Acting for IMMI HQ
As an IMMI HQ actor you will be working on highly interactive shows, developing your skills as both a character actor and improvisational actor. We'd like to hear from actors from all levels of experience, all backgrounds, all ages... everyone is welcome here. Ability to perform our unique concept is what we're looking for, and to know that we'll need to audition you. For more information about IMMIs, please refer to the other pages of this website. If you have any questions please email us.
Show formats generally run along these lines: there are 10 actors playing the roles of the suspects. 30-70 audience members enter the space, playing the part of the detectives. Suspects and detectives mingle, cocktail style, in a room for one and half to three hours. You may be bombard with questions from 15 people at once, or you may be left alone for hours. You must stay in character the entire time, and answer all questions you are asked as your character would. You cannot lie, but you can avoid questions. Our thorough rehearsal process will prepare you for all of this, and by performance time you will be able to entirely (100%) become another person. You will also be armed with a range of tactics for dealing with the audience.
All roles are major roles, and casts tend to form close knit teams. There is no script, nor set events, only a detailed knowledge of your character and your ability to stay in character.
Feedback from Previous Actors
Paul Nelson ("Andrew Holmes"), Ambition 2004, first time actor:
"Talk about jumping in the deep end. For my first ever project as an actor, I had to leap into a heretofore unknown beast known as an "interactive murder mystery installation", called AMBITION. I was informed that we would be a) working live without a script, b) having questions fired at us by the audience from every turn and c) having to remain in character -- while being watched constantly -- for a good 2-3 hours. At which point I thought, "I couldn't have started off with Shakespeare, like everyone else???" The good news was that AMBITION, led by writer/director/mastermind Vanessa B Baylen, turned out to be often challenging, always fun and truly one of the most rewarding experiences of both my professional and personal life. It sharpened my improvisational skills, provided the freedom to create my own character virtually from scratch and work with a vibrant, intelligent and highly talented team of fellow actors -- and what more can a performer ask for? All you need is to remain open, trust your instincts and bring your A-game. You'll have a blast." --Aug'07
David Lamb ("Boag Stubb"), Ambition 2004:
"Being a part of Ambition was a wonderful experience. Everyone involved was committed, talented and great fun, and to be involved in such an amazingly innovative and intelligent theatrical experience was a privilege that taught me much about strong, researched improvisational acting. I'd jump at the chance to do it again!" --July'07
Upcoming Projects
Death By Chocolate - Edinburgh Fringe --> [read full casting call HERE]
Auditions: *completed* (Australia), the week of June 16 (Edinburgh)
Rehearsals: June 23 - July 31 (1-3 per week) (Edinburgh)
Performance Aug 1-24, Wednesday to Sunday, 6pm (Edinburgh)
Death By Chocolate - Brisbane TBA
Passport - Adelaide TBA
