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AUDITION NOTICE: Mary Poppins - Queensland Musical Theatre

Title: Mary Poppins

Presented By: Queensland Musical Theatre

Genre: Musical Theatre


Synopsis: Join Mary Poppins, the extraordinary nanny, as she brings whimsy and magic into the lives of the Banks family with the help of her friend Bert.


Audition Dates and Times:

  • Saturday, 13 July 2024: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

  • Sunday, 14 July 2024: 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Call-backs: Monday, 15 July commencing at 7:00pm at Queen Alexandra Home – by invitation only


Audition Locations and Addresses:

  • Saturday: Queen Alexandra Home, 347 Old Cleveland Road, Coorparoo

  • Sunday: Twelfth Night Theatre, 4 Cintra Road, Bowen Hills


Audition Self-Tape: If you are unable to attend to the live auditions, the production team will accept video submissions up until 5 p.m. Sunday 14 July 2024.


Audition Requirements:

  • Singing Audition: Prepare two song excerpts from Musical Theatre in the style of the show.

    • Songs from "Mary Poppins" are acceptable as one of your excerpts only.

    • 32 bars of each song (approximately 1 minute).

    • Please bring backing tracks for your audition on a device that can be plugged into a speaker (no CDs or USB sticks please) OR sheet music (with clearly marked cuts) for the audition pianist. A speaker and auxiliary cable will be available.

  • Acting Audition: Scripts provided at venue; cold readings may be requested.

  • Dance Audition: Sunday, 14 July (specific groups and times):

  • Group 1: 9:00 am – 10:00 am (Children aged 6-15)

  • Group 2: 10:00 am – 11:00 am (Musical Theatre performers with limited dance experience)

  • Group 3: 11:00 am – 11:30 am (Mary and Bert auditionees not doing tap audition)

  • Group 4: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm (Experienced dancers)

  • Group 5: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm (Tap dancers)


Audition Registration: Complete the audition form online at Mary Poppins Audition Form

Audition Pack: Download the audition pack here


Performance Dates: 18 October – 3 November 2024

Performance Location: Twelfth Night Theatre, 4 Cintra Road, Bowen Hills

Rehearsal Dates: Commencing Wednesday, 17 July 2024

Rehearsal Times:

  • Mondays & Wednesdays: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

  • Sundays: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm (full-day rehearsals on 13 & 20 October)


Available Roles:

Mary Poppins:

  • Gender: Female

  • Stage Age: 25+

  • Vocal Range: C6 to Gb3

  • Description: Extraordinary and neat, Mary Poppins is described as practically perfect in every way. She is both charming and a bit mysterious, with a mezzo-soprano voice that requires strong top notes. Precision in singing and diction is crucial, and she must be able to move well.

Bert:

  • Gender: Male

  • Stage Age: 30-35

  • Vocal Range: F#4 to B2

  • Description: Bert is the narrator of the story and a close friend of Mary Poppins. He is versatile, with occupations ranging from hurdy-gurdy player to chimney sweep. Bert has a charming Cockney accent and is known as a song-and-dance man. He requires a baritone voice and should be able to speak-sing as necessary.

George Banks:

  • Gender: Male

  • Stage Age: 40-45

  • Vocal Range: Eb4 to Bb2

  • Description: George Banks is the father of Jane and Michael Banks and a dedicated banker. He values order and precision in his life but hides a sensitive soul beneath his strict demeanour. George is a baritone and may speak-sing as required.

Winifred Banks:

  • Gender: Female

  • Stage Age: 30-35

  • Vocal Range: D5 to A3

  • Description: Winifred is George's wife and the mother of Jane and Michael. A former actress, she is warm-hearted yet often distracted by the demands of her husband's expectations. Winifred requires great warmth and simplicity in her vocal tone.

Jane Banks:

  • Gender: Female

  • Stage Age: 11-13

  • Vocal Range: F#5 to A3

  • Description: Jane is the high-spirited daughter of George and Winifred Banks. Bright and precocious, she can be wilful but has a good heart. Her voice should reflect her spirited nature.

Michael Banks:

  • Gender: Male

  • Stage Age: 9-10

  • Vocal Range: E5 to A3

  • Description: Michael is the mischievous and adorable son of George and Winifred. He idolises his father and tries to emulate him. Michael's voice should capture his youthful enthusiasm and cheekiness.

Mrs. Brill:

  • Gender: Female

  • Stage Age: 40+

  • Vocal Range: D#5 to F#3

  • Description: The housekeeper and cook for the Banks family. Overworked and harassed, she often complains about the house being understaffed. Despite her intimidating exterior, she has warmth underneath.

Robertson Ay:

  • Gender: Male

  • Stage Age: 20+

  • Vocal Range: G#4 to F3

  • Description: The houseboy to the Banks family. Lazy, sleepy, and grumbling, he believes himself to be useless. He doesn't sing much but has a surprise solo in "Spoonful."

Bank Chairman:

  • Gender: Male

  • Stage Age: 50+

  • Vocal Range: D4 to C3

  • Description: The head of the bank where Mr. Banks is employed. He is portrayed as an Edwardian stuffed-shirt and can speak or sing his lines as necessary.

Bird Woman

  • Gender: Female

  • Stage Age: 50+

  • Vocal Range: C5 to Gb3

  • Description: Covered in shawls and carrying bags of crumbs for birds. She sells crumbs to passersby, singing "Feed the Birds." Her voice has a gruff, folksy quality reflecting the hardness of her life.

Mrs. Corry

  • Gender: Female

  • Stage Age: 40+

  • Vocal Range: C5 to D4

  • Description: Owns a magical gingerbread shop. A mysterious elderly woman with a Caribbean (or exotic) accent.

Miss Andrew

  • Gender: Female

  • Stage Age: 40+

  • Vocal Range: F5 to Gb3

  • Description: George Banks's overbearing former nanny. She uses brimstone and treacle to discipline children. A soprano with an alto belt, her voice has a heavy quality with range.


Supporting Roles:

  • Katie Nanna - Jane and Michael's overwhelmed nanny at the beginning of the show.

  • Policeman - A neighbourhood fixture who monitors households on his beat.

  • Miss Lark - The haughty next-door neighbour of the Banks family who dotes on her dog.

  • Admiral Boom - A retired Royal Navy man and neighbour of the Banks family, known for his loud voice and Navy jargon.

  • Park Keeper - Uniformed and strict about park regulations, often seen enforcing rules.

  • Neleus - The statue of a young boy in the park, separated from his father and eager to befriend Jane and Michael.

  • Queen Victoria - A statue in the park.

  • Miss Smythe - The Bank Chairman's humourless secretary.

  • Von Hussler - A businessman seeking a loan from the bank for a shady deal, speaks with a German accent.

  • John Northbrook - An honest businessman seeking a loan to build a factory for his community, speaks with a Northern English accent.

  • Ensemble and Children's Ensemble - Annie, Fannie, Valentine, Teddy Bear, Mr. Punch, Doll, Chimney Sweeps, Statues, Toys, Park-goers.


Creative Team:

  • Director: Deian Ping

  • Musical Director: Nicky Griffith

  • Choreographer: Julianne Burke


Other information:

  • Blue Card required for adult cast members

  • Crew positions available; details in audition pack

  • Production fee payable; details provided upon casting confirmation

  • The minimum age for performers is 6 years old.


Production Website: Queensland Musical Theatre




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