Auditions for Kiwi comedy Ladies for Hire

Scripts are available from the office at HLT. Email: info@hlt.org.nz or phone the office 534 1406 9.30-1.30 Mon-Fri.

Auditions: Sunday, 16th September, 1.30pm, at the theatre, 1 Sir Lloyd Drive, Pakuranga. Female actors will be required to sing in tune and you will be expected to sing at the audition. Ability to play the piano for the part of Harriet would be useful.

First rehearsal: Sunday, 30th September, 1.30pm at the theatre. Rehearsal schedules will be given out at this time. We will rehearse on Tuesdays and Wednesdays 7.15-9.30p.m. and Sundays 1.30-5pm. Technical and dress rehearsals will take place on Sundays closer to opening night and will take longer.

Commitment: There will be plenty to do, so I would like you to be prepared to work hard with me so we make a spectacular job of this play. There are several songs that will be sung in harmony so it is important that you are aware that there will be some extra rehearsals just for the music content of the play. You will be under the guidance of musical director Julia Banks.

The Play: Four women, Harriet, Mary McIntyre, Mary O’Donnell and Marijka Van Diemen, have been singing together in the church choir for several years. They sing at weddings, funerals, christenings and are often less than charitable about the people they sing for. There is a close understanding between the women. Into this mix comes Shelley who is much younger (18) and has a gentle approach to life in general. In particular she sees marriage as something wonderful to experience, which brings cynical snorts from the older women. This play has many poignant moments which need to be played with sensitivity. The men - two priests add some tension to the play. The older priest is happy with the choir, but the young new priest (a new broom) wants to sweep them away and instil some order into the church. There are several layers to the play that will give actors plenty of work to do with their characters. The mistake would be to work it just for the laughs and the songs.

Characters:
Harriet: Late 50s, works at the City Council and lives with her mum. She is the choir mistress and pianist. Quite prim in her clothing.

Mary McIntyre: 50s, married to George. She is a high-school teacher, heavy drinker and a devout Catholic. Quite practically dressed as a teacher but a bit of a rebel.

Mary O’Donnell: 40s, married to Wrecker Ray for 15 years. Runs the office and does the accounts for his business. She is always dressed in a very sexy way no matter her size. She might look like a trophy wife but she is actually a savvy businesswoman.

Marijka Van Diemen: 40s, a Dutch immigrant married to Jan for 15 years. She has four boys and three girls. Worn out running family and working. Big-hearted woman who is a great baker.

Shelley: 18 yrs, unmarried. A trainee hairdresser recently moved from Waipukurau. Her hair is her best feature. She is quite lonely and doesn’t know anyone in this new city. She used to visit when her grandma was alive.

Father Paul: New priest recently moved from Wellington parish. Very austere and ambitious.

Father Peter: Older priest. 60s Parish Priest of St Mary’s for over 30 years. Very homely and nurturing to all who meet him.

Trent: Marijka’s oldest son. A troubled teenager dabbling in drugs and a boy racer. (This part could be played by the actor who is cast for Father Paul.)

Policeman on Traffic Duty: This part could be played by the actor who is cast for Father Peter.

Kindy teacher: extremely PC Green Party chap. Could be played by the actor who is cast as Father Paul.

Play location:
The play is located in Palmerston North for the first production, but it could be set anywhere.

The intention is that the choir shifts from being casual and almost irreverent to a more grown-up group by the end of the play. Season: Nov 10 to Dec 1.

Contact director: Rae McGregor mcgregors@xtra.co.nz Phone 5780125 or 027 5780125. I look forward to hearing from you and meeting you at the auditions.