Auditions
Auditions are the way we place actors into roles. Never auditioned before? No problems! We encourage all new comers and in most cases, you will be provided all the material required to thoroughly prepare, prior to the day.
If you want to know more or become involved in other ways, head to our contact page, tell us how you’d like to be involved and we’ll find a spot for you!
Alternatively you can read more about involvement with the group by clicking here.
Upcoming Auditions
February
Murray’s Diary; An ANZAC Story is based on the war diary and letters of Murray Aitken, a young man from Kalgoorlie who enlisted in the AIF at the outbreak of the First World War. Murray’s writing not only describes in great detail his war experiences, it also reveals the close bond he had with his mother, Bessie, his brother Frank and the community he left behind in Kalgoorlie.
Murray was 23 years old when war broke out. He was employed as an accountant in a local department store and lived at home with Bessie. He went on to become one of the first Australian soldiers to wade ashore at Gallipoli on 25th April 1915 and was awarded the Military Cross later in the war.
As the play unfolds, we begin to understand that it is as much Bessie’s story as that of her sons (Frank joined a Scottish regiment). Love for her sons and loyalty to her country emerge as key elements of the play.
As well as Murray’s writing, Murray’s Diary draws on contemporary newspaper reports, memoirs, poems and songs to place the Aitken family’s story within the broader context of the world events that so dramatically changed their lives.
The ANZAC Day commemoration remains an integral part of the nation’s psyche and Murray’s Diary helps us understand why this powerful story resonates so strongly to this day.
LIST OF CHARACTERS (suggested ages are of characters, not actors)
MURRAY AITKEN
A 23-year-old accountant in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. He lived at home with his mother, Bessie. Murray was academically gifted, enjoyed playing the piano and intended writing a book about his war experiences on his return to Australia.
BESSIE AITKEN
In her 40s, Bessie is a longtime resident of Kalgoorlie having moved there following the death of her husband. Bessie has two sons, Murray and his younger brother, Frank, who at the outbreak of the war was working as a sailor on cargo ships.
THREE ACTORS taking on multiple roles
There are three other actors in the cast, (referred to as Actor ONE, TWO and THREE). Each takes on multiple roles.
Examples of the characters these actors take on are; a young woman, a narrator, school headmaster, William Holman (Premier of NSW), a female war protester, Australian soldier, nurse, poet, French woman, German Chief of Staff, newspaper reporter.
Casting for Actors One, Two and Three will be non-specific in regards to age and sex. All actors will sing several songs as an ensemble - no solo singing.
In person or via Zoom (link sent to registrants)
Date: Monday, January 27th 2025 @ 7:30pm
Location: Welby Hall
Auditions:
Sunday, February 2nd 2025 - 4pm or 5pm @ Welby Hall
Monday 3rd February - callbacks from 7:30pm, if required, @ Welby Hall
Rehearsals: Monday and Thursday 7pm to 10pm (commencing Thursday 6th February 2025) @ Welby Community Centre
Welby Hall
PRODUCTION WEEK (Moss Vale Services Club)
19 April Saturday - Bump in from 10:00am
21 April Monday Arrive from 6.00pm Tech Rehearsal
22 April Tuesday Arrive from 6.00pm Dress Rehearsal
23 April Wednesday Arrive from 6.00pm Dress Rehearsal
PERFORMANCES (Moss Vale Services Club)
Thursday April 24th @ 7:30pm
Saturday April 26th @ 2:00pm
Saturday April 26th @ 7:30pm
Sunday April 27th @ 2:00pm
Wednesday April 30th@ 7:30pm - RESERVE SHOW
Thursday May 1st @ 7:30pm - RESERVE SHOW
Friday May 2nd @ 7:30pm
Saturday May 3rd @ 2:00pm
Saturday May 3rd @ 7:30pm
Sunday May 4th @ 2:00pm
Special Requirement
A valid Working with Children Check is not required to audition.
A valid Working with Children Check is required prior to first rehearsal with all cast (22nd September 2024)
It is HTG policy that all persons over 18 years of age involved with a production with persons under 18 years of age, hold a valid NSW Working With Children Check (WWCC).
Volunteer WWCCs are free (employer required WWCCs are also acceptable) and valid for five years from the date of issue. As processing can take up to four weeks, we would encourage anyone intending to be involved with the production to apply as soon as possible.
You can apply for a Working With Children Check at Service NSW.
As we need to confirm WWCC validity, it may be necessary to collect personal information from auditionees. Any personal information will be collected and handled in accordance with our privacy policy.