Wed | Nov 27, 2024

ASHE readying for auditions

Says company still provides opportunities despite rise of social media

Published:Wednesday | April 27, 2022 | 12:07 AMSade Gardner/Staff Reporter
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ASHE performs at the recent launch of Jamaica 60 on the lawns of Jamaica House.
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ASHE performs at the recent launch of Jamaica 60 on the lawns of Jamaica House.
ASHE pays tribute in song and dance to Barrington Moncrieffe, former artistic director, National Dance Theatre Company, during a memorial service at the Little Theatre in February 2020. ASHE pays tribute in song and dance to Barrington Moncrieffe, former a
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ASHE pays tribute in song and dance to Barrington Moncrieffe, former artistic director, National Dance Theatre Company, during a memorial service at the Little Theatre in February 2020. ASHE pays tribute in song and dance to Barrington Moncrieffe, former artistic director, National Dance Theatre Company, during a memorial service at the Little Theatre in February 2020.
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When The ASHE Company was established 29 years ago, there were no social media applications like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube which have become avenues for launching a career in arts and entertainment today. Yet, as they ready for auditions at their Cargill Avenue, Kingston base on Sunday afternoon, the esteemed ensemble sustains its relevance despite the instantaneous virality and popularity made possible via the Internet.

“ASHE provides an opportunity for consistent training and development of one’s craft and skills,” communications coordinator, Faybian Grizzle, told The Gleaner. “It’s also an opportunity for performers to capitalise on other job opportunities based on different projects and programmes that come into our company. ASHE is also known for touring and travelling locally, regionally and internationally, giving its performers an opportunity for international exposure.”

Among those the company is looking to work with are singers, dancers and actors between the ages 18 and 30.

“We are hoping to appeal to performers who love the stage, performers who are interested in making a profession and career of theatre arts – the lights, camera, and action – and earning a stable income for doing what they love,” Grizzle added.

BEGINNING OF PEARL JUBILEE ACTIVITIES

The auditions further represent the beginning of ASHE’s pearl jubilee activities for 2023.

“We are on the brink of celebrating 30 years of excellence in the performing arts,” said Grizzle. “We have gone through many generations of performers who have helped to bring ASHE to the place we are now, and this audition is the expansion and continuation of our company to now its fourth generation of performers and creatives. We are hoping to build and provide opportunities for another generation of performers who can celebrate with us come January 2023.”

Information on registering can be found on their social media pages.

This month, the company launched a logo competition for its 30th anniversary dubbed ‘Ashe 30 for 30’ for which over 200 submissions have so far been received. More activities are expected in the upcoming months, including season two of their TV series CHILL.

Another production is TABS TALK LIVE, which targets those 16 years and older through topics centring sex, sexual health, career, lifestyle, health and wellness, and then some, ribboned with appearances by influencers and artistes. They debuted its sixth season in January. The company has been a pioneer for the creative and theatre arts in Jamaica, developing a niche in edutainment to engage young people and other audiences on various topics relating to social development and empowerment such as drugs and the family, the rights of the child, crime and violence, conflict resolution and HIV/AIDS.

In 2021, ASHE released a six-track Christmas EP titled Follow the Star, 11 years after releasing their debut EP, Different Kinda Youth.

sade.gardner@gleanerjm.com