Auditions
We often have auditions and opportunities to work backstage, front of house, and on the technical sides of future productions.
Kanata Theatre is a community organization which originated in the then-new Beaverbrook community of Kanata. From the start, members were expected to take part in all activities: building and painting scenery, making costumes, setting up lights and sound, selling tickets and so on, as well as acting. We have tried to keep that tradition, even though our “community” is now the whole City of Ottawa.
Current Auditions
The Girl on the Train
The Girl on the Train
Based on the bestselling novel by Paula Hawkins and DreamWorks film Adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel
Directed by: Susan Monaghan
SHOW DATES AND TIMES
• Feb. 5 -15 matinee and evening performances
SYNOPSIS
Rachel is a young woman with a ruined life. Newly unemployed, newly alcoholic, she aimlessly takes the train into town every day. She is fascinated with a young couple she sees during her daily excursions. So much so, she fanaticizes about their lives and even gives them names. One day the wife goes missing. Foul play is suspected. Rachel is drawn into the mystery when interviewed by Detective Inspector Gaskill. Realizing her fixation, she even becomes a suspect as she approaches the men in the missing woman’s life and tries herself to unravel the mystery.
CHARACTERS
Rachel
An unemployed alcoholic and veteran of a ruined marriage. She is aimless, desperate. She drinks to kill her despair and is terrified by what she may have done during her black outs. She cannot let go of her ex-marriage and bombards her husband with visits and phone calls.
Megan
The object of Rachel’s fantasy of a wife in the “perfect marriage”. She has gone missing (later we see she has been murdered), and as such appears only as the figment of Rachel’s, Kamal’s and Scott’s imaginations. Megan loved her husband but was haunted by her past life and a tragic accident.
Anna
The former “other woman” to Rachel’s former marriage, and the new wife and now, a mother. She enjoyed being the other woman, but is not so happy to find herself now living in Rachel’s former home, and sleeping in Rachel’s former bed with Rachel’s former husband.
Tom
Rachel’s ex, Anna’s new (husband). Tom is a psychopath and like most of his ilk he hides it well. He feigns concern for Rachel and his new wife Anna very well. He is not into murdering women, only enjoys ruining their confidence and self-esteem, and ultimately destroying their lives.
Scott Hipwell
Megan’s husband. He cannot understand why Megan has left him and is desperate to find her. He comes off threatening at times, but that is understandable due to his anxiety. For most of the play he is a viable suspect in his wife’s disappearance (and then murder).
Kamal Abdic
Megan’s psychiatrist. He tries to be professional, but loses himself briefly when his concern and affection for Megan clouds his better judgment. Another suspect in Megan’s disappearance and then murder.
D.I. Gaskil
Investigating Megan’s disappearance and then murder. A cop, good at his job. He is alternately kind and forceful when required. He is the most transparent of all the characters and is our reality touchstone.
Audition speeches will be posted closer to audition dates.
In addition to the main characters, we will require actors (extras) to play multiple roles and to aid in scene transitions.
These will be non-speaking parts consisting of commuters on the train, police officers and CSI personnel. Extras’ rehearsals will take place later in the schedule once the set is complete.
Need more information? Contact Director Susan Monaghan (monagsue@sympatico.ca, 613-271-1777) or Production Manager Julie Melnyk (julie_melnyk@yahoo.com)
AUDITION DATES & TIMES
Tues. Oct. 29, 7-10 p.m. Rehearsal
Fri. Nov. 1, 7-10 p.m. Stage
Callback: Sat. Nov. 2, 1-5 p.m. Stage
Rehearsals will usually be held on Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday evenings. Tuesday, Thursday or Friday evenings will be added beginning in January. The schedule is subject to change as required.
First Read-through will be early November – TBA.
REGISTRATION
Please register for the auditions here.
Home, I’m Darling
Home, I’m Darling
A Comedy in Two Acts by Laura Wade
Directed by: Val Bogan
SHOW DATES AND TIMES
• Mar. 26 – Apr. 5 matinee and evening performances
SYNOPSIS
Judy and Johnny are a little different and they love it.
They’re 1950s enthusiasts who have taken role-playing to a whole new level: Johnny’s swapped meal prep and laundry for foot rubs and cocktail hour; Judy’s swapped jeans and a job for darning and dusting.
In a house complete with 1950 kitsch, mid-century Knick knacks and the smells of good ol’ fashioned home cooking, the couple live out their ultimate, nostalgic fantasy. What could go wrong?!!
The 21st Century has a nasty habit of forcing its way into their pristine bubble. Whether it’s in the form of Johnny’s new boss, the contemporary cost of living on a ‘50s budget or Judy’s critical mother (who actually lived through the ‘50s), the present insists on being dealt with.
CHARACTERS
Judy (playing age 30-40)
Is the central character of the play and she is on stage for the duration of the show. This is a wonderful role with a full on 1950s retro feel. Judy is trying desperately throughout the play to keep together the façade she has built of being the perfect 1950s housewife. For this role, the actress needs to be prepared to dance (Jive) and there is an intimate scene with the actor playing Johnny. This will be rehearsed sensitively so that both actors are comfortable with this.
Johnny (playing age 30-40)
Judy’s husband, who is supportive of his wife’s choice to live as a 1950s housewife and to live with the 1950s façade. He too has adopted the fifties lifestyle and clothing. The actor must be prepared to do an intimate scene with the actress playing Judy this will be rehearsed sensitively so that both actors feel comfortable.
Fran (playing age 30-40)
Judy’s good friend and married to Marcus. She is interested in Judy’s lifestyle and appears to admire her and Johnny’s perfect relationship. She attends Jive weekends with Judy, Johnny and Marcus.
Sylvia (playing age 55+)
Judy’s mother, who is horrified by her choice to become a housewife, having brought Judy up in a commune and to be a feminist.
Alex (playing age late 20-30)
Johnny’s boss at the estate agency firm. She wears modern dress. She is seen as somewhat opposite to Judy in both her appearance and attitudes.
Marcus (playing age 30-40)
Fran’s husband and friends with Johnny and Judy. He dances Jive with Judy. Marcus is an interesting role who has some controversial views. He is probably the least sympathetic character.
There is no need to memorize the sides. The Director’s objective is to ensure that you have a strong grasp of the character and how they move. In addition, as this is a British play, accents are a bonus, however, if you do not have an accent, please do not force it.
Need more information? Contact Director Val Bogan (vbogan1171@gmail.com) or Production Manager Shauna Lee Thompson (shaunaleethompson4@gmail.com.)
AUDITION DATES & TIMES
Mon. Dec. 9, 7-10 p.m. Stage
Callback: Wed. Dec. 11, 7-10 p.m. Stage (if required)
Rehearsals will be held on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings beginning on Jan. 5, 7-10 pm. A more fulsome rehearsal schedule will be provided to the cast after auditions.
First Read-through will be Dec. 15, 7-10 pm (location TBD)
REGISTRATION
Please register for the auditions here.
Become a member?
We encourage you not just to try out for a part and then move on to a role in another company, but to join in and help with any or all aspects of theatre. Become a member and receive our newsletter Greasepaint which will inform you of what’s going on.