Audition Information

Much Ado About Nothing

Welcome to the audition information page for Point Break Drama’s 2018  Adult (& a few Teens) production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.

 

Please read all information on this page thoroughly before applying.

 

Point Break Drama expects the highest level of commitment and dedication to the work, and people interested in excellence need only apply.

Do not book an audition time if you want to gain experience only ,or if you know you are unavailable. We appreciate everyone’s time and effort , we expect the same in return.

Participants will be expected to make every effort to attend all rehearsals. Actors and parents (if actors under 18), must consider the commitment carefully. Core dates and rehearsal days are at the bottom of this page. A detailed rehearsal schedule for first few weeks, will be released after the play is cast, so all participants will understand their responsibilities.

This is a non-for profit Production, however in order to cover the costs of paying professional directors & choreographers, there is a fee involved for the duration of the production of just $360 per participant.  This fee does not cover the costs associated with the production. These will be met by Point Break Drama. Any profit made from ticket sales will be put into future productions.

 

Synopsis

All aboard the good ship SS Messina! Join our battle-weary soldiers and seasoned pleasure cruise crew as they navigate their way through life, love and pina coladas in William Shakespeare’s timeless comedy – Much Ado About Nothing. High-jinks on the high seas abound, courtesy of the long-running war of words between Benedick and Beatrice. Can Claudio and Hero find true love? Will Don John’s evil plots succeed? And what really is the best way to blend a Tequila Sunrise? Point Break Drama will reveal all in the merry month of May.

 

Key Details of Production
  • Performance / tech week will be Wed 23rd May – Sat 2nd June
  • Rehearsals will be held regularly on Thurs nights (6.30pm-10pm) & Saturday’s from (2pm- 6pm). Starting Thurs March 15th.
  • Extra full day rehearsals to be held on Saturdays. See bottom of this page for details
  • Fee to be involved is $360. (To be paid before rehearsals commence. Direct deposit or Cash only)
  • A free copy of script will be given to each participant.
Audition details

All auditions will take place on Saturday March 3rd, 2018 at the Point Break Drama studio (28 Fisher Rd Dee Why). Applicants will need to keep the day free. To audition please follow the following process carefully:

  1. Read the play ( Available online ‘ No Fear Shakespeare”)
  2. Choose a role or roles you would like to audition for.
  3. Click Here for Character Breakdown.
  4. Prepare a 1- 2min monologue from either Much Ado, or from another of Shakespeare’s comedies.
  5. Be familiar with scenes involving your character as you may be asked to cold-read.
  6. Email us at info@pointbreakdrama.com.au with a request for an audition time indicating name, age, contact info, basic performance experience( 4 lines max), singing & Dancing capabilities and the name part or parts you would like to audition for.
  7. Please No CV’s at this stage.
  8. Please note applicants under 18 must have parental authorization to audition. A parent or guardian must request an audition time.
  9. Audition request Deadline is March 2nd (Note: pending availability).
  10. Keep entire day of Saturday March 3rd free. After initial audition you may be asked to return later in the day to read with another actor.
  11. Anyone can audition but roles will be given to the best applicants.
  12. Auditioning is free –  however do not request an audition time to gain audition experience, if you know you are unavailable for the production..
  13. Applicants must arrive 15 mins prior to audition time to fill out information form.
  14. Bring a Head shot & CV to the audition only. DO NOT EMAIL.
Audition Tips
  • Choose a character or characters from the breakdown provided that is close to your age.
  • Audition for the role of your choosing, but be familiar with other characters in the play.
  • Audition monologues should be short ( 1- 2 mins max)
  • Try to show an emotional journey and the character your auditioning for in your monologue presentation.
  • Understand every word and phrase that you utter. This is one of the keys to performing Shakespeare.
  • Get some tips on performing Shakespeare from sites like http://www.stagemilk.com/how-to-act-shakespeare/
  • Go to the Enotes page “strategies for understanding Shakespearean language”
  • Read thoroughly the character breakdown before preparing.

 

Tech week

Thurs 24th May – Monday 28th May (No rehearsal on Sunday 27th)

Crew Only: Wed 23rd May 6pm-10pm.(Stage, lights, windows)

Dress  Rehearsals ( all Cast/crew):

Thurs 24th May 6pm -10pm

Fri 25th May 6pm-10pm

Sat 26th May 2pm-10pm

Mon 28th May – Final Dress Run 6pm-10pm

Performances

7.30pm showtime

1 x Saturday Matinee at 2pm

6.00pm Call-time for Cast

Tuesday 29th May – Opening night

Wednesday 30th May

Thursday 31st May

Friday 1st June

Saturday 2nd June- 2pm Matinee

Saturday 2nd June 7.30pm Closing Night

 1st read through – whole cast

Thur 15th March 6pm-10pm

Performers will be asked for measurements, to fill out Photo/ Performance forms & Performance agreements

Regular Rehearsal Times

All Cast will need to keep Thursday evenings & Saturdays Arvo /early evenings free for Rehearsals, although not all cast will be required for the entire rehearsal period.

To commence Thursday 15th March

Thursdays – 6.30pm – 10pm

Saturdays – 2pm – 6pm.

Exceptions are the Saturdays listed below

Full Day Rehearsals

Key Saturday Rehearsals – Whole Cast Required

Sat 7th April 9am-5pm

Sat 12th May 9am-5pm

Sat 19th May 9am-5pm (Dress run)

Sat 26th May 2pm – 10pm (Dress / Tech run)

 

These Saturdays will be used for:

Character study/work, Fight Choreography, Music/choreography, Scene Work & Running of entire play.