Where have all the good men gone?

Wed, 13 Dec 2006, 01:31 pm

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 â‚¤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.

Thread (41 posts)

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Stephen GummersonWed, 13 Dec 2006, 01:31 pm

Neville TalbotWed, 13 Dec 2006, 03:12 pm

devil's advocate

I think perhaps the reason people in that age bracket are missing is that a great deal more people now have to work longer and harder just to stay afloat, let alone get ahead. The idea of doing something as time-consuming as theatre for 'only' the love of it I suspect puts off all but the hard-core amateur actors. This (18-38) is the age when we all theoretically have our largest debt, and are building our careers with greater unpaid time etc. When we hit around 40 many have paid good portions of our debts, have settled into a decently-paid position, have older kids- basically less intense responsibility with greater free time and cash. This also coincides with a general frustration with being 'stuck on the wheel', and reminds us all that we once loved the theatre and maybe we should get back into it... thus the cycle completes! The reason for less men in general has been discussed ad-nauseum (less free to be creative/expressive, culturally not as cool to act etc.), but perhaps one unexpressed reason could be related to the above. Despite our great leaps in equal opportunity etc., the majority of high-paid/high responsibility management positions are still held by men, and therefore they remain squeezed for time etc. for much longer in their careers. Maybe there are simply less men in the position to take time off to do 'hobbies'. If they do have time, culturally they are more likely to use this small amount of time to go fishing or sailing or play golf etc. Awaiting others' thoughts... Nev It's the simple things stupid...

LogosWed, 13 Dec 2006, 03:19 pm

My only comment is to agree

My only comment is to agree with what you have said. The only male actors you find in that age range are those committed to theatre in a greater sense than purely as a hobby. More women thank god but even thay have restrictions. Also theatre even amateur theatre is a solid committment. Not everyone wants to give up two nights a week for three months. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

NaWed, 13 Dec 2006, 03:42 pm

Good thing I'm not a

Good thing I'm not a feminist... I disagree. The above only lists why all theatre people have less time to get involved, I don't think it's that gender-based. Especially with stay-at-home dads becoming more and more normal. The Prompt Copy Networking emerging theatre professionals www.thepromptcopy.com Sticky Apple Legs http://stickyapplelegs.artsblogs.com Puppets in Melbourne www.freewebs.com/puppetsinmelbourne

Neville TalbotWed, 13 Dec 2006, 04:29 pm

not taking any side

re feminism, neither wanting to get into the morality of it, the reasons why, or to make a case either way. The reality is that despite progress in this area, women are still under-employed in senior positions throughout the work force, and are still paid less than men. (On average- and as always, all stereotypes have their exceptions. The performing arts is one of the few areas where this 'rule' does not hold sway) and senior positions are almost always held by older people. Thus my case- we're all impacted by the realities of trying to exist, and men still statistically stay longer and in 'higher' positions than women in the work force. My hypothesis is that this, combined with the indisputable time-commitment required by any artistic (especially perf arts) activity, make for an obstacle to participation in community theatre. speaking from the point of view of a future stay-at-home-dad myself! Nev It's the simple things stupid...

KirileeWed, 13 Dec 2006, 06:54 pm

Less females? Well all I

Less females? Well all I can say is come to some of the WA community theatre auditions, I think you'll find that the majority of auditionees are females between 18 and 35.

NaWed, 13 Dec 2006, 07:30 pm

Sorry, I was speaking on

Sorry, I was speaking on behalf of the professional area of theatre. ABS stats clearly indicate that there is a higher percentage of women in the arts than men. Though I still stand by my point; that the issues of money, family commitments, children, etc, would influence your choice to do theatre as you get older. I know it's influenced me a hell of a lot. And I'm only 24... (God, I'm getting old :P ) The Prompt Copy Networking emerging theatre professionals www.thepromptcopy.com Sticky Apple Legs http://stickyapplelegs.artsblogs.com Puppets in Melbourne www.freewebs.com/puppetsinmelbourne

LogosThu, 14 Dec 2006, 08:23 am

Looking back from 55 years old.

I can see that things actually have changed. When I first got involved in amateur theatre in 1966 it was one of those acceptable hobbies and the mix male -female was similar. People went out in those days to get involved in their hobby. They had more time. The long working hours that are the norm now weren't then. Also of course home entertainment was different. We had less to keep us at home. (we had a 12" black and white TV with 3 channels). My parents generation also all seemed to have learned a musical instrument or perhaps to sing. We were a more neighbourly society as well which encouraged group efforts like community theatre groups. Now? Like Neville says male or female we have greater commitments to work, we have proportionally a greater debt load than our parents did and we are expected to work longer hours and with greater commitment. Women, actually have gone backwards with the introduction of the workplace agreements. The removal of collective bargaining has allowed many employers to pay women less than men and less than they used to earn. There are some areas (like performing arts) where sex makes little difference to pay rates but what about opportunities. There seem to be very few female lighting techs or soundies around. Stage management is better but not great. But that is off topic. I stand by what I suggested earlier. Outside of the professional world it takes a very special commitment for people of either sex in the 18 - 38 age range to be regularly involved in a theatre group or to do more than 1 show a year. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

LogosThu, 14 Dec 2006, 08:25 am

Actually I've just realised

I am about to attempt to cast a new Australian play with 4 men and 3 women all in the middle of that age range. Heeeeelp!!! Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

Walter PlingeThu, 14 Dec 2006, 08:45 am

ABS stats

Na said: 'Sorry, I was speaking on behalf of the professional area of theatre. ABS stats clearly indicate that there is a higher percentage of women in the arts than men.' Cool! So I should be a professional male actor rather than an amateur?

Tari-XalyrThu, 14 Dec 2006, 09:36 am

Too True

Admittance that I haven't been to many auditions lately in accordance to the fact that I'm trying to sort my life out for first yr uni nxt yr. But I can talk! I'm Italian . . . which usually means I can talk alot. Kirilee has a point. Most people I talk to that audition for community theatre in WA fit that age category, given though most are female, and the auditions I have been to most auditionees fit that age category to a T. Squezing into that age gap soon enough myself, I am seeing why it is harder to keep theatre as merely a "hobby." Jobs, studies, families, social lives etc etc, all come into play. But I've noticed that (obviously I'm referring mainly to WA because I don't know about elsewhere) most people auditioning for community theatre are aged between 18-38 and are most likely studying the business somehow and using comunity theatre as experience. ~ Tari The Writer is a child forever listening at the keyhole of the adult world.

NaThu, 14 Dec 2006, 10:57 am

What? Walter, I'm not sure

What? Walter, I'm not sure what you're trying to say... The Prompt Copy Networking emerging theatre professionals www.thepromptcopy.com Sticky Apple Legs http://stickyapplelegs.artsblogs.com Puppets in Melbourne www.freewebs.com/puppetsinmelbourne

Walter PlingeThu, 14 Dec 2006, 01:11 pm

There's often a shortage of

There's often a shortage of good men in theatre simply because theatres aren't putting on plays men want to do...

Walter PlingeThu, 14 Dec 2006, 01:12 pm

There's often a shortage of

There's often a shortage of good men in theatre simply because theatres aren't putting on plays men want to do...

Stephen GummersonThu, 14 Dec 2006, 03:40 pm

How choosing the play affects choice

To reflect upon but not critisize; With regard to choosing the plays men want to do; I've never seen a survey completed by men on what they want to do. My wife says most of the plays written have big meaty roles for men & shallow ones for women. (we disagree on this point as I think thgere is ample range). I chose "Not Now, Darling" for several reasons. If i have to spend many volunteer hours pooring my heart into a show i want it to be a comedy as the odds are with me that the audience will come away feeling good. Let the isues be covered by some elses play. The second reason for my choice was scanninmg all the lists of Cooney/Chapman (Yes I know thre are other good script writers out there) and looking at the numbers of males & females needed. As I have seen in our area of Picton NSW that mostly women audition, this play had 6F/5M whereas others had 3M/1F. I took the choice that involved more actors & not just the one with the lowest number of men. Also, in community theatre, more actors means more set builders/painters/friends in the audience. PS It's funny as well in that British panic that our audiences like. Regards,

LogosThu, 14 Dec 2006, 06:33 pm

Actually I tend to agree

Actually I tend to agree with your wife. In the Cooney/Chapman range there are a lot of good parts for men but very few for women. Even Not Now Darling is like that. A good example with good parts for women is Key for Two. 4 women 3 men and the ladies have the leads, and it's very funny. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

KirileeFri, 15 Dec 2006, 08:11 am

Oh Yes?

Oh yes? And what plays are they? I do not believe that theatre is biasis to the female gender for plays. There are full plays that are of an all male cast (I've seen on that was 13 or 14 - ask Labrug, he was in it), and that was choosen and directed by a female. Also, if you're searching for the perfect play for all males, it doesn't exist. And on the other side of the coin, what is the perfect play for all females? It doesn't exist either. WHY? - Because we all like different things. :P I thought it was rather simple... Perhaps you haven't found one that you truely like.

LabrugFri, 15 Dec 2006, 08:53 am

War Plays

Many War Plays, like "Breaker Morant" are predominantly male casts. BTW, Breaker is the play Kizza is referring to. Then there are numerous Aussie plays, those 'Blokey' plays which a very dominant male presence.

Then there are authors like Anthony Booth who writes plays quite frequently for all female casts. Most of these are One Act Plays, but still...

Continuing the thread Mr Ayckbourne (British Playwright) has written several productions where a female has the lead role in a equitable gender cast. "A Woman in Mind" comes to mind.

J.M.Barrie (author of "Peter Pan") Wrote several plays were females dominated e.g. "Quality Street", and then he wrote others where men dominated ("Peter Pan" being one of them.)

Some of the Stock Plays that we see each and every year "The Importance of Being Earnest", "Pride and Prejudice", "Rent", G&S, Shakespeare, and so forth have a very good spread across the genders and frequently for not have a dominate presence.

Mr Walter Plingefunkster, I think the issue is more that there are simply less men actively engaged in theatre at a community level. It has very little to with the type of plays being played. The problem comes to casting a play. More often than not, you can easily cast your female roles but have to go on a scavenger hunt for men.

From personal experience, I could have my pick of plays. I certainly have an easier time than some of the Female Performers I have worked with. That I do believe is due at least in part to the high demand for men and the low supply.

An interesting anecdotal bit of info, before King Charles (the 2nd?) decreed that women could perform on stage, theatre was nothing but men. Men playing men, men playing women and girls. Men playing dogs!!! After the decree, the number of men in theatre DROPPED!! It didn't remain constant to the rising number of women, it actually dropped. Men who had played female parts all their lives were suddenly out a job. More men preferred to watch women on stage then to actually be on stage themselves. Theatre took on a completely new and strongly sexual aspect that previously had been absent. This may have even led to the Men's only clubs we see today, although I think this was more a combination of prostitution practises at the time along with the ability to perform on-stage. There had been a strong female performance underground for many years prior to the decree.

I think the truth is that most men would prefer to watch then participate. In the days were they couldn't watch (females on stage that is) they portrayed, but why portray when the real thing is there? Theatre is generally looked down upon by "men" these days. I know my parents were never too keen about my interest in theatre. It is simply not a "man's" world anymore.

Men are voyeuristic creatures most of the time. Take the stereotype. Comes home from work, kicks of the shoes and turns on the telly to watch sport, the news, whatever. Women on the whole prefer to be actually doing things.

That apathy generates a lack of participating numbers, and take into account that a similar lack would exist in professional theatre. The ease for men to go from Community to Professional is slightly higher than that of women because there is a call for more men. Notice I say slightly higher. They do not want to white wash the market with average talent.

But I think the pendulum is beginning to swing the other way. I believe there has been a growing number of men joining the ranks of theatre participants. It is still under represented but it is growing. The number of High Profile, or Role Model Men in Theatre is growing. New generations are seeing people like Kevin Spacey, Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, and many many more strutting about on-stage, apparently making good money, and obviously enjoying it also. This encouragement is the prime driving factor in the growing trend, a return of men to theatre.

I have no idea how this is going to read. It was a stream of conscious diatribe. How you can understand it.

Absit invidia

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

Home Page

Walter PlingeFri, 15 Dec 2006, 09:14 am

Maybe if theatres stopped

Maybe if theatres stopped doing archaic British comedies they would be a good start

LabrugFri, 15 Dec 2006, 09:31 am

Where?

Question? What theatres are you refering to? I don't feel awash in Archaic British Comedies. At least, not over this side of the country.

Absit invidia

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

Home Page

Neville TalbotFri, 15 Dec 2006, 10:38 am

interesting

Some very interesting stuff in there Jeff. Particularly liked the stream of conscious writing, and the historical take on the subject. Voyeurism vs action- agreed. Though I think this is beginning to change a little. Notice how so very few of our TV 'star' men are not beefy muscled types now. (mind you how much of that is still men wanting to see 'real' men? A discussion for later) I think the fact that more men (and parents) can see real actors of all shapes and sizes making money (not just Stallone or Swarzenegger types- who essentially are sports people on film) is a good encouragement for increased male action. Speaking from my own experience there is still an expectation often that men will be a breadwinner in some way (even if only from ourselves). I don't think we've entirely demolished that cultural throwback. There is definitely a high-demand for men in theatre, and as such I often see a distinct difference in quality between men/women in some shows. Often the lead guys are still fantastic, but there isn't the depth. I see in musicals and especially in opera that many of the 'only chorus' girls are much more talented and experienced than all but the top couple of guys in the cast, regularly including most of the male roles. As a guy I say hooray- more work and opportunities for me. :-) Perhaps, also digging into history, a reason for so much of the repertoire to appear male-dominated, or at least to send a far greater amount of interesting characters the way of men is simply because of our western history. It is sometimes difficult to remember in 2006 minerals-boom perth, that in the western world women have only had the vote for less than a hundred years (far less in some places), let alone anything resembling equal rights or status. The vast bulk of our history is deaply imbedded in this patriarchy. Even our more deeply imbedded stories (e.g. the bible- man heroes and villains and important- women only mentioned as a seductress/servant/the root of all the man's woes and troubles) continue to deeply permeate our cultural conscience. I'm left with two thoughts from this One- this is why we should be encouraging contemporary and local script-writing. To develop our own voice, stories, and to take apart these anachronisms. Two- Regarding the wholesale panic and fear-mongering around the muslim faith (and anyone different). Perhaps we should remember that it isn't so long in our own past that we treated women, homosexuals, thieves, and anyone with the misfortune to be different at all in, at the very least, similar ways. In fact, in parts of the west we still do (spend some time in a remote indigenous community here in Australia sometime). This doesn't remove our moral responsibilities towards inequities where they exist, but it does perhaps leave us tackling the issue more honestly. I return to many of my previous rants on the subject of theatre and other artists' responsibility to alter the way our world thinks and behaves. Actually, even if we get the people in our world thinking that would be a start! wow- wasn't heading there... :-) going to take my valium now. Cricket should be on soon. More diatribe people! Nev It's the simple things stupid...

Walter PlingeFri, 15 Dec 2006, 10:40 am

How to get them then?

So does anyone have any advice as to how to get more guys to audition? I'm currently trying to cast a play and I've had 2 guys audition so far, compared to twenty girls... Help?

Neville TalbotFri, 15 Dec 2006, 11:04 am

have you tried

Contacting all the local and not-so-local acting schools, dancing schools, normal high-schools (drama program)? I know you'd prefer 18+, but you might have to stretch a little on that. Then, the theatre studies areas at any university in town? Even putting a notice up at your local shopping centre or library?! Contact your local community paper and see if they'll run an article on it? if you've done all the above, you'll need to get right out of the box- radio stations, TV's sunrise or similar. Hell, parachute into a sports stadium with an ad on your parachute. Depends on the play as well- to be honest, the above-mentioned play doesn't look like a show I'd be interested in doing, unless I had a really empty chunk in my schedule and was approached directly. (I'm in Perth, so speaking hypothetically!) I think like everything, you're only limited by your imagination and your willingness to go the extra yard. Perhaps using Jeff's above comment as inspiration- you could have the girls play male parts... Good luck all. Nev It's the simple things stupid...

Walter PlingeFri, 15 Dec 2006, 12:08 pm

Right here in Perth... all

Right here in Perth... all the community theatres are awash with them

Stephen GummersonFri, 15 Dec 2006, 04:05 pm

Put forward good plays please rather than critisize

I have had this discussion recently with others. Selection committees trying their best to ensure that a play/musical will be successful need committed people stepping forward to research & bring forward good scripts (old or new) & then people able to succeed in directing/carrying it through. In my own experience, those people usually just help then sugges something later themselves they think is great. If you really feel there there are too many British comedies then why is that. In Sth West Sydney (the outer burbs) British Comedies & well known musicals draw the biggest audiences. Casting for men is difficult but they are popular so why should we change.

LabrugFri, 15 Dec 2006, 08:30 pm

Sweeping Statement

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

Home Page

LabrugMon, 18 Dec 2006, 10:21 am

Down a tangent

Interesting side issues coming up there Nev, but firstly I totally agree, and am happy to see the increase in male role models who are not what one would consider beefy-Aussie-blokes, or "beefy males" doing high energy musicals (Ah la Boy From Oz.) Then see those same performers do something like X-men, well, it just goes to show that the bloke image is taking a down turn.

On another not, I ws watching a doco called "The Perfect English Village" Over the weekend and in one of the segments, they presented a Village Dramatic play. The point of interest was the cast were ALL female, even the male parts.

One of the cast members made the comment that the men (her husband in particular) were too 'shy' to make a fool of themselves on stage. They (he) were quite happy to make a fool of themselves in public or at social engagements, but it was something about doing it on stage that had them keeping away. Keeping in mind that this was back in 91 of course, I think there would still be much of a similar sentiment today.

What, does 'making a fool of yourself' on stage carry a more official status than being an idoit at the local pub? Apparently so. Mind you, as I think about it, I remember having similar feelings myself about theatre. My first theatrical experience which nearly turned me off-theatre (which would have made my parents happy ;-) LOL) was the difference between being a school kid in the play-ground to playing and singing on-stage. So maybe there is something to that also...

Absit invidia

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

Home Page

NaMon, 18 Dec 2006, 10:36 am

Not being a male, I can't

Not being a male, I can't comment too much on this. I will however say that some of my closest friends in theatre are guys, and are perfectly happy to make fools of themselves on stage. In fact, they seem to enjoy it, and what's more, they do it not because they want to muck around, but because they want to push themselves to do things they can't do in 'normal' roles. (They write their own scripts) The Prompt Copy Networking emerging theatre professionals www.thepromptcopy.com Sticky Apple Legs http://stickyapplelegs.artsblogs.com Puppets in Melbourne www.freewebs.com/puppetsinmelbourne

LabrugMon, 18 Dec 2006, 11:20 am

The Majority

My point being that the majority still suffer from stigmatised sight. Those that have already joined the growing ranks of me in theatre are most often adventurous types, like myself. Most of the male performers I have worked with are quite prepared to pose themselves a serious challenge.

Once you get over the 'Making a fool of yourself on-stage' hurdle, then everything else seems small potatoes. That is coming from a male who can relate. I previously mentioned my bad experience. It took me years to even reconsider theatre. Even whe I did, I joined a small youth theatre group and litterally mucked about with them for a while before having the balls to actually take our stuff on-stage. However, once I had walked the boards, I don't think you will ever see me off them, apart from the occasional break here and there.

Absit invidia

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

Home Page

LogosMon, 18 Dec 2006, 11:37 am

Actually ...

I've just made the decision to retire from acting. I just did two short plays (first acting for some time) and really did not enjoy the whole process. My skills and experience did not desert me but my enthusiasm has. Bye Bye stage. I of course will not be retiring from any of the other theatre stuff I do especially as I earn a large poportion of my income that way. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

LabrugMon, 18 Dec 2006, 11:46 am

Great Actors don't die ...

They become great Driectors, Playwrights, Producers, etc.

Absit invidia

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

Home Page

LogosMon, 18 Dec 2006, 02:38 pm

Thankyou

... for your kind thoughts and possibly overenthusiastic compliments. I try. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

Stephen GummersonMon, 18 Dec 2006, 04:27 pm

"Gender bending" OK by me as long as they look & sound the part

Yes 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

Craig K EdwardsWed, 20 Dec 2006, 01:16 pm

observation

Without detracting from the many good comments above, I add the following observation. When I was an undergrad a few years ago there was an abundance of young actors of both genders auditioning for student theatre. From what I can tell of student productions now, this hasn't changed. Several years later, and the overwhelming majority of these people seem to have dropped out of theatre altogether - i.e. they are utterly absent from both the amateur and the professional circuits. One of the distinct things that I recall when I was a student was how 'seriously' everone I was performing with took theatre. I was a latecomer to theatre, having only started to take formal tuition at age 20, and was simply happy to be getting regular roles in the student plays amongst people who had been acting since they entered highschool. Amongst the other student actors however, you simply weren't considered a creditable performer - even at the completely amateur (and often fairly abyssmal, plus admittedly occasionally very good) productions that were put on - unless you went around proclaiming that you intended to be a professional actor. A handful of the less pretentious of us joined GRADS, whilst the rest frankly snubbed the nose at community theatre as something that old fuddies did that was beneath their talents. The ironic thing is that immediately upon finishing uni, ALL of the pretentious types quit acting altogether. I never saw nor heard of them in theatre again. A couple of very talented and quite modest inviduals went to NIDA/WAAPA and had varying success in professional careers. And those who had joined GRADS as undergraduates kept on doing plays with GRADS and other community theatre companies, as well as blue room/co-op gigs and the occasional piece of equity-rate paid work. In total there were maybe 5 people out of all the ones who I performed with in student theatre that ever continued in theatre after graduation. As for the other 95%? It's almost like as soon as they got out of uni and theatre was no longer 'fashionable' they did a 180 flip and suddenly wanted no more to do with it. Or maybe they had some glamourous notion of gracing Broadway, and as soon as they realised the reality of professional acting, or their level of talent, they had no actual love of theatre to drive them to perform. I'm not sure - but I still find it amusing that the ones who took themselves the most seriously were the first ones to completely quit performing at any level. Actor, martial artist and Philosophy PhD student. Making myself less employable one step at a time:-)

LabrugWed, 20 Dec 2006, 01:49 pm

Disillusion

I have seen this also. People becoming so blind by their own naive ambition that they won't accept anything less, and when they do get less, they head for the hills. It is easy to get 'sucked' into the machinations of the Theatrical or Film Star Dream. Those with a somewhat more healthy and realistic yet determined approach usually do better than those with star-eyed visions and delusions of grandeur.

Anyone who can throw away a Dream as easily as some of these philistines you mention never really believed in the dream to begin with.

Absit invidia

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

Home Page

Walter PlingeWed, 20 Dec 2006, 03:41 pm

men

Interesting topic indeed. I have found that there are limited men in the say 25-40 range willing to commit to theatre. Are there many men in this age bracket here in Perth who act professionally? Who still 'have the dream' ? I cant think of any names that come to mind. But i can think of so many more females in this age bracket who are still plugging away professionally (and making a living I should add ! :-) ) sarah

Stephen GummersonWed, 24 Jan 2007, 12:33 pm

Issue still there but cast all parts at auditions

Well, The issue is still there. I was able to cast all the 5 male & 6 female parts at auditions (last audition was 23/12/06) & we have begun rehearsals for the show on in April/May (call 02 4677 3962 for tickets) I needed 5 males & got 5 males I can work with at auditions. For females I cast all 6 & have 2 back ups in case someone pulls out of some roles & still getting sparodic requests females interesed in auditioning if I need it. Some live 50km away but I am directing them to closer groups as there are about 5 between us & them. The radio is still announcing a call for keen people to be involved & the newspaper put in an extra few articles (they did all this for free). I noticed the well known names have more audition interest as well. Jesus Christ Superstar got loads but less well known plays got far less. Yes, I know there are many factors that could be involved including local factors but I think the generalisation is useful. Good luck to all & if anyone can get a widespread campaign to promote live community theatre as a hobby it will help us all in some way. Regards, Stephen

Walter PlingeFri, 9 Feb 2007, 02:48 pm

men in perth

I can think of quite a few guys in perth that are continually acting. Craig Williams for one ! I have seen a few plays over the last few years in perth by professional companies which have men in the under 40's bracket, and they all seem to be making a decent living.(cant recall names but unfortunately So I guess it can happen :-) Julianne

Walter PlingeThu, 22 Feb 2007, 04:04 pm

Craig

..but is Craig Williams under 40 ??...that is the question... Besides, there aint anyone else in this town continually working.

Walter PlingeThu, 1 Mar 2007, 01:15 am

Underlying political issues in Sydney music theatre

In Sydney community music theatre the underlying issue is politics. For almost 20 years a cabal of men and women, now in their 40s through 70s, have locked it down for themselves, their children, and in the case of those who teach, for their students. All the while ticket prices have risen and production values have dropped significantly. If you do get a chance to be involved, either in production or performance you live to regret it - to quote the witch of the moment: 'No good deed goes unpunished'. The same names appear over and over again, you only have to google specific theatre company directors (& their wives) to see they crossover companies, locking down show after show and filling the cast with their friends, students and/or children. Many shows are also precast with the audition process really just a power play to fill a couple of minor roles & make money in fees from a huge chorus. If a person (particularly male) is skilled/talented enough for the established to fear they may one day challenge their position (regardless of whether or not the person makes it clear their only interest is as a singer/actor/dancer), they are systematically misled, given mixed messages and bullied out. Not to mention that the Darlighurst/Newtown theatre set have merged with community theatre so if you're not young and pretty (male or female) you'd better know the right people. Anyone not in with the 'in' crowd is subjected to round after round of humiliation until getting the point that they have no intention of ever casting you! I say this not from a position of sour grapes, but as someone who has a 25+ year singing history, several leads under my belt & experience on both sides of the audition panel. The last straw for me was when my wife, a qualified actor and great voice, was scared off pursuing anything to do with music theatre because of the way I had been treated. Now, I won't tolerate the rubbish, that's why I stopped auditioning and have since started planning other ways to express what is for me an all-consuming passion. When you feel like you're fighting it alone, it's the only was to stop them from winning, extinguishing the passion & me forever.

LabrugThu, 1 Mar 2007, 08:41 am

Darkness

A very bleak picture that one. Every area has it Tight-nit groups and there are a few small ones in Perth. This seems (from your description) to take things to a very different level.

Here's hoping you find the crack (which is always there but often hard to find) that breaks the whole thing open.

Absit invidia

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

Home Page

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