Solo Performance Conservatory
The Formerly Incarcerated People’s Performance Project
with Mark Kenward, Rebecca Fisher, Wayne Harris
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
FORMERLY INCARCERATED STORYTELLERS
We are seeking formerly incarcerated people to be part of a project to develop and perform their stories. The goal is to approach the causes and impacts of incarceration from the viewpoint for those who have been incarcerated. The rehearsal process will culminate with a festival of solo performances at PianoFight Oakland in June, 2021
Director Mark Kenward, assisted by directors Rebecca Fisher and Wayne Harris, will lead this project. Each performer will develop either a piece in a collaborative workshop in the months leading up to the festival. Our hope is to shed insight on the reality and impact of incarceration – the toll it takes, the compassion it evokes and requires, what people don’t understand about it.
Those wishing to submit should have some experience in either writing, public speaking, performance, and/or storytelling – as well as significant personal experience with being incarcerated. Performers will be selected with consideration of performance experience and the strength of their story, with the goal of presenting a wide range of issues that have led to, and resulted from, incarceration. We are open to performers from all disciplines – including poetry, theater, storytelling, movement, and comedy – with a preference for pieces that feature a powerful, authentic narrative.
This project is made possible by CA$H | Theatre, a grants program of Theatre Bay Area, as well as individual contributions generously donated to cover the cost of the directors’ time, theater rental, marketing, etc.
Each performer will receive:
A stipend to support the time and travel that you put into this project.
Weekly workshop classes with the directors and other performers to develop their piece.
Four hours of private work with one or more of the directors.
A completed solo performance piece that the performers can present elsewhere.
A newfound community of performers and collaborators.
Submissions should be sent to mark@markkenward.com
Submissions must include:
A brief bio or resume of your experience and training as a writer, performer, artist, speaker, etc.
A brief description of your personal experience with incarceration.
A brief synopsis of the story/incident you want to portray in this show.
Contact information (email and phone).
You may also include any of the following (optional):
Video clip of your previous work. Please send link.
A list of personal references from any of the following: performance teachers or colleagues, activist allies, employers or mentors, etc.
“Storytelling under the direction of Mark Kenward has opened up doors that I was terrified to walk through. The fear of exposing my own story of incarceration to the world was difficult but needed to happen in order for me to evolve from a place of fear and self-centeredness. Our paths intertwined, I was willing to receive the encouragement, kindness and expertise that Mr. Kenward offered. The rewrites, acting tips and suggestions, along with his genuine concern, brought me to the realization that there is something special going on and that I must participate: working together to address and change the injustices that so many are subjected to. Hearing the voices of formerly incarcerated individuals is a must. The overall impact will continue to chip away at the inhumane injustices of the incarcerated and broader community. I seek to not only keep those doors open but to knock them down. It is time, and society as a whole benefits.”
Fred Johnson
Storyteller, musician, former director of Harm Reduction Coalition
Mark Kenward is a Marsh All-Star performer and two-time selection for the Best of San Francisco Solo Series. He is the creator and performer of eight solo shows, receiving kudos as “a commanding storyteller” and “a master of the craft”. He is the director of over 35 full-length solo shows, including several that have won “Best of Fringe” honors and ten that have had runs at The Marsh. For more information about Mark, including other projects that he has directed, please visit markkenward.com
Rebecca Fisher is the creator of The Marsh’s Writing Cabaret and the co-producer of the long-running Marsh series Tell it on Tuesday. She has directed critically acclaimed solo shows in international fringe festivals as well as several well-received runs at The Marsh. For more information please visit rebeccamfisher.com
Wayne Harris is an award winning solo performer, writer, educator, curriculum innovator and musician. Wayne is currently the Director of the Marsh Youth Theater in San Francisco, CA and a Resident Teaching Artist for StageBridge (an intergenerational theater) in Oakland, CA. For more information please visit waynethestoryteller.com