We hold regular Play Readings at the theatre. Some of these are for fun and others are for plays we are hoping to perform.
Following a play reading, we hold auditions at the theatre. We typically have two audition dates. Auditions are open to everyone and details are put up on our website and Facebook pages.
Anyone that wants to be part of the production is welcome to try for a part. If you are unable to make the auditions, you may be able to arrange an alternative time with the Director.
Our auditions do not involve having to learn specific parts and are enjoyable and fun. If you attended the play reading evening, you will already be familiar with the play. Information and further details on characters and the play are on our website.
If you are successful in securing a part, we will let you know after the play is cast.
We have an eight to ten week rehearsal period consisting of two rehearsals per week. This may increase over the two weeks and weekend preceding the performance week.
AUDITION NOTICE
THE ACTRESS
By Peter Quilter and directed by Dave Goodall
Performance dates 11th to 14th June
Auditions 8th and 10th April at 7:30pm
The Actress is a funny and poignant comedy, dramatising the events backstage as a colourful, complicated actress makes her farewell performance, while dealing with unexpected visitors. Drama and comedy collide as people say their goodbyes, declare their love, roar with laughter, spit insults, grab a final embrace, and renew old battles.
Cast
LYDIA MARTIN - THE ACTRESS This is the last performance in a distinguished but recently fading career. A complex range of emotions overtake her as she prepares for her imminent retirement.
KATHERINE - THE DRESSER Very good at her job. Calm and supportive doing everything she can to make sure that this performance is as good as it can be.
CHARLES - THE FIANCE Old, infirm and extremely rich gentleman who is head over heals in love with Lydia and looking forward to their time together in Switzerland.
HARRIET - THE AGENT Lydia is her only successful client and she is bitter that she is about to lose her main meal ticket.
NICOLE - THE DAUGHTER Neglected as a child she is sarcastic and snippy with a deep dislike for Charles and is not happy about her mother moving away.
PAUL - THE EX Nicole’s father and serial womaniser. Younger than Lydia but still in love with her and would like to get back together with her.
MARGARET - THE COMPANY MANAGER The liaison between the rarely present director and the cast and frustrated that Lydia won’t take her comments seriously.
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I have deliberately not given ages for the characters as they are very flexible. There has to be a believable mother and daughter combination but beyond that age really is just a number!
Below there is a suggested rehearsal schedule, please have a look at it before auditioning. We have a limited rehearsal period and missing rehearsals is going to impact the rest of the cast
If you would like to be involved in the show in ANY capacity and cannot make either of the auditions please get in touch with Dave on dave@downside.uk.com or 07944 456509.
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Tuesday 15th April 7:30pm - 9:30pm Act 1
Thursday 17th April 7:30pm - 9:30pm Act 1
Thursday 24th April 7:30pm - 9:30pm Act 2
Tuesday 29th April 7:30pm - 9:30pm Act 2
Sunday 4th May 2:30pm - 4:30pm Act 1
Monday 5th May 7:30pm - 9:30pm Act 2
Thursday 8th May 7:30pm - 9:30pm Act 1
Monday 12th May 7:30pm - 9:30pm Act 2
Thursday 15th May 7:30pm - 9:30pm Bits / Word run
Sunday 18th May 2:30pm - 5:30pm Whole Play
BOOKS DOWN FROM THIS POINT
Monday 19th May 7:30pm - 9:30pm Act 1
Wednesday 21st May 7:30pm - 9:30pm Act 2
Monday 26th May 7:30pm - 9:30pm Whole Play
Wednesday 28th May 7:30pm - 9:30pm Whole Play
Tuesday 3rd June 7:30pm - 9:30pm Whole Play
Wednesday 4th June 7:30pm - 9:30pm Whole Play
Sunday 8th June 2:30pm - 6:30pm Tech plus Whole Play
Monday 9th June 7:30pm - 9:30pm Dress Rehearsal
Tuesday 10th June 7:30pm - 9:30pm Dress Rehearsal
Wednesday 11th - Saturday 14th June performances