J’ADORE LA VIE are proud to present FLORASION meaning ‘bloom’. A brand new J’ADORE LA VIE multi-skill act for spring, summer 2020… Inspired by Gucci Bloom and pulling strong influences from the fantastical imagination of Tim Walker, this act will whisk you away to a whimsical enchanted wonderland.
With stunning art installations, romantic motifs and live notes between ballerina and pianist, Florasion is a bewitching ode to art.

Janet Mayer | J’Adore la Vie

Artist @janetmayerofficial of @jadorelavie_
Pianist & Composer David Franklyn
Art Installation @mglawrence_
Designers @polatpolosophia@bellanude_
Film Production & Photography
Direction @thekassandrapowell
Creative Direction @mrs_natalie_soden of @reubenfeels_official
Film @osullivanluke
Styling @mlondon_styling
Florist @phillipcorpsflowers
Photography @magicowenphotography
Make up artist @gemmahowellmakeup
Hair @hairbybrendan

We are casting a company of performers who can imbue the spirit of this event; they are fun, bold, spirited, unique, welcoming the unexpected, down to party.

CASTING

Thursday 30th January, Homerton studio, 10:30am-12:30pm.
We are casting a dynamic company of 8 performers representing a range of ethnicities, genders and backgrounds. We are looking for highly skilled performers/dancers with immersive theatre experience, as well as specific skill sets such as voguing, acrobatics, mad skills, break dance. We work very collaboratively so expect a workshop style of casting. The day will begin with a physical workshop, then recalls will include improvisation exercises. No prep required. Dress comfortably and colourfully. Must have FULL AVAILABILITY. MUST BE 25+ IN AGE.

PRODUCTION DETAILS

REHEARSALS 10am-6pm (subject to change)
Monday 17th Feb, Tuesday 18th Feb, Thursday 20th 2020
Monday 24th Feb, Tuesday 25th Feb, Thursday 27th Feb 2020
Monday 2nd March, Tuesday 3rd March

TECH/DRESS REHEARSAL (time tbc)
Wednesday 4th March 2020

LIVE SHOWS (evenings, exact times tbc)
4th March + 5th March 2020

MARDI GRAS ENSEMBLE

We will devise characters in rehearsals. 
Overall, characters will be vital to enfranchise guests to play and immerse themselves in the story world. 
You are fearless, present, playful. 
You are joyful, engaging, open, friendly, aware.
You have excellent musicality and improvisation skills, and enjoy engaging with others, be they fellow performers, or audience members.

MUST BE AGED 25+

Height – Any

Appearance – Any

AGREEMENTS

Pay category – Above Equity Minimum

Agreements – £1,700 inclusive of 8 rehearsal days, and 2 live days.
Our contracts are Equity approved.

APPLICANTS PLEASE CONTACT NATALIE@REUBENFEELS.COM

There is nothing worse than bad immersive theatre, and there is nothing on earth like good immersive theatre. It has the unique ability to transport us to a different reality, where we can try on another skin, see the world anew. You talk about a good immersive experience for the rest of your life, because stories transport us, because play is powerful.

To create a whole world full of rich characters, antagonists and protagonists, transformative storylines, all takes time, and that takes money.

Here’s a whistle-stop tour of how we work: we consult to define the brief, turn that brief into a story world, then we script, cast, and rehearse. We have producers, a wardrobe department, set, props, hair and make up, choreographers, AD’s, directors, stage managers, and the best immersive actors in the world, all working together to tell our story.

This is the recipe for a good immersive experience. Or rather, this is our recipe for a good immersive experience. Others will have a very different process, some will have no process at all. We insist on this to keep our actors safe- to cloak them in the certainty of their new world, and we do that so we can keep our audiences safe. 

Our top 5 immersive insights (for free)

A press release is not a script.

5 actors in a room does not an immersive experience make.

An actor cannot perform well without preparation.

Nothing makes sense without story.

Everyone hates bad immersive theatre.

So here’s to investing in quality. To paying creatives. To making unforgettable experiences. 

We are incredibly lucky to spend much of our lives in the rehearsal room. It’s a special place governed by rules that keep us safe and free, open to ourselves, to each other.

Ensembles are groups of strangers thrown together, often in short amounts of time, they need to work together quickly and harmoniously to create work. The magic that happens in this space, the bonding, transformative, brilliant, creative collaboration is down to the fostering of a very special environment. 

Our top 5 tips to inspire a creative, collaborative environment

PLAY

Because it’s in the moment, where everything happens.

LISTEN

With a willingness to be changed by what you hear.

SAY YES AND

Accept each others’ offers, build on ideas, don’t block them.

LET YOURSELF FAIL

Let go of having the right answer, be curious.

PLAY BY THE RULES

Working within confines will set you free.

These lessons are not taught, they are experienced. Your rational mind should stay out of it. Rather, you experience feedback from your body and from your emotions, altering you on a more profound level.

Despite racking up thousands of hours in rehearsals we still get jitters, the glorious nerves of the first morning, knowing you can never prepare or plan for what’s coming, it’s a journey all are on. We’ll all learn, we’ll all fail, we’ll all soar. It’s just the best place on earth. And we’re blessed to share it with many madly talented people.

For more information on what we call Lessons from the Rehearsal Room get in touch here

Creative Partnerships are a special thing.

It’s a marriage. A commitment to the art and each other. To be there in creative sickness and health. It’s a balancing act, for us creatives are a sensitive bunch…

It’s a constant ebb and flow of understanding the other’s needs, allowing for creative growth, allowing for space, being challenged, knowing when to push, knowing when to back off, listening, saying yes AND, being ok with having shit ideas to get to the gold.

Lessons are learnt every day as we navigate this path of making something from nothing.

This creative force is strong.

We are The Feelers.

Our Top 10 Creative Duos

Gwen Verdon + Bob Fosse

The ying to his yang, Verdon was Fosse’s longtime collaborator and muse, allowing him to be the era’s most influential choreographer.

Rogers + Hammerstein

The composer and the lyricist – this legendary duo brought us Carousel, Oklahoma!, The Sound of Music. Our inner child can live happily ever after.

DAFT PUNK

“We don’t have egos, we have super powers.” Bringing us digital disco with obsessive detail, these creative visionaries do it their way.

DOLCE + GABBANA

Mediterranean glamour recognised the world over, D&G serve up a sensory fashion feast.

Fred ASTAIRE + GINGER ROGERS

Dance historian John Mueller cited movie musical Swing Time to contain “…the greatest dancing in the history of the universe.” Say no more.

SIMON + GARFUNKEL

A fractious friendship that lead to some epic music making- The Boxer, Mrs Robinson, Homeward Bound…

Frida Kahlo + Diego Rivera

Brutal fights, extramarital affairs, even a divorce, 25 blissful years painting one another

Lee Miller + Man Ray

For three intense years they worked side by side, first as artist and apprentice, then as lovers and artistic equals, finally as bitter adversaries. 

The Cohen Brothers

Spanning genres and decades, these film making brothers write, direct and producer all their films conjointly. Trailblazing Hollywood royalty.

Robert Mapplethorpe + Patti Smith

Living in glamorous poverty in the Chelsea Hotel, they were friends, lovers, artistic collaborators and soul mates.

Whether you want an immersive musical for your brand, a murder mystery experience, or a company of beautiful dancers, we are the experts in all things immersive-  your secret weapon this Christmas.

Let’s make a murder. We’ll work closely with you to create story, plot and characters, all tailored to your audience. Whomever you want dead, wherever you want them dead, we’ll do it. The piece can run for an hour, an evening, or across one decadent and deadly weekend.

We’ve created murder mysteries for the premiere of Murder on the Orient Express for Everyman Cinema, at Cannes Festival for News UK, in The Park Lane Hotel for Scripps TV Network, and for private clients in the Scottish and Welsh countryside.

Whatever your vision for Christmas, we are the immersive plug-in for your agency. 

Drop us a line.

Long time collaborators Inca Productions approached us to bring some immersive magic to Harrods High Jewellery Gala event in celebration of their top clients’ loyal custom.

REUBEN’S RESPONSE: 

Held at the magnificent Banqueting House, 175 guests entered an Enchanted English Garden, where foliage, flowers and a 360 soundscape set the scene. Guests were treated to an exclusive exhibition of Harrods’ finest jewellery in the Undercroft, before a thunderclap and sounds of rain signified it was time for guests to continue their journey. Under the cover of umbrellas, Cellar Society staff led the way upstairs to the main hall.

The main hall, where guests sat for dinner, resembled overgrown formal gardens. Amongst the abundant wild flowers and trees lay Grecian statues. As the light of the day began to fade, the sound of a string quartet was carried on the wind, and our statues stirred. Awake for the first time they filled their lungs, stretched, laughed. Joyfully they left their pedestals and began to dance freely in their garden. They danced amongst the guests, playful, spellbinding, just out of reach, until, mesmerised by their own reflection, they fell beneath the surface of the pond.

Photography Rowan Hunn

Agency Space and Heineken approached us to bring to life their Piazza Moretti at Barclaycard presents British Summer Time in Hyde Park. 

REUBEN’S RESPONSE:

Inspired by the key message at the heart of Birra Moretti, to bring people together, making time for what matters, we created a world that did just that. Embodying the spirit of the Italian Piazza with a cast of 6 carefully crafted characters, guests were immersed in the sights, sounds and vibes of the piazza. Curious audience members found a web of gossip and intrigue belying the sleepy exterior, all were treated to eruptions of song and dance as our resident musicians played well loved Italian classics.

We are casting for an exciting, vibrant summer events for a premium Italian brand. We are looking for highly skilled actors, and actor/musicians experienced in immersive theatre with strong improvisation and devising skills. Actors must enjoy working collaboratively. We are looking for a cast of ITALIAN/MEDITERRANEAN performers. Applicants MUST be aged 25+, SPEAK ITALIAN, and be FULLY available for all dates.

PRODUCTION DETAILS

Please note actor/musician/singers* roles are required for both events – see character brief.

DINING EVENT Rehearsals:
Thursday 6th June |Wednesday 26th June
Venue: East London Studio
Times: 10-6pm (times may vary)

DINING EVENT Live Performance:
Tuesday 11th June, est. times 4pm-9pm
Venue: Central London

FESTIVAL EVENT Rehearsals:
Monday 24th June |Wednesday 26th June | Tuesday 2nd July | Wednesday 3rd July | Thursday 4th July
Venue: East London Studio
Times: 10-6pm (times may vary)

FESTIVAL EVENT Live Performances:
5th-14th July (10 days)
Times: afternoon through to early evening.
Venue: a major festival in a central London Park.

CASTING DETAILS

Friday 24th May, 10am (can arrive from 9:45am). Please be prepared to stay all day as recalls will be in the PM. Casting held in East London studio.
ACTORS please bring a short monologue from a play/film, that you feel suits the character you are auditioning for. ACTOR/MUSICIANS/SINGERS please prepare a verse and chorus from the pop genre.

CHARACTERS

The Nonna (Live: 5th-14th July)

The Nonna, Maria, 45. Head of the family, keeps everyone in check, especially grandson Matteo
Balcony hostess, bar owner, piazza matriarch. Playing age 40 – 50. Appearance: Mediterranean. Fixed fee inclusive of rehearsals and live dates: £2,050.

The Deli Owner (Live: 5th-14th July)

Rosa, early 30s
Energetic, town busy body and gossip, love interest of grandson Matteo
Always handing out delicious meats keeping everyone happy. Playing age 25 – 35. Appearance: Mediterranean. Fixed fee inclusive of rehearsals and live dates: £2,050.

The Milliner (Live: 5th-14th July)

Dario, mid 40s
Worldly, well-travelled, obsessed with hats but more obsessed with football
Long time owner of the hat shop, part-time table football commentator. Playing age 40 – 50. Appearance: Mediterranean. Fixed fee inclusive of rehearsals and live dates: £2,050.

The Street Performer (Live: 5th-14th July)

Giuseppe, mid 30s, local handyman. Charming, personable, endlessly making jokes and causing mischief. Magician, dancer, juggler, all round entertainer. Playing age 30 – 40. Appearance: Mediterranean. Fixed fee inclusive of rehearsals and live dates: £2,050.

The Mayor (Live: 5th-14th July)

Silvio Salvatore, late 40s. Head of the town, larger than life, warm and welcoming. Always seen wearing his fedora. Sometimes plays draughts with Dario the hat shop owner. Greets visitors at the piazza entrance. Playing age 40-50. Appearance: Mediterranean. Fixed fee inclusive of rehearsals and live dates: £2,050.

Matteo* (Live: 11th June + 5th-14th July)

Matteo, 25, handsome, cheeky, always fooling around, obsessed with the girls, especially deli owner Rosa. Often seen getting clipped round the ear by his Nonna. Waiter at the sports bar and singer, often accompanied by best friend Lorenzo. Playing age 25-30. Fixed fee inclusive of rehearsals and live dates: £2,550.00.
Skills – actor who can SING. Any instruments (ie. acoustic guitar) a bonus!

Lorenzo* (Live: 11th June + 5th-14th July)

Lorenzo, early 30s. Loud, bit of a joker, best friend and wingman of Matteo. Guitarist, forms part of the piazza band. Often supports Matteo in a duet.
Playing age 25-30. Fixed fee inclusive of rehearsals and live dates: £2,550.00.
Skills – actor who is highly skilled GUITARIST. Singing a bonus!

Camilla* (Live: 11th June + 5th-14th July)

Camilla, late 20s. Beautiful daughter of hat shop owner Dario, school friend of Matteo, but secretly in love with him. Violinist, part of the piazza band.
Fixed fee inclusive of rehearsals and live dates: £2,550.00.
Skills – actor who is highly skilled VIOLINIST. We are open to this character playing TRUMPET or ACCORDION.

Applicants please contact nadia@reubenfeels.com

We were approached by long time creative friends, The Institute of Flavourology and experiential marketing Agency XYZ  to help bring to life ‘The Tech Pack Movement Lab’ for Nike.

REUBEN’S RESPONSE:

Create a movement experience for journalists and influencers based on three focal points of the new collections RUN / TRAIN / LIVE.

Held at the magnificent New Wing at Somerset House, each element of the event maintained a high tech look and feel, truly embracing Nike’s vision for The Future of Movement.

RUN / TRAIN / LIVE each related to a highly interactive course of food, introduced to the unsuspecting audience by 3 fit, dynamic, and killer dancers, all styled out in Nike’s Tech Pack Collection. The introductions to each course were a meticulously designed and choreographed physicalisation of the collection, all set to an empowering music score.