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Where have all the good men gone?

Wed, 13 Dec 2006, 01:31 pm
Stephen Gummerson41 posts in thread
I'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.

Sweeping Statement

Fri, 15 Dec 2006, 08:30 pm

All the Theatres? I think that there would be a few that would take offense or refute that statement. Stirling Players for a start has done a number of Aussie Productions. Endeavour recently had a very NEW British production (previously not done in WA) and Garrick Theatre are proud supporters of local playwrights. Certainly they will still have the familiar shows because there is a demand for them but to say they are overdoing it is stretching the friendship a bit far.

I am certain that there is others out there and if their supporters are to read this thread, ... well you may have just opened a can-o-worms.

I have a question for you, if you feel they way you do, just where are you looking for theatrical experience? Maybe you should have a word in the ear of the theatres in question, the ones 'awash' in old-hat, Her Majesty's pleasures. You never know, they may actually listen.

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
who can also sing and dance
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director
UPstageWA Rep

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