* The fee-for-service workforce of the Asante Children’s Theatre

Purpose
As a community-based, professional theatre company, the mission of the Asante Touring Company (ATC) is to create employment opportunities for persons 18 years and older who want to develop into teaching and performing artists.

Need/Background
In September 2003, the Asante Touring Company began so that ACT Alumni who wanted to pursue a performance arts career locally would have a place to realize that ambition. Due to limited local employment opportunities for marginalized groups in performing arts, The Asante Touring Company will give diverse artists the chance to exercise their talents in a variety of forums. It will also serve as an ideal platform from which to advocate volunteerism, mentoring, and philanthropy to future generations. Initially designed for ACT alumni who were college graduates or those seeking summer employment, the Asante Touring Company is now open to all professionally trained artists.

Vision
The Asante Touring Company aspires to be the link to a variety of employment opportunities, and an avenue of creativity for performing artists. The Asante Touring Company will address current events and relevant topics in the community.

Objectives

• To strengthen our “Fee-for-Service” work force by maintaining a company of professionally trained actors who are available to work on performing arts projects for schools, churches, cultural festivals and other similar venues locally and nationally.
• To broaden the base of community partners that would help expand the number of opportunities for marginalized groups in the teaching and performance arts arena.
• To add greater depth to the Asante Children’s Theatre (ACT) Academy main stage production experience by engaging, ATC members who can mentor to, and perform with the younger Academy members.
• To advance the philosophy of arts advocacy locally, nationally, and internationally.
• To design and facilitate ACT Prep skill-building workshops for young actors year-round, catering to district and charter schools, summer camps, and faith-based youth serving organizations.
• To publicize the Kwanzaa Choir as a way of blending an opportunity to explore the history and diversity of the music genre, revive the importance of the Kwanzaa principles, and earn operational revenue whenever the Choir performs.
• To create opportunities for ATC members to demonstrate what it means to “give back” and financially support a cause or organization that you believe in.

Compensation
Each ATC member shall sign an independent contractor personal services agreement, compensation varies by project.

Requirements
Touring Company participants must be 18 years of age or older, and high school graduates. Effective September 1, 2006, all Asante Touring Company members are required to submit a clear criminal background check before they are accepted into the company.

The Asante Touring Company hosts auditions for young adult, professionally trained actors. The 3-hour audition process will take interested candidates through ensemble building activities centered on singing, acting and dancing. The audition also provides each candidate with an opportunity to showcase their artistic strengths.

For more information: call 317-297-0020, or send e-mail inquiries to dasante@asantechildrenstheatre.org