The Graduate
Adapted by Terry Johnson
Directed by Stephen Snars
Audition Date: Tuesday November 18 7.30 for a 7.45 start
Call backs: Possibly Thursday 20 and/or Tuesday 25 November
Location: The Pavilion Theatre, Doran Drive, Castle Hill
The Run
Running from: 27 March – 18 April 2026 with previews Mon 23 and Wed 25 March
Rehearsals: Monday and Thursday nights from 7.30pm plus 1 or 2 Saturdays. Rehearsals are anticipated to commence on Mon 1 Dec with a break for Christmas of at least a couple of weeks.
Synopsis
Benjamin arrives home from college having excelled both as an athlete and a student. His education has left him panicked and uncertain where his life will be going. The dangerously charismatic Mrs Robinson, a predatory friend of the family with few scruples, tempts him into an affair. The weeks roll on until the Robinson’s daughter, Elaine comes home from Berkeley. A darkish comedy set in sunny LA in pre hippy 1964.
Themes
The failure of the American dream; the effect of the Beat Generation;coming of ageand the pressure of family expectations.
The Roles
8 Roles The ages indicate how the actor should appear onstage.
Benjamin Braddock, Our 21 year old college graduate seemingly with the world at his feet. Arrives home and fails to launch. Over thinking, over anxious and over everything his parent’s lifestyle represents. Unfocussed until he meets Elaine.
Mr. Braddock, 40s: Benjamin’s controlling and enthusiastically straight Father.
Mrs. Olive Braddock, 40s: Benjamin’s doting Mum. Often seems shallow but detects that a woman has come into Benjamin’s life. Overjoyed at Ben’s intention to marry.
Mr. Hal Robinson, 40s: A businessman and close friend of Mr Braddock. Oblivious to his wife’s needs. Comically invites Ben to sleep around. Not all that happy when he does.
Mrs. P Robinson, 40s: Former artistic aspirations during college days she traded for a comfortable but unhappy marriage. Alcoholism, and a nihilistic outlook, lead her to seducing Benjamin. She is cool, calculating and even cruel yet amusing and fascinating. Her rejection of social norms mirrors that of Benjamin. Both a predator and a tragic figure.
Elaine Robinson, 20 years old: The Robinson’s daughter, aka ”Peaches”! Sweet, sensitive and emotionally intelligent. Senses a connection with Ben but wants to please her parents.
Hotel Clerk/Priest/Barman/Manager, 25-40s: these roles are fluid
Hotel Assistant/Stripper/Psychiatrist, 25-40s: these roles are fluid
Men and wedding guests are doubled by the company
The Auditions
The Audition will be reading of scenes from the script.
It is expected that auditionees will have read the entire script. It is not exactly the same as the movie, so no Alfa, but it covers the same ground.
I will be looking for natural and truthful portrayals of character so bring your A game! As this is a play about relationships I will be looking for engagement between actors.
US accents (or an attempt thereof) please.
Note This production will include some degree of nudity and bedroom scenes which auditionees will need to be aware of.
Actors wishing to audition for the roles of Benjamin, Elaine, Mrs. Robinson and the stripper will need to contact the director in advance.
For a copy of the script, further info or a general chat
Director Stephen Snars
Email: sjsnars@gmail.com
(m) 0400 832 836
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