Auditions are open for an Australian Play Seeking Pub Band Members
Gold Coast Little Theatre is on the lookout for three exceptional performers to join the cast of Still Standing, an Australian play featuring a sensational line-up of Aussie rock music. Written by Margery and Michael Forde, the play is directed by Cilla Scott and promises to be a hit.
If you're a fan of Australian Pub Music, or ever wanted to be part of a band then this is your chance to audition and be a part of this exciting production. Auditions will be held on Sunday, June 4th. But registrations close Friday 2nd June 2pm.
To learn more about the show, we spoke with Cilla Scott and got the inside scoop.
Q: Tell us about yourself:
A: I am a drama teacher, drummer and director. I have directed over 50 productions across school, community and independently produced productions over the past 25 years. Some of my recent shows include Chicago, Jersey Boys and Kelly (Spotlight Theatre), Sweet Charity (GCLT) and Grease (SALC). I am currently directing All Shook Up (NAPA) and Seussical (SALC). I have been a finalist at the Gold Coast Theatre Awards for Best Director 7 times – winning for Kelly and Godspell.
Q: If you have team,tell us about them:
A: I am so fortunate to have the most amazing rock band assembled to play for this production - after all the show is very much about the pub band - featuring Lawrie Esmond – (Guitar), Will David (Guitar) Jem Nicholls (Drums), Rodrigo Machado (Bass) and Michelle Watkins (Keys)
Q: Tell the reader a little about the play
A: Still Standing is a play featuring 80s pub rock music played by a live band. Set against a soundtrack of 80s Australian Rock from INXS, Cold Chisel, The Pretenders, Hunters and Collectors, John Farnham and more, Still Standing follows Aussie pub band Gaffer as they reunite for a gig in the Valley, Brisbane, fifteen years after the height of their success. Throughout the soundcheck and gig, old tensions rise to the surface and the three friends learn that the past is never really left behind.
Q: Why did you choose to do this production, what drew you to it?
A: Before Theatre I played drums in pub bands. Music – especially rock music was my first creative love – well before I started directing musicals. So this is a real nostalgia piece for me. It was also one I directed 14 years ago – with Lawrie – so returning to this piece with him is something I am really looking forward to.
Q: What kind of challenges / experiences will the performers look forward to if successful in audition?
A: The rush of fronting a live band. It really is something very fun and exciting – and these musos are so good!!!!!
Q: What sort of availability should those successful in auditions have for rehearsals?
A: Wednesday evenings and Sunday days
Q: What are you looking in during auditions?
A: There is a required monologue and then a scene workshop – followed by singing with the band – this is the important part – we need to see who can front the band.
Q: What characters are available to audition for:
Nev - Late 30s – early 40s. Strong Singer/ Guitar ability preferred.
Nev was once the guitarist of Gaffer – a covers band who enjoyed some success in the Brisbane pub circuit 15 years ago. The band ended abruptly with his then girlfriend and lead singer, Brenda, leaving to pursue her career. This heartbreak was one he never really recovered from.
Brenda Late 30s – early 40s. Strong singer/actor
Brenda left Gaffer and Nev to pursue greater opportunities – no matter the cost. She is hard working, determined and talented – but she never quite made it in the music industry and her career was not quite what she had imagined it to be. She is tired and hardened by the past 15 years.
Skeeter Late 30s /early 40s. Actor Skeeter was also in the original band – but had very little musical talent. He owns the club that the band is playing at tonight. In many ways this is the most challenging of the roles as the actor needs to be able to reveal just enough of his vulnerability to keep audiences connected and sympathetic to his situation.
For more information on characters click here
Q: When are auditions taking place and how can people apply.
A: Auditions are Sunday 4 June at Gold Coast Little Theatre. You will be allocated an audition time when you register via the registration form. Deadline is Friday 2 June, 2pm.
Session 1 is at 10am – 11.30am and it is a script workshop session for the characters Brenda, Skeeter and Nev. Auditionees will present their monologues and then there will be time to workshop cold scenes as a group. I will be looking in this time for capacity to follow directions, build character relationships and group dynamics.
Session 2 is from 12pm – 2pm Brenda and Nev Auditionees only.
The absolute heart of this play is the band and so the capacity of the actors to convincingly front a pub band is an important part of the audition process.
Below are the audition songs
Nev:
The Loved One (INXS) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2qdXehmtvM
Black Betty (Ram Jam) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_2D8Eo15wE
Brenda:
Alive and Brilliant (Deborah Conway) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDiq7bN8WAk
Hymn to Her (The Pretenders) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJ-Ojm-0GHQ
If this article has perked you interest in auditioning for Gold Coast Little Theatre's September production on Sunday 4 June, 2023, then you better register before Friday 2nd June 2pm by clicking here! You can also find out more by downloading the audition pack here
If your have more questions then feel free to email on stillstanding@gclt.com.au