| Acting | Directing | Sound Effects | Producing | Link to Us |
| Writing | Music | Artwork | Donating | Spread the Word |
Acting
Chatterbox is always looking for new actors to collaborate with. It is a strange and enjoyable experience to act relying only on the use of your voice. We look for people with versatility and energy who aren't shy, self-conscious, or afraid to make bird noises when the script calls for them. Take a look at our audition schedule and come show us your stuff.
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Writing
Chatterbox needs more writers. Writing for audio is a skill unto itself; it's a wonderful challenge to create an entire universe using only sound. And of course it's exciting when something you've written comes to life and is available for the whole world to hear. Drop us a line and we'll tell you all about what we're looking for, some practical limitations, and which of your favorite stories are and aren't legally OK to adapt. And check out this sample script to get an idea of the format we like.
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Directing
Realizing a script from the page to the recorded electronic stage is a challenging and fun endeavor. Chatterbox needs directors and assistant directors. As far as we know, the only way to learn is to jump in, so give us a holler if you're interested in helping out with an upcoming show. Directors:
- Collaborate with the writer
- Conduct and lead rehearsals
- Explore and head up sound effects options and possibilities
- Collaborate with the Producer on how the production should sound, recording necessities, etc.
- Work with actors on character development
- Coordinate schedules for all involved
Music
Our musicians, like our actors, rehearse and record their parts live. We are always looking for new musicians. We need people who can compose and adapt fearlessly -- who can turn words like "menacing," "adventurous," and "explosive" into segments of coherent and meaningful music. No matter how zany or simple the instrument, you can safely bet we'll have a show for you.
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Sound Effects
Probably the most fun part of the audio theater process: discovering how to make natural sounds with simpler substitutes. For instance, did you know that the sound of sizzling food on a frying pan can be perfectly imitated by crunching wet eggshells? If you're interested in getting really creative -- in a way that you almost certainly never have before -- then sound effects may be for you.
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Artwork
Do you paint, draw, sketch, sculpt, build, whittle, airbrush? Chatterbox is always looking for new artists to collaborate with us on our shows. For each show, we have an artist join the process and create a piece that illustrates the show's story, whether in a literal or an abstract way. As long as it (a) can be reproduced on a computer screen and (b) is somehow inspired by the show you're illustrating, it's fair game.
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Producing
If you have experience in audio equipment, recording equipment, and recording software -- or if you want to learn more about it -- we can use you. Sculpting a full-fledged sonic environment is much more complicated than simply setting up a few microphones, and is all the more challenging when the entire production is happening live. The Producer works with the Director to decide how the show should sound, then works with the performers to make sure that sound quality is maintained.
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Donating
What does Chatterbox need? Money? Well, sure. We accept contributions through a PayPal account, and we're more than proud to merit anything you care to give. We promise that your donation will go toward website or production costs, and not just those wild Chatterbox parties that we're trying to start rumors about.
Stuff? Naturally. If you have old recording equipment that still works but isn't useful to you anymore, we can probably give it a new lease on life. Same goes for musical instruments and anything that makes a unique sound. Before you toss it out, ask yourself: What noise would this make if I twisted, struck, shook, dropped, flapped, rotated, cranked, stretched, burned, shredded, dissolved, compressed, or plucked it?
Remember, Chatterbox is not a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization -- not yet -- so your gifts aren't tax deductible. But remember too that we're doing this with literally no budget, simply for the love of the form. We would be thrilled with any help you're willing to send our way.
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Spread the Word
Even if you're not in Memphis, and you're as broke as we are, you can still help us out! Sign up for our newsletter, tell your friends about us, link to us on your home page or blog, save up for a shirt from our online store, or just send us an email to let us know that you're listening! We need all the support we can get, and frankly, we're just happy as clams that you're here.
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