THE APPLETON LADIES’ POTATO RACE
Written by Melanie Tate
Directed by Kathy Petrakis
SEASON:
May 12th to June 17th
Sunday, May 7th (Community preview)
Wednesday, May 10th (Charity preview)
Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm
Sundays, May 14th & 21st, Jun 4th & 11th at 2pm
*Please make sure you are available during these times before committing to this play.*
AUDITION DETAILS:
Monday 30th January: 7:30-10pm
Tuesday, 31st January 7:30-10pm
Call backs, if required: Thursday, 2nd Feb 7:30-10pm
Held at the Arts Theatre Cronulla, 6 Surf Road, Cronulla
SYNOPSIS:
In the small Australian country town of Appleton, men are men, women are women and the biggest annual event is the famous Appleton Potato Race – that’s the way it’s always been. But things are changing. When the prodigal daughter returns as the new GP and discovers that the famous race awards $1000 prize money for the men and a measly $200 for the women, she takes it upon herself to restore gender parity, creating a hilarious culture war in her wake. Inspired by real life events, this is a funny, honest and heart-warming story about five different women overturning the potato cart and standing up for their principles.
LEAD CHARACTERS:
BEV ARMSTRONG
Appleton Show Society President
60-65, female, strong Aussie accent
Practical, tough country woman, blunt, suffers no fools, resistant to change
BARB LING
Appleton Show Society Secretary
Aunty to Nikki and Penny
60-65, female, strong Aussie accent
People pleaser, perky, like’s to be involved, optimistic
NIKKI ARMSTRONG
Hairdresser
Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race Champion
Mother of 4 boys
38-45, female, ‘loud’, strong Aussie accent, fit/athletic
Colourful character – artistic yet tough and practical, creative, energetic, resilient
PENNY ANDERSON
GP recently returning to Appleton for new practice
38-45, female, more refined Aussie accent
Air of sophistication and snobbery, bit of a fish out of water in her home town, can be condescending
RANIA HAMID
Syrian immigrant and art teacher, new Appletonian
Mother of 1 teenage girl
36-45, female, slight foreign accent, fit, Syrian looking
Calm, positive, bohemian
SUPPORTING CHARACTERS:
These roles have been added for those who wish to play multiple small character roles & enjoy being part of the show. You would not be required at all rehearsals.
RADIO ANNOUNCER / COMMENTATOR
Male or female with booming voice.
ENSEMBLE / UNDERSTUDIES
Really bad cheerleader, townsperson, talkback callers, news announcer.
Females who can play versatile characters.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:
For each of the 5 lead characters, there are two scene readings.
Where available, if another auditionee is available, you can read the duologue in one audition. If not, we will ensure there is a reader for you.
For supporting characters, there are some short excerpts to read if not already auditioning for one of the lead characters.
To download the full script & audition pieces, go to:
https://www.artstheatrecronulla.com.au/auditionsHOW DO I BOOK AN AUDITION DAY?
Please email your audition form and request to the director Kathy at:
kathy.petrakis@gmail.com & wait for a confirmation.
WHAT IF I CAN’T MAKE ANY OF THE AUDITION DATES?
There will be an option for video auditions or Zoom auditions, but they don’t always give you maximum option for skills or the option to try different things with the director.
If you do need to do a video audition, these are required before the first audition date & emailed to:
kathy.petrakis@gmail.comREHEARSALS:
Play reading date/time: Monday, 6th February
First rehearsal date/time: Every Monday & Thursday from 7:30pm
starting from the play reading on Monday, 6th February.
Some additional rehearsals on Sundays may be required closer to the date & during tech weeks.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
As a cast member:
You will be required to help with bump out of the previous set & paint day for our set on Sunday, 23rd April.
For enquiries, please contact the director, Kathy Petrakis via email:
kathy.petrakis@gmail.com or 0402 244 012.
Please note:
Auditions are open to everyone.
If you are not a current Arts Theatre member & you are successful in obtaining a role, you will be required to become a member.
Annual membership is $25 – payable by the first rehearsal.
