Non Union.

Once

Book by Enda Walsh
Music and Lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglovà
based on the Motion Picture Written and Directed by John Carney

Director: Camille Intson
Music Director: Randy Lei Chang

Performers contracted from January 11th to April 17th, 2027. (Possible option until May 15th.)

Shifting Ground Collective is seeking non-union multi-instrumentalist performers for their upcoming production of Once.

Shifting Ground Collective works to support the next generation of Toronto’s musical theatre scene. We seek self-identified emerging artists for our productions.

THE STORY

On the streets of Dublin, an Irish street musician and a Czech immigrant are drawn together by a chance encounter and a powerful chemistry in their music. Over the course of one fateful week, they find an unexpected friendship and begin an artistic collaboration which will change their lives… and which quickly evolves into a powerful but complicated love story.

Based on the Academy Award-winning film, Once tells the story of two wandering souls drawn together by music, connection, and the possibility of something more. Featuring iconic songs by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová such as “Falling Slowly” and “Gold,” the musical has become a modern classic celebrated for its emotional honesty, intimacy, and aching beauty.

We’re particularly excited to share this story with an intimate, immersive new production unlike anything lovers of this show have experienced before. Inspired by Ireland’s “trad sessions”, our production will see audiences sitting at the tables of a functioning Irish pub, surrounded by musicians who wander into the warm and cozy bar to bring the evening to life with their music. Our take on Once promises an unusually close encounter between you, our performers, and the music we share – the kind of experience you can only have at the theatre.

THE PROCESS

Rehearsals will begin the week of January 11th. Rehearsals will take place in the TD Rehearsal Hall at YPT 161 Studios (161 Frederick Street) on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 5:30pm-10:30pm, and at Arraymusic (155 Walnut Ave) on Sundays from 10am-6pm. 

Artists will move to the performance space (777 Richmond St W) for spacing rehearsals the week of February 22nd. Technical Rehearsals will take place March 1st-9th.

Performances will begin on March 10th. There will be evening performances each day except for Tuesdays, with additional matinees on Saturdays. Performance schedule is subject to change.

If you have additional questions about the specifics of the rehearsal or performance schedule, please reach out. We are more than happy to share additional information with you should you need.

COMPENSATION

Performers will receive a $1,200 guarantee for participating in the production, with an additional revenue share option depending on the net ticket revenue of the production. More details surrounding the compensation structure are available upon request. (Should the production extend beyond April 17th, the guarantee will increase commensurate with the number of weeks extended.)

ROLES

Performers of any gender expression, nationality, and physical ability are encouraged to submit. Submissions will be considered for all roles.

We are seeking skilled actor/musicians for this production – every character in Once accompanies themselves on an instrument. All instrumentation, unless specified, is flexible! The instruments required for Once include: Electric Bass; Cello; Guitar; Drums/Percussion; Piano; Accordion; Ukulele, Mandolin; Violin (and/or Fiddle), Harmonica.

All characters in Once either possess an Irish accent or a Czech accent – you don’t need to demonstrate this in your initial tape, but all performers in the show will be asked to learn one. A dialect coach will be provided in rehearsals.

We are seeking contemporary folk, country, and indie vocalists for this production.

GUY (Male, 20s-30s. Baritone with a tenor extension. Irish.)

A struggling Irish musician. Lonely and down on his luck. Works with his Da in a vacuum repair shop. Deeply connected to his music. Must play guitar extremely well.

GIRL (Female, 20s-30s. Mezzo-Soprano. Czech.)

A quick-witted Czech immigrant living in Dublin. Spirited and intelligent, but pragmatic. She is insistent in her belief in people and their potential. Must play piano extremely well.

BILLY (Male, 30s. Baritone. Irish.)

Owner of the music store where Girl plays piano. Boisterous and protective of Girl; his gruff exterior masks his deep care and vulnerability. Must play guitar.

REZA (Female, 20s. Soprano. Czech.)

A smart, flirtatious, and passionate Czech immigrant. Playful and larger than life.

BARUSKA (Female, 30s-40s+. Alto. Czech.)

Mother of Girl. A generous, uninhibited, and sometimes pushy “mother hen” who believes that full hearts and good food can cure any problem.

BANK MANAGER (Any gender identity, 20s-30s. Vocal type open. Irish [Cork].)

Appears to be prim and corporate on the outside, but harbours a secret and passionate love for music. Their enthusiasm does not match their talent. Must play guitar.

DA (Male, 40s+. Vocal type open. Irish.)

Guy’s dad. A man of few words who loves and supports his son.

SVEC (Male, 20s-30s. Baritone. Czech.)

Girl’s flatmate, a fellow Czech immigrant. . A true odd ball. Cares deeply about television and coffee. Must play drums extremely well.

ANDREJ (Male, 20s. Baritone. Czech.)

Girl’s flatmate, a fellow Czech immigrant. Earnest, kind, and a bit clumsy. An employee at a fast food chain chasing his own “American dream”.

EAMON (Any gender, any age. Vocal type open. Irish.)

The music studio manager where Guy and Girl record their album. A tough nut to crack but eventually gives in to the musicians’ talents.

EMCEE (Any gender, any age. Vocal type open. Irish.)

The sharp-tongued emcee at a bar.

EX-GIRLFRIEND (Female, 20s-30s. Mezzo-Soprano. Irish.)

Guy’s ex-girlfriend who now lives in New York. Kind, gentle and likeable.

SUBMISSION INFO

Submit a cut (under 2 mins) of a contemporary folk, country, or indie song, self-accompanied if possible. No musical theatre, please! Multi-instrumentalists should demonstrate their ability to play all instruments selected on the submission form. The full duration of your submission should not exceed five minutes. Your tape should include a slate stating your name, union status, and city of residence. 

Please provide timestamps to each of the different sections of your tape in the description of your YouTube link. (ie. 0:00 Folk song, 1:25 Guitar demo, 2:40 Piano demo)

Callbacks will be held in Toronto on November 23rd, 24th, and 25th.

Submissions can be made via the Google Form linked below.

Deadline for submission: Monday, November 9th, 5:00pm EST.

Please reach out to [email protected] (or to Artistic Producer Joshua Kilimnik at [email protected]) with any questions, concerns, or access needs.