Audition Notice
Neighbourhood Watch
by Lally Katz
Performances: 27th July – 18th August (Previews 23rd & 25th July)
First produced at Belvoir in 2011, this is a tale of life in the suburbs, life at war, and resilience in the face of hardship. It centres on the friendship between an older Hungarian-born woman with many stories to tell, and a young Australian-born woman struggling to find her way.
Auditions will be held on Tuesday 10th April. Doors open at 7:30 and auditions start at 8:00.
Auditions will be scenes from the script. You may also be asked to sing unaccompanied the first verse of the Australian National Anthem as a group. This isn’t in the play but will be used at the audition to see if you can sing confidently.
The actors playing Ana, Catherine, the gypsy, and Ana’s father will definitely need to sing as there is one song they sing together. Some other members of the cast – to be determined after the audition – may join them. If you want to audition for these other roles but don’t want to sing that’s OK – please audition anyway as not everybody will need to sing.
Ana and the Gypsy sing some solo verses so please be prepared at the audition to sing unaccompanied a verse of a sad song of your choice.
You will need an Eastern European accent at the audition for the Hungarian, Russian and Serbian roles.
Contact Details
For a copy of the script or if you have any questions please contact emma@xb12.net
The roles:
Ana (80; played by an actress 50/60+):
This role was written for Robyn Nevin, has been played by Miriam Margoyles, and now it’s a CHP actress’ turn to play Ana, a fiesty, strong spirited Hungarian woman. Hungarian accent; ability to sing solo required.
Jovanka (80; played by an actress 50/60+):
Jovanka’s indefatigable, humorous attempts to gain stubborn Ana’s friendship win the audience over. This actress also has a small role as a Hungarian woman. Serbian accent; may sing as part of the chorus.
Catherine (20s):
An aspiring actress, Catherine is inspired by Ana’s stories, yet her obsessive love for her ex drives away the people who care. This actress also plays Young Ana during flashbacks. Australian and Hungarian accents; ability to sing as part of the chorus required.
Ken (20s):
An aspiring film producer and avid World of Warcraft and West Wing fan, Ken is a laidback guy with a serious, sensitive side. Australian accent.
Martin (20s):
Catherine’s mysterious old flame, he left her yet makes a re-appearance. This actor also has a small role as a Russian soldier. Australian and Russian accents; may sing as part of the chorus.
Katrina (50s):
Ana’s and Catherine’s neighbour, Katrina is a devoted grandmother who is fighting cancer. This actress also has two small roles as two Hungarian mothers. Australian and Hungarian accents; may sing as part of the chorus.
Postman / Ana’s Father / Soldier’s Father / Policeman 2 (30s-50s):
This actor plays a variety of small roles – an opportunity to do different things on stage. Australian and Hungarian accents; ability to sing as part of the chorus required.
Employee / Policeman 1 / Soldier / Delivery Boy (20s-30s):
This actor plays a variety of small roles – an opportunity to do different things on stage. Australian and Hungarian accents; may sing as part of the chorus.
Chemist / Gypsy / Artur (20s-30s):
This actor plays three small but important roles. Australian and Hungarian accents; ability to sing solo required.
Nancy / Receptionist / Woman 1 / Ana’s Sister / Doctor Vhite / Woman 2 (30s-50s):
This actress plays six small roles – an opportunity to do different things on stage. Australian accent; may sing as part of the chorus.
Note: Castle Hill Players hold 6 auditions each year on a Tuesday night at the theatre. They are advertised two weeks prior on this website.