton Music Service and City University, London.

In the story, a King and Queen long for a child, but when the baby Prince Zal is born he looks different to other babies – his skin is white. He is disowned by his father who orders the baby boy to be taken to the mountains and left to die. A giant firebird, the Simorgh, finds the baby and raises him as her own. The King’s life is empty without his son, and after 18 years he travels to the mountains to see the place where he thinks the boy died, but instead discovers a handsome young man… All is made good and the story ends happily in a processional carnival.

The Music For Youth Schools Prom is the most prestigious event for youth music groups from across Britain, celebrating the diversity of youth music culture in all its forms. The events are renowned for the highest quality of performance, innovative approach to music and first rate professional presentation, attracting attention from educators, politicians and the media.

Successful applicants need to  have accumulated significant performance experience  be highly competent and confident in presentation and voice, with a rock-solid focus  demonstrate an energy and vibrancy that will extend to an audience of 5,000  have some musical knowledge and music reading skills  be available in Truro for audition and rehearsals across October and November  be under 22 years old on November 23rd 2015  audition, presenting a short section of the Prince Zal text The Package: The three narrators will be coached and prepare for the event with actor Adam Bareham whose TV and film appearances include The Bill, Casualty, Emmerdale, Inspector Alleyn Mysteries, Wycliffe, Minder, Doc Martin, Pie in the Sky, The Manageress and Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi. There will be a full rehearsal with Cornwall Youth Orchestra on Saturday 21 November in Truro. The group will travel to London on Sunday 22 Nov and stay overnight, in order to rehearse in the RAH on the Monday.

Travel and accommodation costs are subsidised and should not exceed £45-50 per person. None of the participants will be paid for their participation but the event is highly prestigious. Classic FM covers the event closely with posts and interviews on its website. The evening will be recorded and filmed by Music for Youth, which will result in a DVD being available for sale.

Timescale:  29th September Call for young actors  5th October Deadline for replies  10th /11th October Auditions  12th October Parts sent  19th October onwards Rehearsals start  21st November Full rehearsal with orchestra in Truro  22nd November Travel to London  23rd November Rehearsals at City University and Royal Albert Hall. Performance at 7pm Return by coach to Cornwall

Application: Please email expressions of interest to CYO Director Tim Boulton at: [email protected].

Include in your email  your name, age, and date of birth;  your email address and phone numbers;  a parent/guardian name, email and phone number if you are under 18;  details of your acting/narrating experience and your personal highlights;  any other relevant information;  the name, email address and phone number of someone who knows your acting well – please ask them if they are happy to be a referee for you.