X Factor NZ: Pre-audition Rundown

The audition process for NZ's 2013 version of The X Factor sounds more complex than merely turning up and belting out a tune - although at the end of the day, as with all auditions, that was the crux of it.  Before the big day I filled out an astonishingly lengthy registration form. The form was all up around nine pages and asked questions from the simple "Name:" to the more leading "What is something no one knows about you?".  I was asked to prepare up to four songs to sing, and it was recommended I "dress to impress".  While I had no expectations about how it would all run, I was prepared for a big day.

Manic to Madness - Seeking Director

Karl Hitchcock and Nic Farra have recently been working together to write a play best described as a "window into the unwell mind".  The play, Manic to Madness, is a semi-autobiographical comedy set in Hilmorton Hospital and told from the perspective of a patient with bipolar disorder. The story weaves in and out of time, from the present day to Nero's recent past and right back to a time of Knight's and noble women as Nero describes his periods of mania.

Karl and Nic are currently looking for someone to direct the play.  If you're interested in directing (or otherwise getting involved) and would like to have a read of the play, please contact Karl at christl@slingshot.co.nz

Welcome Back to 2013!

Welcome back to Christchurch Theatre for 2013, let's look forward to another fantastic year for theatre in Christchurch - already there are plenty of shows and opportunities coming up...

Upcoming Auditions: Elmwood Players' Cosi

On the 23 and 24 February, Elmwood Players are holding auditions for their upcoming drama Cosi. Cosi is Lousie Nowra' semi-autobiographical play set in a Melbourne mental institution in 1971:

 The venue is a theatre that smells of "burnt wood and mould", the cast are patients with very diverse needs, and the play is Mozart’s “Cosi fan tutte”. Through working with the patients, [director] Lewis eventually discovers a new side of himself which allows him to become emotionally involved and to value love, while anti-Vietnam war protests erupt in the streets outside.

The play will be directed by Garry Thomas and will be on stage in April of this year.  For more information about the play and roles available, or to book an audition time, see the Elmwood Players' website or contact Gaz on 021 453 138.


Upcoming Show: The Near-Sighted Knight and the Far-Sighted Dragon

A fun, action-filled fairy tale for the whole family, Eleanor and Ray Harder's story of kings, princesses, knights and dragons comes to the stage this summer just in time to stave off the post-Christmas blues.

“This is a wonderful tale suitable for the whole family, and ideal holiday entertainment”, say the directors. "With a talented and creative cast plus live music, singing and dancing, this is bound to be a fun time for all involved’"

Performances are Thurs - Sun from 17 - 27 January: 6.30 pm Thurs/Fri and 11.00/2.00 Sat/Sun at Elmwood Auditorium.  .
Tickets $7 for all. Tickets can be booked online via the Elmwood Players' website or by calling (03) 355 8874. 
Directed by Susan Cameron and Garry Thomas.