Where have all the good men gone?
Wed, 13 Dec 2006, 01:31 pmStephen Gummerson41 posts in thread
Where have all the good men gone?
Wed, 13 Dec 2006, 01:31 pmI've noticed, as have you all I'm sure; that there are always a shortage of good men for audition s for Community Theatre. There also seems to be a shortage of good females aged 18-38. They seem to love acting/drama until the HSC & then drop out of hobbies like theatre until some reflect upon thir life again after 38. I got good men for Blackadder II in August 2006 which ended up being a sell out but I have spread the word wide & far for the play detailed below & for auditions this week & next I know it will be vital to find the leads I need.
I know some others have more trouble but if you know anyone who wants to act in Picton NSW they need to email me on pictontheatre@ausgate.com for an audition pack & prepare. I developed this pack to avoid re-explaining things over the phone if anyone missed a read through. Also, how can Australia get more men & women aged 18-38 involved in Community Theatre.
Although my auditions are only just starting I'm aware it will be difficult to find the few good male actors I need for this play. I chose it partly because, of all the Cooney/Chapman farces, it uses the biggest ratio of Women to men at 6 to 5. Please email me if anyone good wants to audition on pictontheatre@ausgate.com Show details below but long term strategy ideas appreciated.
‘Not Now, Darling’ by Ray Cooney and John Chapman is an hilarious tale set in a London fur salon where the mischievous plans of Gilbert Bodley to use a ₤5000 Mink coat to buy the affections of Janie, an East End mobster's wife and showgirl, all come undone (literally). In the typical British style that we love, the panic, blame, cover ups, flirtations, and shocks increase at a rapid pace bring down the innocent along with the guilty until everyone gets their just desserts.
The Directorial team comprises Stephen Gummerson (PTG President) who directed Picton’s successful sell out stage show of BBC's “Blackadder II” in 2006 and skilled actors/Directors Peta Scowcroft and Roshelle Williams.
No pre-casting ever. Some very big roles. Lots of fast pasted lines with good comic timing needed. No nudity but this funny & panic ridden farce requires 2 females to appear in bra & pants. although auditions are 12th & 16th Dec, email if you miss it afterwards as correct casting is vital & I can still audition people until we start rehearsals in mid Jan 2007.
Want to try acting in a live dinner show production? We need 6 females & 5 males who are friendly, committed, fun, would be great actors, and preferably aged 18 or over. Audition in Picton in December for a funny and daring British comedy. No experience necessary but by the time we open in April 2007 everyone on stage has to be outstanding. Picton Theatre Group has been putting on great shows for everyone in Macarthur for 30 years, everyone is a volunteer who is there for the fun of it and we usually produce comedies, musicals, and dramas. To launch their 2007 season they plan a daring British farce with plenty of fun, action, and surprises to leave audiencesi rolling in the aisles with laughter.
Emailing is preferred or call Stephen on a weekend or after 6pm on 0422 155 376.
"Gender bending" OK by me as long as they look & sound the part
Mon, 18 Dec 2006, 04:27 pmYes Nev, already did Jeff's suggestion
Pasted below is what I already sent everyone who has got pack so far.
"When you are deciding which roles you want to audition for; as long as the voice sounds right (as this is a farce but not a pantomime) I am open to males auditioning for Mrs Frencham
or females auditioning for Mr Lawson, Mr Frencham, or even the lead male role of Arnold."
I am open minded about a person's ability to act. after all, if we can pretend to show a facet of humanity (like abger) whn we are feeling nice, I believe a person can portray another gender if they are good actor (provided voice & looks don't give it away). I cannot change the script as it will spoil the comedy tools used and also part of the licence agreement is to use the character roles as titled & the script as is.
re: marketing. I have brief (& free) announcements at 3 radio stations, articles (for free) in the 2 competing newspapers, posters in shops, clubs, found some at karaoke (they show courage) & this is working. Auditions hven't finished yet. I have one more evening this Friday & got some good people at Saturday's audition. The audition notice is also on 4 websites. I have also clearly specified in the audition pack what is required from each role for it to work and only as the minimum. I also have let people know I am open to shared parts if they are small but I prefer one person/one character. We also accept people who need help & coaching to be stage ready as long as they show the potential at audition. I think I am as open as I can be & it looks like these efforts will allow me to fill all the parts by Saturday.
I do find it easier to fill musicals in community theatre rather than plays as, even small parts in a play are "on their own out there on stage' when they say their line' whereas musicals allow people to blend into the chorus.
I will take up the suggestion above of "key for Two" for another time as a play.
still, if you kow anyone in campbelltown area who wants to try out, have them email, me. I won't cast any parts till after Friday night's last audition.
Keep you all posted.
Stephen
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