AUDITIONS 21-FEB-12

Auditions: Cas'n'Ova Productions - Motel

Next month, Cas'n'Ova Productions are holding auditions for the premier performance of April Phillips' drama Motel.  Auditions are Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 March from 5.30-8.00pm

Roles Available:
JENNY: Smart business woman (early 30s)

BEN: An attractive young male (early 20s)
HARRY: A salt of the earth working class man (late 60s)
PEARL: A meek warm-hearted woman (late 60s)
ELVIS: An affable genuine chap (late 30s/early 40s)
ANNABEL: A confident, outspoken, slightly abrasive business woman (30s)
JANET: A wealthy, well spoken and presented woman (50s)



The play premieres in June of this year on the Open Stage at Hagley.  Applicants need to provide a profile photo or head-shot and contact details including a phone number.  To book an audition time or to find out more about the play, contact Cas'n'Ova here through their website.

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.

DRAMA SERIES CASTING

An interesting opportunity has come up for actors in Christchurch who are interested in auditioning for a television production.  Hope and Wire is a six-part drama series being produced for TV3 (with funding from NZ On Air), based on inspirational true stories that occurred as a result of the February earthquake.  Auditions will begin next Wednesday 5th December. Filming will commence in late February 2013.


At present they are casting lead roles and in particular require men and women in their mid 40s to early 50s and teenage girls aged 16 – 19 years plus student age male actors aged 18 years – early 20s. Further roles/extras will also be required at a later date but these are the key roles at present.

Potential auditionees are asked to contact their agents - if you do not have an agent you can email the casting production office on wirecasting@gmail.com.
They require a current photograph, close up head & shoulders, your contact details, age and a CV with your recent performance work.

Auditions Galore

A very quick update on what's going on; a big couple of weeks ahead for auditions, especially if you're a singer!

Showbiz: Avenue Q
Showbiz is holding auditions this weekend for Avenue Q. They are looking for some hard-working performers who can multi-task: you'll need to be able to sing, act and puppeteer!  For more information, see the Showbiz auditions page.

The New Zealand Opera
Southern Opera has recently merged with the relatively young NZ Opera, who are holding auditions for its Christchurch chorus for 2013.  The auditions are this Sunday and Monday (4/5 November), no previous opera experience is necessary.  Contact Glen Meade glenn@nzopera.co.nz for more information or to book an audition time.

Elmwood Players: The Near-Sighted Knight and the Far-Sighted Dragon
A reminder that these auditions are THIS weekend - it's set to be a very fun show, and there's still time to book: contact Susan on 021 339 193 or sj-cameron@clear.net.nz .

NCMS: Oliver!
The North Canterbury Musical Society will be producing Oliver! in Autumn 2013. Auditions for all roles and chorus are from the 9th to the 11th November.  They are seeking children and adults (lower age limit is 7 years).  For more information and to book a time, email auditions@ncms.co.nz.

Auditions 13-SEPT-12

There's so much going on at the moment, I'll be posting twice today (there's a brilliant season of theatre ahead of us!)

Auditions: Musoc's Show Choir"If you want to see yourself under the spotlight, join a fun, social group and get to learn sweet songs under expert musical direction, this is a golden opportunity."
Musoc is seeking male voices to complete their show choir. Auditions will be held all day on the 23rd September on campus. Auditionees will be required to perform a song of their own choosing and may have their musical ability assessed with some simple sight-reading exercises.

Email Sam at events@musoc.org.nz now to book an audition time & find out more or see the event of Facebook.

Auditions: Rangiora Players' summer youth production
Rangiora Players are holding auditions next weekend for a gothic, supernatural pantomime: Pantostein.

Auditions are open for 12-17 year olds and will be held on the 22nd September in Rangiora.
Roles required include:
OPHELIA
DR FRANK N STEIN
DAME BLOODENGUTZ
IGOR
BORIS VAN RENTAL
BERTHA TIDFYL
DRACULA
THE BRIDE OF DRACULA
THE WEREWOLF
THE MONSTER
CHORUS (zombies/villagers)

More information about the characters, the play and the audition process is available on the Rangiora Players website. To book an audition time call David on (03) 312 1660. 

Theatre Goings-On 24-AUG-12

There are quite a few theatrical happenings coming up in the next few weeks, from the spectacular to gritty drama...

Tonight and tomorrow, A Little Box At The Top Of The Stairs Productions presents adult drama "Extremities" by William Mastrosimone, directed by Garry Thomas.  Performances in the Elmwood Auditorium, show starts at 7.30.
Tickets are $18/$14: call 021 453138 to book.  Have a look-see at their group on Facebook to learn about this new theatre company.

Also this weekend, Musoc presents an 80s showcase of song and dance, in the UC Undercroft. Tickets are just $5 on the door, no need to book, and it'd be a fun and uplifting start to a night out, so bring your friends!

Dramasoc would like to remind the writers of Christchurch that there are only a few days to go to submit entries for this year's 3some, for more information or to register your interest, email canterburydramasoc@gmail.com

And that's all from the theatre world for now - although a lot of companies are now getting geared up for their summer musicals and holiday shows so there's plenty of excitement to be had in the very near future!
If you have a play you'd like to let the world know about, or would like to request a review or critique of your show, just send me an email: aimeerhiannon@gmail.com

Calls For Cast & Crew 24-JULY-12

Auditions: Rangiora Players' October Production

The Rangiora Players will be presenting Roger Hall's "Market Forces", an immensely popular sequel to Hall's breakthrough play "Glide Time". The production is being directed by Dimitri Gibara.
Auditions will be held this weekend on the 28th July at the Rangiora Players Little Theatre at Northbrook Studios.
Roles available are as follows:
BERYL Female, Mid 40s
BRIAN Male, Late 30s/Early 40s
HUGH Male, Mid 50s
JIM Male, Pushing 60
JOHN Male, 50 years old
JULIE Female, Early 30s
RAEWYN Female, Worn down, late 30s

Perfomances: October 18^th, 19^th, 20^th, 25^th, 26^th, 27^th. Weekday performances are in the evenings (6:30pm call) and there may be matinee performances on the Saturdays.
For more information see their website or call as per below.
To book an audition time call Margaret (03) 313-8592
If you are interested in crewing this show, please get in touch with the Rangiora Players via the contact form on their website.

Auditions: Riccarton Players' Summer Musical Riccarton Players are also producing a Roger Hall classic this year, the very kiwi musical, Footrot Flats, based on Murray Ball's beloved comic strip. Auditions will be held on August 11th at West Spreydon School.
There are many lead, featured and chorus roles available, for a full list of required cast, please see the Riccarton Players' website.
Performance dates are November 20th - 24th at the Rudolf Steiner School Theatre.
For more information and to book an audition time please contact Doug Clarke on 021-252-1722 or doug.clarke@clear.net.nz.

AUDITION NOTICE: Chicago

Break out the gin and roll down those stockings, auditions for Musoc's production of Broadway hit CHICAGO are coming this Queen's Birthday Weekend.

Audition times are 9am-4.30pm on the 3rd and 4th June with possible callbacks on the 5th.
Individual singing audition require auditionees to perform a song of their choice.  A dance audition is also required of all auditionees and these will be held twice a day (12pm and 4.30pm) on both days of auditions.

In roaring twenties Chicago, in an underground setting of jazz, gin and guns, Roxie Hart murders her lover. Her gullible husband Amos is convinced he was a burglar and agrees to take the rap before finding out the truth, ultimately leading to Roxie's arrest. Roxie's incarceration means joining famous stage performer Velma Kelly on Muderess Row. The show follows the two characters in a battle for fame and freedom as they capitalize on their crimes and pre-trial publicity to make headlines and boost their stage careers.

Roles Required

ROXIE HART  lead female mezzo
Naive, sexy, and selfish, Roxie has eyes only for the Vaudeville stage. A sympathetic character despite her selfishness.

VELMA KELLY lead female alto
Sarcastic, tough, sexy. An ex-Vaudeville performer. This character often acts as the hostess/narrator.

BILLY FLYNN lead male tenor
Persuasive, manipulative, sexy. Billy is a suave lawyer who will take any case that'll line his pockets.

AMOS HART lead male baritone
Timid, charming vulnerable. An unassuming, average guy. The only character in the show with totally pure motives.

MAMA MORTON lead female alto
Sexy, powerful, tough. The matron of the Cooky County Jail, believes every favour given should be returned.

MARY SUNSHINE supporting female/traditionally male soprano/counter tenor
Comedic character with a good-natured appearance who is a powerful gossip columnist.

CHORUS
A range of vocal, acting and dance ability required for chorus and cameo roles.


For further information, check out the event on Facebook.  To book an audition time email James Huntly - producer@musoc.org.nz

AUDITION NOTICE: Kidsfest

The Riccarton Players are holding auditions this weekend for their Kidsfest production of The Three Little Pigs.  The Riccies are looking for eight energetic and quick-thinking actors to play the Big Bad Wolf, the three wee pigs as well as several other well-known fairytale characters.
Auditions are this Saturday the 12th May between 12pm and 3pm at West Spreydon School, please contact JB on 021 576 969 or akqj10@clear.net.nz

Performances are in the July school holidays (4th to 15th July) at The Hagley Open Stage.

For more information, see the Riccarton Players' website.

Theatre Workshops with Elmwood Players

This May, Elmwood Players - in association with NZ Theatre Federation - is offering acting and directing workshops, lead by some of Christchurch's most experienced thespians. 

Actor's Workshop with Bryan Aitken

Restricted to 20 participants to ensure maximum engagement
Saturday and Sunday, 26 – 27 May, 10:00am to 5:00pm
Total Cost: $60 p/person
Course Details:  Part #1 - Getting started – auditioning, preparation, basic stage craft and terminology.  Part #2 -  Enhancing your acting skills – stepping up to the next level.  The Sunday 6 hour session will be working with the directors workshop

Director's Workshop with Jon Pheloung

Restricted to 8 participants to ensure maximum engagement
Saturday and Sunday, 26 – 27 May, 10:00am to 5:00pm
Total Cost: $95 p/person
Course Details: A two day workshop for aspiring directors, or those who wish to further enhance their skills.  You will work as a group for two sessions, then join the Acting group for the Sunday session, so that the tutor can mentor/side coach the directors whilst also working with the actors

To register your interest, you must complete this online form, all forms must be accompanied with full payment.  If you are unsuccessful in confirming a place, a full refund will be given.

For more information about the tutors, the workshops or Elmwood Players, see their official website.

AUDITIONS: Beauty and the Beast - Harlequin Players

Harlequin Players are holding auditions for their Kidsfest production of Beauty and the Beast.
Audition Times are Saturday April 28, from 1.15 to 5.45pm at St Aiden’s Church, Bryndwr and on Sunday April 29 from 11.30 to 3.30  at Abberley Hall, Abberley Crescent, St Albans.


Roles are available for 3 men and 4 women as well as some "Fairy Roles" for girls/teens.  Singing required, dance ability preferred.  Audition will require singing - children/teens advised to prepare something simple like Twinkle, Twinkle. If you would like to peruse the script beforehand, please advise so when making an audition appointment.

Rehearsals: Saturdays 1-6; Sundays 11:15-3:45, and Thursdays 6-8
(Extra rehearsals the week prior to the show)
Shows: Cashmere High School Auditorium, Rose St, Somerfield.
Mon 9 to Fri 13 Jul: 6:30pm-8:00pm. Sat 14 to Sun 15 Jul: 11:00am-12:30pm, 2:00pm-3:30pm

For more information see the event on Facebook or call/email as per below.

To book an audition time call 386 0526  or email moment_in_time@hotmail.com

Autumn Theatre News from UC

The students at the University of Canterbury have a few theatre announcements for this Autumn.

Dramasoc
The University of Canterbury's Drama Society is holding its Half-Annual General Meeting on the 28 March at 6pm (location TBC see here for more details).  All members are welcome as committee elections will be taking place at this meeting.

Musoc
The University of Canterbury Musical Theatre Society is putting a call out for interest in their UCSA Arts Week event.  They are looking for ideas for themes and volunteers for production roles.  The event is likely to be a medium-scale cabaret.  Email president@musoc.org.nz if you'd like to get in touch.

Musoc is also holding a workshop this week for people wanting to improve singing skills, with a focus on basic music theory and the beginnings of singing technique. See here for more info or email admin@musoc.org.nz to book a place.

And finally from Musoc, auditions are being held next weekend for their new show choir.  The show choir is a break away from their 2010 and 2011 "Glee Club" and will focus on fast-paced learning and cabaret-style performances.  See here for details or email events@musoc.org.nz.

AUDITION NOTICE

Riccarton Players are holding auditions this month for their upcoming Playbox production of the Princess and the Frog.  Directors Phil Dean and Susan Cameron are looking for six enthusiastic and energetic actors of any age for this one-hour, interactive kids' show.

Auditions will be held Saturday the 25th February between 12pm and 5pm in Bishopdale.

Performance dates are April 12th to 22nd.

Contact Claire Clark on 021-0237-3855 or see the Riccarton Players' website for further information.

AUDITION NOTICE

Elmwood Players are holding auditions in February for their April season of award-winning New Zealand drama, Katydid.  Director Garry Thomas is looking for four confident actors to play the following characters:

KATE HARRIS – a nineteen year old with cerebral palsy. She is able to talk and walk with difficulty.
LINDSAY HARRIS – Her mother, upper middle class, late 30’s - early 40’s
DANIEL HARRIS – Her father, upper middle class, early-mid 40’s
BENJAMIN WILLIAMS – A boy a bit older than Kate, from a rough background.


  Contact Gaz on 021453138 or planetgazza@xtra.co.nz for further information, or see the Elmwood Players' website.

AUDITION NOTICE

The University of Canterbury's Musoc are holding auditions for their March 2012 season of Tony Award winning musical, Rent.  They are looking for men and women with various vocal ranges to play lead and minor characters.  Auditions will be held on Saturday the 26th and Sunday 27th November, and you will be required to recite one song of your choosing, as well as do some cold reading and choreography work.  Performance dates are March 8-14 2012. 

Auditioning: Advice For Actors

A guide for those who are new to the theatre scene, or who just want some advice on where to get that extra "something" to give you an edge over the competition.

For a little while now, I've been wanting to compose a piece on auditions.  I've been involved in the community theatre scene for almost 6 years now, both onstage and behind the scenes but this year I thought I'd have my first crack at directing a play.  Directing really made me think about acting in ways I never would have done previously.  There were the obvious, expected insights like being able to see the "bigger picture" of the stage and watching characters interact with one another.  But then there were the auditions.  Being on "the other side" of the audition panel opened my eyes up to some horrendous audition flaws that I am definitely guilty of myself.  I want to share what I have learnt, from my own experiences with acting and directing, and also with the help of someone a lot more experienced than me when it comes to wearing the director's hat.

AUDITION NOTICE

Riccarton Players are holding auditions for their January season of Geraldine Brophy's The Viagra Monologues.  They are looking for three experienced male actors.  Auditions will be held on Saturday the 19th November in Burwood.  Performance dates are January 18th - 28th 2012.  The play is comprised of 15 monologues and is a fantastic opportunity for actors wanting a challenge.    
 
Scripts are available by contacting Cathy Jaeger on  03 942 9221 or cathy.jaeger@hotmail.com.
 
For more information, see the Riccarton Players' audition page.
 

If you have any objections to anything posted on this blog, please raise your concerns with me - I will remove offending material if necessary.

Reminder: AUDITIONS

This is a reminder post about auditions for Elmwood Players' Children Theatre this summer (details follow):

AUDITION NOTICE

The North Canterbury Musical Society will be holding auditions for their March 2012 season of Blood Brothers.

AUDITION NOTICE

The Rangiora Players will be holding auditions for their November season of The Vicar of Dibley.