Final Post + Thoughts on Theatre and Community

There haven't been any posts up on this site for a while and I thought it was time to pop up a notice that the blog is closing down indefinitely.  There are a few reasons for this, one being that my lifestyle has changed significantly in the last three years and I'd like to move into writing more creatively and personally; it would take me several hours to put together each post as I checked sites for upcoming shows and auditions and I just don't have the time to do that right now.  I had recently also found that I was getting a lot of requests from commercial and semi-professional ventures and while I wish to support artists who have found a way to make a living doing what they love, the purpose of this site was never free advertising but a kind of central community noticeboard for the theatre world.

The biggest reason however, is that I don't think this blog is necessary any more.

When I first started this blog there was a need for it.  I often found myself talking to people who said they would love to get involved in theatre clubs but didn't know where to start looking, or who were involved with just one club and wanted to branch out but didn't know who else was around. We were reeling from the big earthquakes, many of the theatre clubs lost venues and the community was still fractured.  We've come a long way since then, and I've found I have been getting less and less feedback as the site isn't needed anymore. The Christchurch theatre community has become a lot closer and there is more collaboration between clubs now.  Art and creation were powerful means to recovery in a post-trauma city and I know that the sense of community and family that theatre provide meant a lot to many of us during this time.

At the end of 2010 I was involved in Musoc's production of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.  The rehearsal and pre-production period took place in the void between the September 4 2010 earthquake and the big shake on February 22.  It was my first musical since 2005 and the first show I'd performed with the university.  I don't know if it's the vulnerability of singing or the large cast or the intense rehearsals, maybe its something magical about music itself, but being in a musical is a very different experience, socially, to being involved in any other kind of performance art I've experienced.  The cast becomes very close and you feel like you have this temporary second family, reeling together in the adrenaline rush of a perfect run-through and leaning on each other when you are over-rehearsed and exhausted.

'Whorehouse had a two week run in the Ngaio Marsh Theatre from 18-26th Feb.  February 22 2011 was the day after our final show of the first week.  One of the first people I found on campus in the post-quake chaos was the show's producer.  We were both in shock and wearing our show t-shirts, upset that our show might not "go on", unaware of the extent of the damage and naively assuming this was the worst possible side effect.  While I wish we had been right, we stuck together listening to my car radio for the next hour or so, discovering how bad it really was.  We bonded in those moments, and she is still one of my absolute best friends.
In the weeks that followed, the university's campus became populated with propped-up tents as buildings were assessed.  The UCSA building in which the Ngaio Marsh Theatre resided was found to be on unstable ground and was deemed off-limits.  Either way the concept of completing our two week run seemed obsolete with so many bigger things going on.  Members of the cast and crew teamed up with the SVA to shovel silt from people's homes while studying by correspondence and foolishly trying to get back a feeling of normalcy. Despite everything, we couldn't help lose the feeling that we were lacking closure, that our show that we'd worked for months on was surely something an earthquake shouldn't stop us from completing.
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas: Tent Edition! took place about a month after the February shake, in the temporary offices of the UCSA that had been set up in a large tent in the car park 100 metres or so from the original venue.  With most of the costumes locked away, a make-do technical set up and the backstage area just being "outside the tent", not to mention one of the lead actresses having already moved to another city, the tent version of the show was never going to live up to its predecessor.  But it was never about that.  We put on a musical, in a tent, in what felt like a post-apocalyptic world because we had to. We were all floating strangely in a state of shock and we needed to start again.  We had to prove that our little theatre family was still going strong, that we were still going strong and it seemed the only way.  We were picking up where we left off. Not only did we have something to prove when it came to these earthquakes, we also missed performing with our friends and the collective conscience of being on stage together.  For many of us it was the start of the healing process, and the ritual of the final night performance and after match were a small win for moving forward.

My experience with re-booting our musical isn't the only tale of theatre vs nature to come out of the Christchurch earthquakes.  Clubs began sharing resources and new and exciting performance opportunities came about.  In its early days, the Christchurch Pops Choir was a(n albeit auditioned) musical community for those left theatrically "homeless" and needing a place to sing again. The Riccarton Players lost their home, The Mill Theatre, but other school and community halls became available as venues for performance.  The Rangiora Players had already begun work on their own Little Theatre but without the Rangiora Town Hall it is now their exclusive venue and it has completely changed their annual program, from two performances a year to a constant turnaround of plays and pantomimes.

For those of us involved in theatre, it is our life, it is something we live and breathe and it is something we miss when we can't get access.  While we began to bring theatre back into our lives, the community became stronger and closer out of both practical and social necessity and is now better than ever before. And that is why I can't keep up any more!  We are spoilt for choice and there are always a multitude of shows on at any time or auditions for a play or musical.  It' time for this wee site to hang up its hat and for me to move on to a new project.  I've loved updating this blog, however sporadic it has been at times and I thank everyone who has contributed in any way.  I'd also like to thank everyone who has been involved in the extended community of theatre and art in Christchurch, who has let theatre be their therapy during these last three years as we have picked up the pieces of our normal lives again.

AUDITIONS & SHOWS! 27-SEP-13

Cas'n'Ova Productions presents the NZ premier of Manic to Madness

You may remember a call for a director back in January for Manic to Madness, a semi-autobiographical play, set in Hilmorton hospital.  Well, that show is now on the road!  The writers found their director, production crew and cast and the show is set to hit the stage from the 3rd of October.  Described as a "window into the unwell mind", Manic to Madness follows Nero, a "colourful" ex-salesman who is affected by bipolar disorder.  The show promises to take you on a journey that sees you laugh, cry and feel all that’s in-between.

 

Performances are 7.30 pm, 3-5 October, and 8-12 October, tickets are $25.  Tickets are available from the Cas'n'Ova Productions' booking page. Venue is The Theatre at Rangiruru Girls school on Merivale Lane.  Written by Karl Hitchcock and Nic Farra, directed by Craig Hutchison.  For further information, see the Cas'n'Ova website.

 

NCMS Chicago Auditions

The North Canterbury Musical Society has announced auditions for their upcoming summer musical, Chicago.  Auditions will be held in the NCMS clubrooms in Rangiora on October 5th and 13th.  Chicago will be directed by Ravil Atlas with Leanne O'Mahony as MD and Annette Searle as choreographer; show dates are 1-17 May 2014.
Musoc had a great success with this show in 2012, with a sell-out season, proving that 38 years after its original debut in 1975, this hit musical about a couple of gin-swilling, jazz-dancing murderesses can still capture the imagination of a modern audience.  This is a brilliant show to be involved in and if you're keen to audition, email auditions@ncms.org.nz to book a time and get your audition pack.  I'd recommend getting in ASAP - although there's no specific information available online, the NCMS often have a requested song list for auditions and there's no harm in allowing yourself extra time to prepare if you need to learn something new.  You can find out more from the official Facebook event.

I'm back!

I'm back and ready to start blogging again!

Life was getting in the way so I hadn't posted anything since May(!) yet when I checked my stats, I saw that this place has been averaging 50 hits a day. I'm so happy and proud - this is just little ol' me writing from my house, after all!  I think what this has shown me is that the original idea I had for the site - a wee hub where all of the audition and show information could be pooled together into one community was not only needed but is also greatly appreciated.  I want to take this chance to say a big thank you to everyone who reads, shares and helps keep me up to date! 
I was keen to get back into writing as it was but now I'm seriously amped. The theatre scene has grown and grown since I started this blog, and of course since we've rebuilt our network and community since the Earthquakes and there are so may exciting events and opportunities coming up in the near future.
I'm hearing lots of murmurs about upcoming shows with rehearsals well under way; and then there's the summer musical season, which sounds far away, but in theatre terms of course is just around the corner!

If you have a show or audition notice or if you're looking for personnel for your production let me know via email - aimeerhiannon@gmail.com - so I can share the news.

UPCOMING SHOWS IN AUTUMN

There is some really brilliant theatre coming to Christchurch this season, and tickets for these shows are selling fast: Rangiora Players' upcoming production of April Phillips' comedy Stiff already has less than 100 seats remaining with a full month to go to until opening night so get in quick!
For more information about the shows below, check out the links provided.


Dramasoc presents a 1930s adaptation of Oscar Wilde's Lady Windermere's Fan

Whilst preparing for her 18th birthday celebrations, Lady Windermere discovers that her husband of one year may be having an affair with a much older woman whom she has never met. Over the course of 24 hours Lady Windermere learns that not everything is as it seems.

Shows are Wed 13th - Sat 16th and Wed 20th - Sat 23rd March in the Jack Mann Auditorium on the Univeristy of Canterbury's Dovedale campus.  All shows start at 7.30, tickets are $15/$12.  Tickets are available from the on-campus ticket booth on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and can otherwise be purchased through the Court Theatre or via Dash Tickets (booking fees may apply).  Adapted and directed by Michael Jamieson.  For more information contact producer@dramasoc.org.nz or see the event page on Facebook.



Rangiora Players' Production of Stiff

Angel Delight is the illegitimate daughter of a funeral director, and inherits the undertaker's premises when he dies. Before she can sell the business and the land, she is required to keep the funeral parlour open for a further five years.

Unfortunately, she knows absolutely nothing about the funeral business... but rather a lot about prostitution.

Shows are Wed 10th - Sat 13th and Wed 17 - Sat 20th April in The Rangiora Players Little Theatre at Northbrook studios.  Performance starts at 7.30pm.
Tickets $20 for all and can be ordered online through the Rangiora Player's bookings page or from the Kaiapoi ISite Visitor Centre.  Directed by Dimitri Gibara.  For more information about the show, see the Player's site or contact Julie on 03 313 3721.



Elmwood Players presents Cosi

Lewis is a young, inexperienced university student, hired by a psychiatric institute to direct a play as part of the hospital's therapeutic program. 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. Roy, a patient, demands the Mozart work, but his fellow inmates are neither opera singers nor Italian speakers and Lewis' problems don't end there

Shows are Wed 24th - Sat 27th April and Wed 1st - Sat 4th May in the Elmwood Auditorium.  Performance starts at 7.30pm.
Tickets $20/$15 and can be booked online through the Elmwood Players booking form, or by calling 03 355 8874.  Directed by Garry Thomas.  For more information about the show, see the Elmwood Player's website.


Showbiz brings Broadway to Christchurch with Avenue Q

AVENUE Q is a colourful musical journey where both puppets and people tell the story of Princeton, a new college Grad who is anxious to discover his purpose in life...The musical is 'Sesame Street’ meets ‘South Park’ for grownups.

Shows are Wed 24th - Sat 27th April and Tues 30th April - Sat 4th May at the Aurora Centre at Burnside High School.  Performances start at 7.30pm with a 2pm matinee on 27th April and an early-start 6pm show on Thursday 25th.

Tickets are from $30 and can be ordered online through the Showbiz website.  Music & Lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, book by Jeff Whitty, based on an original concept by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx.
This show is R13 and contains sexual content that may offend some people, parental guidance is highly recommended.  For more information see Showbiz.org.nz.

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.

AUDITIONS 15-FEB-12

Plenty of auditions coming up in the next couple of weeks for those that want to get really stuck into a good acting role, plus school holiday show season is almost upon us (already!).

Auditions: Riccarton Players' Murder by Membership Only

On the 17th February (this coming Sunday), the Riccarton Players are holding auditions for their Autumn season of Murder by Membership Only. Written by Thomas Hischak, the play takes place in the Orczy Club, an exclusive sanctum for women mystery writers in London.  A humorous, suspenseful, and sometimes frightening "Whodunnit" play with a strong cast and many excellent roles for women.

"How would it look if a roomful of mystery writers had to go to the police to solve a murder that took place under their very noses?"

Roles available:
HESTER TANDY: writer; intelligent, frank, likeable (30-50)
LYDIA BEATON: secretary; cold, efficient, nervous 
MRS PLIMPTON: club member; quiet, aloof, dominating speaker (30-50)
MADAME LECOQ: club proprietor; French, motherly, warm (50s-60s)
CLARICE FERGUSSON: club member; harsh, impatient, not liked (40-50)
MRS BALSER: the cook; quiet, but complaining (40-50)
EVE HAWKINS: writer; American, fresh, vibrant, talkative (20s-40s)
OCTAVIA STURGES: famous writer/celebrity; loud, demanding, snobbish (50s-60s)
MAY COBBS: journalist; awkward, uncomfortable (20s)

Auditions will be taking place in the Upper Riccarton Library, for a complete script or audition time - or with any query - please contact the director at christina_stachurski@hotmail.com or phone 960 9624 evenings.  To find out more about the show and the club, see the Riccarton Players' website.


Reminder: Auditions for Elmwood Players' Cosi

As previously announced, Elmwood Players are holding auditions next weekend for Cosi, a semi-autobiographical drama by Louis Nowra set in a mental institution.

Roles Available
LEWIS: 21, just left university, a first time director.
LUCY: Early 20’s, doing an MA thesis and lives with Lewis
NICK: Early 20’s, also doing a thesis and directs student productions.
JUSTIN: A social worker in his late 30’s/early 40’s; neat and precise
ROY: 40 – 50, a mental patient who has spent much of his life in institutions
HENRY: 40 – 50, a former lawyer who is now a patient; like Roy he has spent much of his adult life in institutions.
DOUG: 20 – 30, has a liking for fires; has not been in institutions for very long
CHERRY: 25 – 35, has also been in institutions for some time.
JULIE: Early 20’s, is in a mental institution for the first time due to a drug dependency.
RUTH: 30 – 40, an obsessive personality, who is in and out of mental institutions.
ZAC: 25 – 30, the musician of the group who has also been in and out of mental institutions
Note:

Justin, Nick and Zac can be played by the same person if desired, likewise Lucy and Julie.

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.


Auditions: Canterbury Children's Theatre

On 9 March, Cantebury Children's Theatre is holding auditions for their upcoming April school holiday production of Slow Runnings: A Tortoise and Hare Story.  

Since winning The Big Race, Hare has been enjoying the fame and fortune that come with being the Fastest Animal Around: TV interviews, fancy parties, and lucrative sponsorship deals. But what happens when Tortoise, a total newcomer to the sport, challenges her to a race?

Roles Available:

HARE: Having trained furiously as a leveret, it's now been years since Hare's had to work for anything. Vain and self-absorbed, Hare is the apotheosis of sports celebrity.

TORTOISE: Humble and deliberate, Tortoise is nonetheless incensed that Hare should get the prestige of a title like Fastest Animal Around without racing all the other animals.
PIG: Hare's former trainer and now proprietor of Pig's Sports Shoes, Pig is a champion of the underdog.
FOX: A cameo role as a sportscaster. Could be entirely prerecorded audio.
CROW: Another sportscaster. Could be entirely prerecorded audio.
They are also looking for three non-speaking crew roles - although there are no lines or specific characters these roles are on-stage and are vital to bringing the world of the play to life.

To book an audition time or to find out more about how to get involved, email Matt Powell at fauxparse@gmail.com

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.

Auditions and Shows 13-NOV-12

Upcoming Auditions: The Christchurch Pops Choir
Christchurch Pops Choir is holding auditions next month, giving singers across Christchurch a rare chance to join one of the South Island's top musical ensembles.  The Choir has performed at events across Canterbury, from corporate functions to community events like The Concert and is quickly becoming renowned not only for their sweet sounds and vocal prowess, but for being a tight-knit community of down-to-earth musicians.
In order to audition, you will need to fill out this webform, and prepare 16 bars each from two contrasting songs of your choice.  Auditions will be held at NASDA at CPIT on Saturday the 8th December.
To learn more about Christchurch Pops Choir, see their Page on Facebook.

Tickets on Sale: Riccarton Players present Footrot Flats

Based on Murray Ball's much loved comic strip, Footrot Flats is a real Kiwi comedy.

 

Performances are Tues 20th - Sat 24th November at Rudolf Steiner School.  Shows start at 7.30pm with a 2pm matinee on the Saturday.
Tickets $27.50/$22.50 Children - $15. Tickets can be booked online via the Riccarton Players' website. Directed by Doug Clarke, with Musical Direction by Cheryllynn Callander, Choreography by Annette Searle.

Coming Soon: TheVisitor 

This dark, psychological thriller, which has played at Wellington and Dunedin Fringe Festivals is coming to Christchurch soon. To find out more about the play, see this Page on Facebook.
The Visitor is on at the darkroom from Nov 25 - 27 and at theWunderbar from Dec 2-3.  Information on the Christchurch production is available here.

 

Announcements 3-OCT-12

Many theatrical things are afoot this month and next, from upcoming summer shows to events like the University of Canterbury's Platform Arts FEstival.  Here is a quick summary:


Auditions: Elmwood Players' Summer Children's Production 

On the 4th November, Elmwood Players will be holding auditions for their Children's Theatre production The Near-Sighted Knight and the Far-Sighted Dragon. There are great roles available for up to seven adult actors - if you've got a lot of energy and can sing as well, that'd be a bonus.

Roles Available:

THE KNIGHT	Young, unemployed knight, near sighted, acts without thinking.
PRINCESS	Young and stroppy. Meticulous planner. Uses mathematical formulas to solve all problems.
THE DRAGON	Old, semi-retired, far-sighted, friendly and mellow.
THE DUCHESS	Scheming to take over the kingdom.
WILFRED	Duchess’ son. Lazy and generally bored.
THE KING	Kindly but likes the idea of being treated as the King.
CAPTAIN OF THE GUARDS	The Duchess’ right hand man. A bit of a bumbler.

More information about the play, cast and company is available on the Elmwood Players website.  To book an audition time or find out more, email Susan at sj-cameron@clear.net.nz.


University of Canterbury's Platform Arts Festival

UC's Platform Festival is on right now, presenting a wide variety of artistic exhibitions, including lectures, film screenings and theatrical performances. Next week, this year's graduating Theatre and Film Studies class presents Bluebeard's Castle, directed by Peter Falkenberg.  From the University's website:

Welcome to Bluebeard’s Castle, a neo-gothic panopticon, where you can visit Bluebeard’s wives waiting for their master while telling their stories, from the kitchen, the dressing room, the laboratory, the bedroom, the torture chamber and the winter garden.

But where is Bluebeard and what awaits in the last room of the castle?

Performances are October 9-13th.  Shows start at 7.30pm in Drama Workshop 2 in the Jack Mann Building on the College of Education campus off Solway Ave. Tickets are $20/$15 and $10 for school students, available from dash tickets. To find out more about this and other Platform events, see the University website.

Proposals for Musoc's 2013 Summer Musical
After a sell-out season of Chicago, cleaning up at the 2013 UCSA Madcaps Awards and winning twice at the 2013 Supreme Club Awards, Musoc is upping the ante for 2013.  The newly inducted committee has put a call out for proposals for their next show.  If you have a musical in mind that you'd love to see performed in Christchurch, then this is a chance for you to see it happen.  Musoc isn't too strict about the format of proposals but there are a few details they'd like to see that will give your proposal a better chance of being selected, these are all available here on the club's wesbsite.  Musoc is also open to proposals for other ideas that could enhance the musical theatre experience on campus and Christchurch-wide so if you have ideas for smaller productions, cabarets, workshops and other events, now is the time to let them know.  You can email Sam at president@musoc.org.nz or have a look at their page on Facebook to get a better idea of what the club is all about.

SHOWS! 12-Sept-12

Next month, Elmwood Players presents Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell

 

 From the Elmwood Players' website:  

 "Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell" centres around real-life journalist Jeffery Bernard, who wrote the "Low Life" column in The Spectator.
The play's title refers to the magazine's habit of printing a oneline apology on a blank page when he was too drunk or hungover to produce the required copy and a substitute article could not be found before the deadline for publication.

Its premise is that Bernard has found himself locked in overnight at his favourite public house, the Coach And Horses, and uses the occasion to share anecdotes from his life with the audience.

Performances are Wed-Sat, Oct 3rd - 13th.  Shows start at 7.30pm at the Elmwood Auditorium.
Tickets $20/$15. To book tickets call 03 355 8874 or use the online booking form.  Directed by Heather Giles.

This summer, the Riccarton Players are performing the upbeat Roger Hall musical Footrot Flats.

This very fun, very Kiwi, farmyard musical features all the favourite Footrot Flats characters led by Wal and Dog: from Pongo, Wal's niece, to Cooch the tree-hugger; from Aunt Dolly and her precious Corgi to Wal's townie girlfriend Cheeky Hobson, plus a paddock-load of dancing sheep, pigs and of course Horse the Cat.



Performances are Tuesday 20th to Saturday 24th November.  Shows start at 7.30pm at Rudolf Steiner School plus a 2pm matinee on the Saturday.  Tickets are $27.50 Waged/$22.50 Unwaged/$15 Students.To book tickets, see the Riccarton Players' website. Note that the Friday night performance has already sold out.

Musoc presents CHICAGO Video Trailer!

The Musical Theatre Society at the University of Canterbury has put together a video trailer for their current production CHICAGO to give the world a sneak-peek at the show.  I personally love this as a publicity idea and it only takes a tech-savvy member of your production team to put something like this together yourself.
Have a look at the video to get an idea of how a video trailer might work for your club (and to get a peek at Chicago - I've been to see it and I can tell you it is a very strong show!).

Musoc presents CHICAGO

Musoc is proud to present their 2012 spring season of CHICAGO

Set in Prohibition-era Chicago with a sumptuous jazz score and exhilarating dance numbers, Chicago... is the titillating story of sultry jailbirds Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart who let nothing short of murder get between them and their lust for the lime light.

These foxy ladies are joined by the smooth talking lawyer Billy Flynn, the sensitive 'Mr Cellophane' Amos Hart, and Matron Mama Morton with her chorus of merry murderesses to provide you with a devious and delightful show. Chicago tells the story of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery, and treachery - all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts.

Performances are Wed-Sat, September 5-14th.  Shows start at 7.30pm Wed,Thur,Sat at the Jack Mann Auditorium. Friday nights are R18, with shows starting at 9.30 and a bar onsite. Tickets are $12/$15 with a discount for group and school bookings. To find out more, see the Musoc Chicago website.  Tickets are available through Dash Tickets and on campus from 11am to 2pm (cash only).

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.

Update

From today, this blog will be organised slightly differently.  On Tuesdays, all current announcements for cast and crew will be published; on Thursdays announcements for current and upcoming shows will be made.  Hopefully, this will lead to a more organised and consistent database.
If you come to the site on a Tuesday or Thursday evening and find no announcements have been made then it will be because there is no current audition or show information available, not because the site has not been updated.

Thank you for your patience while these changes are made.  If you have any news on the Christchurch amateur theatre scene or a show you'd like to advertise, please drop me an email at aimeerhiannon@gmail.com.

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

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.

Riccarton Players presents After September

 Riccarton Players will be performing After September this April on the Open Stage at Hagley College.

The staff of the Gwendolen Kyte School for Girls are an odd assortment of social misfits and eccentric types, some of whom have been at the school for over twenty years.
The day before the new term begins they return to a catalogue of catastrophe: a ceiling has collapsed, the staff will have to share their quarters, and there is no food yet because the bills have not been paid from the last term. Tension reaches breaking point when a government inspector arrives with anonymous letters defaming the school as outmoded, old-fashioned and unsafe, and the staff unqualified.
Who could have betrayed them?  And if the school is closed down, where will they go?

This is a warm, touching and often very funny play - set in the early 1960s.

After September runs from 11-21 April (shows are Wednesday through Saturday), performances start at 8pm and tickets are priced $18/$15.  Bookings are available on 03 338 4699 or through the Riccarton Players website.

AUDITIONS: Habeus Corpus

Elmwood Players is holding auditions this month for its upcoming production, Habeas Corpus By Alan Bennet.

The play is a farce with great lines and scenes for all actors.

Roles Available
Arthur Wicksteed:        Age 50-60 Stage age 53
Muriel Wicksteed:        Age 50-60 Stage age 50 (dancing ability preferred)
Dennis Wicksteed:       Age 20-30
Constance Wicksteed: Age 30-40
Mrs Swabb:                 Mature (could be played by either gender).
Canon Throbbing:        Age 30-40
Lady Rumpers:            Age 50-60
Felicity Rumpers:         Age 20-30
Mr Shanks:                 Mature (prefer slender build)
Sir Percy Shorter:        Age 50-60 (must be of short stature)
Mr Purdue:                  Mature

Performances begin on the 13 June.  For further details see the Elmwood Players' website or contact Brian Sullivan Ph. 352 9530 or email brian.sullivan@xtra.co.nz

Elmwood Players presents Katydid

Elmwood Players are excited to present the South Island premiere of the award winning New Zealand drama Katydid. Directed by Garry Thomas, the play finally reaches Christchurch after a sell-out season at BATS Theatre in Wellington in 2010.

Nineteen-year-old Kate is daddy's little girl. He feeds her, bathes her, and keeps her safe from the obstacle course of 'normal' life. But, when daddy gets sick, and a handsome boy arrives to pick up the slack, Kate sees an opportunity to flee the tower. Like any other young woman her age, Kate clashes with her parents and longs to make her mark on the world. But Kate has cerebral palsy. With her father clinging to his little girl for comfort, and her mother clinging to her Southern Comfort, no one could blame Kate for seeking solace in an unwitting young man who has been brought in to help.

What follows is a searing examination of a family unraveled by the strains of living with disability, and living with each other.

Katydid runs from 11-21 April (performances Wednesday through Saturday) at the Elmwood Auditorium.  Performances start at 7.30pm and ticket prices are $17/$13.  To book phone 03 355 8874 or go to the Elmwood Players' website.