Call-out for volunteer photographers for YTR’s next community production, Sovereign

The world premiere of C.J.Sansom’s well-loved York-based Tudor thriller Sovereign is planned for next summer – with applications now open for local people to join the volunteer photography group. The photography group will capture content at all stages of the production. From auditions and rehearsals through to costume-making, cast portraits and behind-the-scenes shots to bring to life the magic of staging a community production with a cast of over 100 York people. The deadline for applications is Monday 19 Dec and those interested in taking part should submit their details via this form along with some recent examples of photographs they’ve taken. We are also interested in hearing from people who are interested in videography and helping us capture some short behind the scenes clips for the show. 

Performed outdoor in the grounds of the historic King’s Manor, the production is set to bring community theatre, on a grand scale to the city, in 2023. Set in Tudor York in 1541, the play follows lawyer Matthew Shardlake and his assistant Jack Barak who await the arrival of Henry VIII on his Northern progress. Tasked with a secret mission, Shardlake is protecting a dangerous prisoner who is to be returned to London for interrogation. When the murder of a York glazier plunges Shardlake into a deep mystery which threatens the Tudor dynasty itself, he must work against time to avert a terrifying chain of events.

Told through the voices of the people of York, the production will bring all the intrigue, conspiracy and thrills of C.J.Sansom’s best-selling novel. Rehearsals for the production start from 15 April 2023 – including two weekday evenings and Saturday daytimes (times to be confirmed.) Dates for tech rehearsals are w/c 3 July 2023  and w/c 10 July 2023 and the production runs 15 July to 30 July 2023. Members of the photography group will be able to get involved across all these stages of the production process.

York Theatre Royal have a strong history of large-scale community productions, including this summer’s The Coppergate Woman, Everything Is Possible and In Fog and Falling Snow and the photography group have been there throughout to capture wonderful backstage content which is used across the YTR channels – including social media, press and show programmes. Open to professionals and enthusiastic hobbyists, the volunteer Photography Group is ideal if you want to meet other local photographers, practice your skills and get involved in a huge community project.

Send us your details before Mon 19 Dec to apply to take part – we can’t wait to hear from you!

https://form.jotform.com/223213179273352

Here’s a selection of some of the beautiful images our volunteer photographers took for our recent production The Coppergate Woman:

The Coppergate Woman, Credit David Kessel

The Coppergate Woman Team, Credit Karen Boyes

The Coppergate Woman Read Through, Credit John Saunders

The Coppergate Woman, Credit Simon Boyle

The Coppergate Woman, Chris Mackins