Audition Notices

Dandenong Theatre Co. Inc. 01-Aug-2010 at 03:00PM Performance: 15 Oct 2010 to 29 Oct 2010

The Laramie Project Author: Moises Kaufman Director: Kym Davies Enquiries: 0403208992 Characters: Four Men and Four women play over 60 different characters (age Open) Precast Characters: none Audition Venue: The Palace, Old Council Depot, View Road, Springvale Theatre: TBA Company Email: info@dandenongtheatre.org.au Company Website: http://www.dandenongtheatre.org.au Synopsis: The Laramie Project is a play by Moisés Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project (specifically, Leigh Fondakowski, Stephen Belber, Greg Pierotti, Barbara Pitts, Stephen Wangh, Amanda Gronich, Sara Lambert, John McAdams, Maude Mitchell, Andy Paris, and Kelli Simpkins) about the reaction to the 1998 murder of University of Wyoming gay student Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming.The murder is widely considered to be a hate crime motivated by homophobia. The play draws on hundreds of interviews conducted by the theatre company with inhabitants of the town, company members' own journal entries and published news reports. It is divided into three acts, and eight actors portray more than sixty characters in a series of short scenes. Other Information: group audition, however all people auditioning need to prepare a 30 second monologue in an American accent, and be prepared to deliver this within the group audition environment

Mornington CEF Players Inc. 01-Aug-2010 at 01:30PM 03-Aug-2010 at 07:30PM 08-Aug-2010 at 01:30PM Performance: 12 Nov 2010 to 27 Nov 2010 Click to Enlarge

"SCROOGE THE STINGIEST MAN IN TOWN" Author: Janice Torre, adapted by Don Wilson Director: Val Hardie M.D. Bernadette Mether Enquiries: 5977 0347 Characters: SCROOGE - Stingy, chilly, cowardly; turns joyful - Medium vocal range BOB CRATCHIT - Scrooge's oppressed clerk, boyish - Baritone or Tenor MRS CRATCHIT - Bob's wife TINY TIM - Cratchit’s happy but crippled child PETER, ANNIE, BELINDA & BILLY - children of the Cratchits – all sing MARTHA – Eldest Cratchit child - solo FRED – Scrooge’s nephew - Baritone or Tenor BETTY - Fred's wife - Soprano "YOUNG" SCROOGE -- Tenor or Baritone BELLE - Scrooge's boyhood sweetheart - Soprano FEZZIWIG - Scrooge's one-time employer - Non-Singing GHOST OF JACOB MARLEY - Scrooge's former partner -Baritone or Bass GHOST OF CHRISTMAS-PAST - Non-Singing GHOST OF CHRISTMAS-PRESENT - Tenor or Baritone GHOST OF CHRISTMAS-YET-TO-COME - Non-Singing HAWKINS - A ragpicker, rumpled and poor MRS DILBER - Scrooge's cleaning woman - Mezzo-Soprano MRS FEZZIWIG - Fezziwig's wife - Non-Singing TOPPER - A young, fashionable bachelor - Non-Singing SUSAN - Betty's sister, plump, sought by Topper - Non-Singing ALICE - Betty's pretty sister, slender - Non-singing Precast Characters: Nil Audition Venue: Bellamy Hall, Cnr. Albert & Octavia Streets, Mornington Theatre: Bellamy Hall, Cnr. Albert & Octavia Streets, Mornington Company Email: vhardie@bigpond.net.au Company Website: http://www.cefplayers.com/ Synopsis: No holiday season is complete without a retelling of Dickens’ beloved A Christmas Carol, and what better way to enjoy the classic story of “good will toward men” than with this enchanting musical adaptation. With the joyfulness of a Victorian Christmas surrounding him, miserly old Ebenezer Scrooge rejects the companionship of his fellow men and women for the sterile pleasure of gold. He is saved from this loveless life by the intercession of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, who take him through the times of his life and show him a glimpse of the tragic future that awaits him should he not mend his ways. In the end, a transformed Scrooge realises that “mankind should be my business” and that one little boy is of greater weight than all the gold in his strongbox. With a melodious score, lots of dancing and a large cast which includes children, Scrooge, The Stingiest Man In Town is a warm-hearted holiday treat for all! Other Information: Extra audition date - August 10th @ 7-30pm

Essendon Theatre Co. 06-Aug-2010 at 07:30PM 08-Aug-2010 at 10:30AM Performance: 25 Nov 2010 to 04 Dec 2010 Click to Enlarge

Table Manners Note new Audition Times. Author: Alan Ayckbourn Director: Tess Maurici Ryan Enquiries: TESS MAURICE RYAN 0449 932 921 Characters: Sarah 35-40 Motherly,likes to take control, thoughtful, forthright Reg 35-45 Easy going, does as he's told, intellectual, good sense of humor Annie 25-30 Anxious, stuck-in-a-rut, plain-jane, looking for some fun in her life Tom 30-35 Very simple man, good natured, oblivious to what's happening around him, not good with showing affection Ruth 35-40 Career-minded, independant, vain, not good with relationships Norman 35-40 Womaniser, good sense of humour, sensitive, sarcastic, persuasive Reg, Ruth and Annie are brother and sister - the others are their respective partners. Please note - All ages are a guide to the age of the character - not an age requirement for the actor. (As long as an actor can look and present them as a particular age, this is all that matters.) **English accents essential** Audition Venue: Bradshaw Street Community Hall Bradshaw Street (off Buckley Street) West Essendon Melways 28B3 Theatre: Bradshaw Street Community Hall Bradshaw Street (off Buckley Street) West Essendon Melways 28B3 Company Website: http://www.essendontheatrecompany.com/ Synopsis: In Table Manners Sarah and Reg arrive at mum's house for the weekend so that invalid mum's care-giver, Reg's sister Annie, can get away for the weekend. But Annie ends up staying, their brother-in-law Norman shows up unexpectedly, and not long after, so does Norman 's wife Ruth (Annie and Reg's sister). Sarah tries her best to organize a family dinner for the five of them plus Tom, a slow-witted neighbor whom everyone expects to propose to Annie. Sarah can't get much cooperation and doesn't realize that Annie had planned to sneak off with Norman . Norman is incorrigible, Annie is caught between Tom and a fling, mum is upstairs demanding attention, and there aren't six proper chairs.

Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Co.Inc. 07-Aug-2010 at 02:00PM 08-Aug-2010 at 02:00PM Performance: 16 Nov 2010 to 04 Dec 2010 Click to Enlarge

'Allo 'Allo Author: Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft Director: Catherine Carr Enquiries: 0402 247 461 (Angela Glennie) Characters: 12 males and 6 females as follows: French - 4 males, 5 females German - 4 males, 1 female Italian - 1 male British - 3 males Audition Venue: Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre 39 - 41 Castella Street Lilydale. Theatre: As above. Company Email: a.t.c@bigpond.net.au Company Website: http://lilydaleatc.com/ Synopsis: Based on the highly-popular BBC TV series, this play follows the adventures of hapless café owner René and his wife Edith as they struggle to hide a priceless portrait stolen by the Nazis inside a sausage. At the same time, René tries to keep his two long-running affairs with his waitresses a secret while being forced by the French resistance to help return two British pilots back to England. Other Information: Auditions on both days from 2pm to 4.30pm. Ring mobile number above to secure an audition time.

Encore Theatre Inc. 08-Aug-2010 at 02:00PM 09-Aug-2010 at 07:30PM Performance: 15 Oct 2010 to 30 Oct 2010

Eat Your Heart Out Author: Nick Hall Director: Ewen Crockett Enquiries: 95272681 Characters: 3M 2F Audition Venue: Fleigner Hall, Highland Avenue, Clayton North. Mel 70 B8 Theatre: Clayton Community Centre Theatrette, Cooke Street, Clayton Company Website: http://www.encoretheatre.com.au/ Synopsis: Charlie, an out-of-work actor currently employed as a waiter, takes the audience through a sequence of hilarious encounters in a succession of Manhattan restaurants. By changing the tablecloths during the course of action the basic setting of 3 tables and 6 chairs becomes a variety of N.Y. restaurants, both elegant and shabby. The other performers play several parts: the girl desperately trying to eat snails and oysters to please her fiance: the middle-aged couple whose marriage is breaking up: the lovers so intent on each other they cannot order dinner: the rich, embittered astrologer: the timid man who never gets a waiter: the agents, directors, actors and waiters.

Malvern Theatre Company Inc. 09-Aug-2010 at 08:00PM Performance: 05 Nov 2010 to 20 Nov 2010 Click to Enlarge

THE DRAWER BOY Author: Michael Healey Director: Kris Weber Enquiries: Contact Kris Weber at kris@keweber.com Characters: MORGAN – male, 50s. Angus’ carer, friend and protector. Morgan has a large secret that he is protecting Angus from discovering so, at times, can be perceived to be cruel, sadistic and bull-headed particularly toward Miles. He is, however, much deeper than this – sensitive, wile, intelligent with a fierce loyalty towards his friend. Lives with Angus on a farm in Canada. This is a challenging role for the right actor! ANGUS – male, 50s. Because of a head injury suffered during the war Angus has a brain injury. This affects his memory and speech. He is child-like in many ways yet quite feisty and determined in others. He is sensitive, often puzzled and compliant however has quite a bit of dignity. Lives with Morgan on a farm in Canada. This character is a gift for the right actor! MILES – male, 20s. A university drama student. On first reading this character may be thought to be naive, gullible and simply an ignorant city boy. He is idealistic and ‘young’ no doubt however he is also sensitive, empathic and, in many ways, as deceptive as Morgan in his determination to help Angus. The above ages refer to the age range of the character, however the actor does not necessarily have to be in this age range. So, if you are in the 30s age range and you would like to audition for Miles then please do so. Please do not bring Dustin Hoffman’s Rain Man into the audition space. Precast Characters: There are no pre-cast characters Audition Venue: Malvern Theatre, 29a Burke Road, East Malvern Theatre: Malvern Theatre, 29a Burke Road, East Malvern Company Email: home@malverntheatre.com.au Company Website: http://www.malverntheatre.com.au Synopsis: Morgan and Angus are two middle-aged farmers who have lived on their Central Ontario farm together for over thirty years. One day, a young Toronto actor, Miles, arrives to do hands-on research for a play he is writing about country life. Morgan is not too thrilled with the self-involved city dweller, and Angus, who is unable to remember that the young actor is even there due to a head injury sustained during World War II. Miles unwillingly stumbles upon the truth about their past and as a result, their lives are forever altered when art attempts to imitate life and the line between truth and fiction is crossed. What begins as an amusing portrayal of rural and urban culture-clash, slowly peels away layers of forgotten truths and lies, exposing hidden secrets of love and tragedy. Other Information: Canadian or appropriate US accent will be worked out once play has been cast. However, would like to hear a North American (or Canadian if you are able) accent at audition. An expectation is that the play be read before attending the audition. Rehearsal evenings will be Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Times may vary between 7.30 to 10.30 pm or 8.00 to 10.30 pm.

The Basin Theatre Group 11-Aug-2010 at 07:30PM Performance: 24 Feb 2011 to 20 Mar 2011

Butterflies are Free Author: Leonard Gershe Director: Felicity Wightwick Enquiries: Mob: 0419 876 070 Characters: Don: lean, good-looking - 20's Jill: Kooky, girl-next-door, a hippie, a bit of an airhead - 20's Mrs Baker - Don's mother, 50's Ralph - Jill's Boyfriend 30's - early 40's Precast Characters: Don Audition Venue: The Basin Theatre, Cnr Simpson & Doongalla Rds The Basin Melways: 66 A6 Theatre: The Basin Theatre, Cnr Simpson & Doongalla Rds The Basin Melways: 66 A6 Company Email: subscriptions@thebasintheatre.org.au Company Website: http://www.thebasintheatre.org.au Synopsis: All Don Baker wants is a place of his own away from his over-protective mother. He sets up in a San Francisco apartment and makes the acquaintance of his off-the-wall, liberated, actress neighbour, Jill. They have lunch, go shopping, get to know each other, and worst of all, meet Don's mother when she turns up a month earlier than arranged in their 'stay away' agreement. When she finds her son and Jill together, trouble for all is only a breath away. Butterflies is full of warm knock-about repartee and great fun. Other Information: Performances are Thursday - Sunday including some Sunday matinees Season includes Long Weekend of 13th/14th March

The Basin Theatre Group 11-Aug-2010 at 07:30PM Performance: 12 May 2011 to 05 Jun 2011

Natural Causes Author: Eric Chappell Director: Dru Bartlett Enquiries: 9812 0969 Mob.0402 310 109 Characters: 3 men 2 women Audition Venue: The Basin Theatre, Cnr Simpson & Doongalla Rds The Basin Melways: 66 A6 Theatre: The Basin Theatre, Cnr Simpson & Doongalla Rds The Basin Melways: 66 A6 Company Email: subscriptions@thebasintheatre.org.au Company Website: http://www.thebasintheatre.org.au Synopsis: Vincent has an unusual occupation: his discovery of an odourless, tasteless, all-natural poison which causes a painless suicide, has turned him into a professional suicide merchant. When he is contacted by Walter Bryce, he arrives at the Bryce's country house and mistakenly assumes that his product was intended for Walter's consumption. It becomes clear that Walter's wife Celia is the client - or is she? Why are all her suicide letters typed and unsigned? A Samaritan agrees to make a house call on the Brices, but after talking to Vincent, even his faith in this 'wonderful world' is shaken. After several thwarted attempts to poison various characters (resulting in multiple poisonings of a rubber plant), will anyone actually manage to drink the poison? This is black comedy at it's blackest and best. Other Information: Performances are Thursday to Sunday with some Sunday matinees.

Warrandyte Theatre Company 12-Aug-2010 at 08:00PM 15-Aug-2010 at 02:00PM Performance: 15 Oct 2010 to 30 Oct 2010 Click to Enlarge

Pig Iron People Author: John Doyle Director: Caroline Shaw Enquiries: 9844 3475 carolinemaryshaw@hotmail.com Characters: Nick, mid 30's teacher, writer April, 30, aspiring actress Claude. late 60's Rosie, his wife Jack, mid 60's Janette, his wife, 60 Kurt, 60 German immigrant Audition Venue: Warrandyte Mechanics Institute Hall Yarra St Warrandyte VIC 3113 Theatre: Warrandyte Mechanics Institute Hall Yarra St Warrandyte VIC 3113 Company Email: aderice@tpg.com.au Synopsis: Australia, 1996. The winds of change begin to blow like a gale through the nation as a new government has taken the reins. In the tradition of Patrick White's suburban satires, John Doyle, one of our great contemporary commentators, has written his first play. Set on a quiet suburban street with not quite enough parking for the residents, The Pig Iron People examines two generations and the way the politics of their time (and the politics of their carparking) have shaped them. Nick, a young man wanting to reinvent himself and find his voice as a writer, moves in to Liberal Street. It is the day of John Howard's first election victory. Looking for solitude, he ends up falling in love with April, a young actress, and striking up a bumpy but finally genuine relationship with his nosy, cantankerous old neighbours. These are the Pig Iron People of the title, the generation who grew up under Menzies. Without realising it, he and April will be growing up under Honest John. Relaxed and comfortable? Great, but every day? All the time? And when you are not...? Characterised by Doyle's tangential humour which brilliantly illuminates the hearts of his characters, The Pig Iron People is a timely satire infused with profound tolerance for the foibles of humanity. ‘From now on people will have to make their own way in the world. People will no longer be rewarded for being weak. The madness is over… The people have spoken. This is what they want, this is what we voted for, and if you don’t see it like me, then you are out of step. So get used to it.’ Nick’s out of step; he’s a writer. No writer has ever lived in Liberal Street before. And the residents are making sure he knows it. In this timely satire, John Doyle’s infectious humour takes an affable, yet sublimely sharp tilt at an Australia we all recognise. '... comic and profound at the same time, and certainly a triumphant debut by John Doyle, old hand that he otherwise is, as a writer for the stage.' John McCallum, The Australian '... enthralling theatre, neither taking itself too seriously nor missing the opportunity to proclaim a passionately held view of recent Australian history.' Mark Hopkins, Sydney Morning Herald

Gemco Players Community Theatre Inc. 16-Aug-2010 at 07:30PM 17-Aug-2010 at 07:30PM 22-Aug-2010 at 07:30PM Performance: 11 Nov 2010 to 20 Nov 2010

Speaking in Tongues Author: Andrew Bovell Director: Sharon Maine Enquiries: 0419118917 Characters: 2 men & 2 women – 30’s to 40’s (9 roles to be shared amongst 4 actors). Actors must be able to play multiple roles. Precast Characters: None Audition Venue: The Gem Kilvington Drive Emerald Theatre: The Gem Kilvington Drive Emerald Company Website: http://www.gemcoplayers.org Synopsis: Speaking in Tongues is an Australian play about the right and wrong of emotional conduct. Two married couples switch partners for the night. Who will have the courage for betrayal? Who will walk away? A man weeps in the street after realising that his only love, long vanished, is alive and well-and has completely forgotten him. A woman disappears on a lonely road, late at night, leaving ominous last words on her absent husband's answering machine; at the same time, a man covered in blood comes home and throws a woman's shoe into an adjacent empty lot.

Eltham Little Theatre Inc. 22-Aug-2010 at 08:00PM Performance: 11 Nov 2010 to 04 Dec 2010

Blush or Gladys of the Goldfields Author: By members of Werribee Theatre Company Director: Susan Flint Enquiries: 9893 3421 Audition Venue: Performing Arts Centre 1602 Main Rd, Research Theatre: Performing Arts Centre 1602 Main Rd, Research Company Email: webmistress@elthamlittletheatre.org.au Company Website: http://www.elthamlittletheatre.org.au Synopsis: Egad! The helpless, hapless heroine is pursued by the vile villain "Curses"!! until all seems lost, but the honest, handsome hero arrives just in time to save the day - and the girl. All this, and dancers and songs as well in our traditional Music Hall.

Strathmore Theatre Arts Group 22-Aug-2010 at 06:00PM 23-Aug-2010 at 07:00PM 24-Aug-2010 at 07:00PM Performance: 18 Nov 2010 to 27 Nov 2010

The Last Days Author: Manuel Casha Director: Mel DeBono Enquiries: 9467 1502 Characters: Gianni Borg The emigrant, 65-70 Doris Gatt Gianni’s daughter, 30-35 Nathalin Grech (Nazju) Gianni’s best friend, 60-65 Jerry Portelli Gianni’s friend, 60-65 Phillip Gatt Gianni’s daughter is married to Phillip’s son Vincent, 65-70 Jacob Vella Gianni’s friend, 60-65 Salvina Cachia Gianni’s wife’s friend for many years, 50-55 Georgina Mallia Gianni’s wife’s friend and neighbour for many years,50-55 Fr. Joe Bugeja The local priest and family’s spiritual guide, 40-50 Benny Borg Gianni’s son, 30-35 Stephanie Gatt Gianni’s granddaughter, 15-16 Jason Gatt Gianni’s grandson, 16-17 Precast Characters: none Audition Venue: Strathmore Community Hall corner of Loeman and Napier Sts. Strathmore Theatre: Strathmore Community Hall corner of Loeman and Napier Sts. Strathmore Company Email: stag_publicity@optusnet.com.au Company Website: http://www.stagtheatre.org/ Synopsis: “The Last Days” explores the often complex relationship between a man and his roots. In the winter of his life, after the loss of his dear wife Rita, Gianni finds himself yearning for his beloved country of origin he and his wife left behind after World War Two. During 50 years of living in Australia, Gianni established himself a successful business, and raised a family. But now alone and with his children married, with children of their own, he finds himself facing the desire to spend his remaining days in the country of his origin. Opposed by his family and friends, Gianni is determined to follow his dream. Is this a result of the loss of his dear wife, or is it a common desire that many migrants face in the evening of their lives? He is disappointed and confused by the opposition from his immediate family and friends but consoled by the understanding by his grandchildren who belong to a new generation. The play opens the door for us to witness “The Last Days “of Gianni in Australia but in so doing seeks to ask the questions faced by many migrants universally. Other Information: This is the World Premiere of a new Melbourne play. For a reading copy of the script, please email stag_publicity@optusnet.com.au

Mordialloc Theatre Co. Inc. 29-Aug-2010 at 02:00PM 30-Aug-2010 at 07:30PM Performance: 12 Nov 2010 to 27 Nov 2010

I HATE HAMLET Author: Paul Rudnick Director: Ross Mack Enquiries: 0412.916.633 Characters: Andrew Rally - mid to late 20's. TV star. John Barrymore - 50's. A presence of great gravitas. Lillian Troy - 40-50. Andrew's German agent. Felicia Dantine - 40-50. An ever present real estate agent. Deidre McDavey - 20's. A young lady with strong ideals. Gary Peter Lefkowitz - 30's. Clever,manipulative, fast talking. Audition Venue: Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Road, Parkdale. Theatre: As above Company Website: http://www.mordialloctheatre.com Synopsis: I Hate Hamlet is a dramatic comedy written in 1991. Set in John Barrymore's old apartment in New York City the play follows successful television actor Andrew Rally as he struggles with taking on the dream role of Hamlet, dealing with a girlfriend who is keeping a firm grip on her chastity, and playing host to the ghost of John Barrymore, who, clothed as Hamlet, has come back to earth for the sole purpose of convincing Rally to play the part. Real estate agent, Felicia Dantine convinces Rally to stay in the apartment and hold a seance. Barrymore proves to be very convincing (challenging Andrew to a sword fight in the middle of the New York loft), and Andrew decides to play Hamlet. But when a Hollywood friend shows up offering Andrew a new role in a television pilot, with a potentially large salary and fame, Andrew is forced to choose between Shakespeare, whom his girlfriend loves, or television, where he is loved by millions. Other Information: AUDITIIONS ARE BY APPOINTMENT. Please phone or email the director to book a time. More detailed information about each character can be obtained by phoning or emailing the director - rossjmackesq@gmail.com.