Title: Failure: A Love Story
Presented By: Villanova Players
Genre: Ensemble Play/Musical, Comedy/Drama
Synopsis: "Failure: A Love Story" by Philip Dawkins tells the whimsical and poignant story of the Fail family, clockmakers in 1920s Chicago. The play weaves together love, loss, and the passage of time, exploring the lives of the Fail sisters—Gerty, Jenny June, and Nelly—as they navigate their destinies. With a blend of humour and heartache, the play's ensemble cast, including a chorus of clocks, animals, and even a gramophone, brings to life the vibrant world of the Fails.
Audition Date: Sunday, 25 August 2024
Audition Time: 11:00 am
Audition Location and Address: Ron Hurley Theatre, 28 Tallowwood St, Seven Hills, QLD
Audition Requirements:
Please prepare a short monologue (1-2 minutes) that showcases your ability to blend comedy and drama.
Be ready to demonstrate any special skills relevant to the character descriptions (e.g., accents, singing).
Cold readings from the script may be required.
Available Roles:
Henry Fail: A respected clockmaker, age about 36, with a slight Eastern European accent.
Marietta Fail: A clockmaker, age about 36, with a slight Eastern European accent.
Gertrude (Gerty) Fail: The eldest daughter, age 28, feisty and determined.
Jenny June Fail: The middlest daughter, age 22, an excellent swimmer and diver.
Nelly Fail: The youngest daughter, age 20, a singer and dancer.
John N Fail: The only son, age about 22, a vet who’s more at home with animals.
Mortimer Mortimer: Age 26, wealthy by luck, kind-hearted.
Gramophone: An all-singing role, no lines, just songs.
Old Dog: A significant speaking role, delivering the play’s most poignant line.
Art Dodd: A bartender and clock shop customer.
Grantland Rice: A radio journalist reporting on Jenny June’s swim.
Moses: A large python with an important speaking role.
Various Clocks: Speaking and ticking roles.
Mae and December: Feral Monk Parakeets with speaking roles.
Chorus Roles: Commentators, sound effects, narrators—all characters join the chorus.
Audition Registration: Let us know you're interested by completing the Expression of Interest form, even if you can't make it to the audition.
Audition Pack: Download Audition Pack
Performance Dates: 8 - 10 November 2024
Performance Location: Ron Hurley Theatre, 28 Tallowwood St, Seven Hills, QLD
Rehearsal Dates: Starting 2nd September, two nights per week and a weekend daytime rehearsal as needed. The schedule may increase closer to performance dates.
Rehearsal Times: To be negotiated based on availability.
Creative Team:
Director: Rod Thompson
Stage Manager: Needed
Costumier: Needed for 1920s attire and specialty costumes.
Props: Weird and wonderful items needed.
Set: Moveable pieces required.
Lighting Design: Delicate focus, including specials for individual actors.
Lighting Operation: Mainly specials and basic cues.
Video Operation: Critical role, requiring attendance at some rehearsals.
Sound Operation: Not needed—no pre-recorded sound effects or music.
Production Website: Villanova Players Auditions
Other information: This is an ensemble-driven production with opportunities for creative input. The show will feature unique techniques and styles, including songs and dances without instruments. All roles are part of the chorus and engage directly with the audience.
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