Book your own audition time at:www.phoenixensemble.com.au

PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE READTHE INFORMATION IN THIS PACK!

AUDITION PACK

AUDITIONS: OCTOBER 19, 2019SEASON: JAN 31 - FEB 22, 2020

Book byJAMES LAPINE

Music and Lyrics byWILLIAM FINN

Production Team

Bradley Chapman director

Bradley is an award-winning actor and director who has worked with profes-

sional and amateur companies across Queensland for several years. His direc-

torial credits over the past year include The Last Letter of Captain Moonlite

(Moonlite Ensemble), for the SEQ Festival circuit, Holding the Man (Under-

ground Productions) The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Javeenbah

Theatre Company) and Lord of the Flies (Beenleigh Theatre Group) for which

he was awarded Best Director of a Youth Production at the Gold Palm Theatre

Awards.

Bradley is also a national leader in Theatre in Education. His prolific work re-

garding the impact of theatre on the welfare and academic outcomes of teen-

age boys has inspired Drama teachers across the country, who have described

Brad’s work as ‘changing the face of Drama and Theatre education nationally’.

To this end, Bradley has presented workshops and seminars at venues such as

The University of Melbourne, Queensland Academy of Creative Industries, The

Kings’ School and The Victorian College of Arts. His writing has been published

by national and international outlets.

Benjamin Tubb-Hearne is originally from London, UK and studied Tenor

Horn and Composition at the Royal Northern College of Music. Aged 22,

Benjamin moved to New York City, where his Musical Direction journey

began at the French Woods Summer Camp. Here he musically directed

and conducted over 20 shows, including Annie, A Funny Thing Happened

on the Way to the Forum, Curtains and Sweet Charity. It was also here

that Benjamin found with his writing partner Ryan Jacobs, where they

created 1 hour musical versions of popular movies for children including

Toy Story, Enchanted and a Bugs Life, as well as creating their own su-

perhero musical Powers.

In 2014, Benjamin & Ryan’s original full-length musical ‘Twisted’, a story

which follows Little Blue Riding Hood’s search to find her real family

premièred at the Playhouse Theatre at French Woods to much acclaim,

and it is currently preparing for a second workshop.

Although Ben is relatively new to Brisbane he has burst onto the scene

Musical Directing ‘The King and I’, ‘Chicago’ & ‘The Boy from Oz’ (Savo-

yards), ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’, ‘La Cage Aux Follies’, ‘Big Fish’, ‘Young

Frankenstein’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast’ (Phoenix Ensemble).

Benjamin tubb-hearne md

About Phoenix Ensemble

About ‘Little Miss sunshine’

Unassumingly nestled within Beenleigh showgrounds, Phoenix Ensemble has been

producing award-winning theatre for over 25 years. From intimate small-cast shows

to more elaborate Broadway-style show stoppers ‘The Tin Shed’ has been a heart of

the community for a quarter of a century and has no plans to stop any time soon!

Phoenix Ensemble presents a unique theatre experience in the Pavilion Theatre or

what has affectionately become known as “The Tin Shed”. This intimate theatre accom-

modates 99 people in comfortable raked seating giving every patron an up close and personal experience.

Our shows both rehearse and perform at this theatre, which is located within the Beenleigh Showgrounds,

James Street, Beenleigh. Phoenix Ensemble’s aim is to produce an eclectic mix of shows from family favourites

to shows that push the envelope of musical theatre. They have won countless awards and are regularly nomi-

nated in the Gold Coast Arts Palm Awards.

Upon accepting a role with Phoenix Ensemble you will be required to become a financial member on the

first rehearsal ($24, payable only by Credit/Debit Card). At this same time a $25 Cash Deposit is required for

rehearsal materials which will be provided (this is returned during Bump Out). Membership ensures all partic-

ipants are covered by our Voluntary Workers Personal Accident Insurance. You will receive more information

upon acceptance. You will be asked to provide very little else during your time with us as we prefer to let you

enjoy your experience!

From the Tony Award-winning team of James Lapine (Into The Woods, Sunday In

The Park With George) and William Finn (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee)

comes a musical comedy about one modern family’s unexpected route to brighter

days. Based on the Academy Award-winning film, Little Miss Sunshine is an outra-

geously funny and surprisingly touching musical.

The Hoover family has seen better days. Richard, the father, is a floundering motiva-

tional speaker, Grandpa’s been kicked out of his retirement home, and Uncle Frank’s

been dumped by his boyfriend. Moody teenager Dwayne has taken a vow of silence

and overextended mom Sheryl can do little more than slap on a smile. But when

the youngest Hoover… energetic Olive, enters a regional children’s beauty pageant,

the family thinks their luck could change and embarks on a cross-country trek

chasing the coveted title of “Little Miss Sunshine.”

» Male and female performers. There is no ensemble in this production.» Besides Olive, Dwayne, Bridget, Tracee, D’Borah & Chelsea, all performers must be 18 years old.» This is an amateur unpaid production, and is not pre-cast. All roles are open for audition.» Ages given in this list are stage ages of characters, not the performer’s actual age. (If you require any clarification, please email us - auditions@phoenixensemble.com.au)

Olive Hoover / 8 - 10 years old / G3 - E-flaT5The youngest member of the Hoover Family and aspiring beauty queen. Olive’s genuinely joyful approach to life makes her stand apart from the rest of her family. Requires a talented and enthusiastic young performer who can hold her own against an adult cast.

Richard Hoover / 30 - 40 years old / A2 - A4The father of the family, Richard is an unsuccessful self-help entrepreneur and an insincere optimist. Richard has very specific plans for himself and his family that he is unable to achieve despite his relentless pursuit of them. His refusal to acknowledge the reality his family is facing is a cause of great consternation in his marriage.

Sheryl Hoover / 30 - 40 years old / A3 - G5The Hoover matriarch who loves her family very much but is feeling strained by this role of mother and wife that has been thrust upon her. She wants the best for her family but is finding it harder and harder to deliver on this.

Grandpa / 50+ years old / A2 - E4Richard’s formerly estranged father and an unconventional grandparent. Although his relationship with his son has never been very strong, he has been able to form a relationship with his granddaughter that Richard has struggled to reproduce, which causes further disconnect between the two men.

DWAYNE Hoover / 15 - 18 years old / B2 - F4Sheryl and Richard’s teenage son. Determined to become a pilot and has taken a vow of silence until he gets to flight school. Dwayne does not speak for most of the show but is ever-present. Therefore, the actor playing him needs to be able to communicate significant meaning without dialogue.

UNCLE FRANK / 30 - 35 years old / A2 - E4Sheryl’s academic brother. Suffers from depression and recently attempted suicide after a heartbreak. The character’s lines often contradict his emotional subtext, and therefore this role requires an accomplished actor who is able to play multiple dimensions and tactics in single beats.

We are Seeking...

roles

LARRY SUGARMAN / BUDDY GARDNER / DOCTOR (30 - 50 YeaRS OLD) b2 - A4A Proust Scholar who stole Frank’s lover.A Little Miss Sunshine contest official and host.A doctor who talks with the Hoover Family after Grandpa is brought to the hospital.

linda / Miss California (20 - 35 YeaRS OLD) A3 - D5A bereavement liaison at the hospital.Co-host of the Little Miss Sunshine finals.

joshUa rose / Kirby / Funeral home worker (20 - 30 YeaRS OLD) C2 - E4Frank’s old beau and former graduate student. A laid back stoner who enters Olive in the Little Miss Sunshine Finals after the family arrives late.A worker at the funeral home.

bridget / tracee / d’borah / chelsea (8 - 10 YeaRS OLD) B3 - D5Contestants in the Little Miss Sunshine finals and a mean girls in Olive’s mind.

roles

continued...

» All auditionees will be notified via email or phone of their offer or otherwise at the completion of the audition process.» We do not envisage needing callbacks for this production. However, if we decide callbacks are required we will reach out to the individuals involved.» We appreciate the quick turn around, but rehearsals are due to commence on SUNDAY OCTOBER 20 at 1pm.

CALLBACK & NOTIFICATIOn of OFFERS

PLEASE NOTE, this is a show that has numerous references to adult themes, including drug use, sexual references and adult language.

So you can gauge the tone of the show, you can find a copy of the script at: http://www.mtishows.com.au/news/free-online-perusal-little-miss-sunshine

SATURDAY 19th OCTOBER from 10am - 5.30pm » By appointment only; individual 10 minute private sessions.» Prepare two contrasting songs - both should be from Musical Theatre Repertoire.» Do not sing a song from the show, but one song from a fellow William Finn musical is encouraged.» Bring sheet music in correct key as piano accompaniment will be provided. Alternatively, speakers will be available if you bring a backing track. NO CDs, please bring your backing track on a device with a 3.5mm output.» Colour headshot (minimum size 10cm X 15 cm). Non-returnable.» Audition form, completed in full and listing ALL clashes with the LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE Calendar (supplied in this document).» Those auditioning for Larry, Linda or Joshua need not prepare anything other than 2 songs.

SATURDAY 19th OCTOBER / 9am - 10am / WORKSHOP» Any girl auditioning for Olive, Bridget, Tracee, D’Borah or Chelsea will be required to attend an hour’s group workshop from 9am - 10am. » During this workshop the creative team will look at how all the auditionees interact, take direction and try a variety of group dynamics between the young actors.» Actors will not need to prepare anything for this workshop.» Please note, this is in addition to the individual audition and must be attended.

Audition requirements

principal audition requirements

All of the family members in Little Miss Sunshine develop over a significant arc over the course of the show and as a result we are looking for accom-

plished actors who can play to these various nuances and changes.

Please prepare a monologue (in any style) that you feel demonstrates your depth as an actor.

For Richard, Sheryl, Frank, Grandpa, Dwayne & Olive

for OLIVe, bridget, tracee, b’borah & chelsea

1. CHECKPlease check the LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE Calendar for conflicts. Some absence in rehearsals can be accommodated but this must be recorded on your audition form to allow us to prepare rehearsal schedules productively. Please discuss any concerns with us when you book your audition.

2. BOOKYou are able to book your own time slot for this show.Please visit www.phoenixensemble.com.au and click the AUDITION tab on the left hand side. This will take you to the interface to book your own slot.If you have any issues please email: auditions@phoenixensemble.com.au and we will gladly help you through the process.

3. NOTENote down the important dates, times and venues for your audition, rehearsals & performances!

REHEARSALSRehearsals start Sunday OCTOBER 20 (1pm) and continue every Monday & Wednesday (7 – 10pm) and Sunday (1pm – 6pm) until performances. There will be a mandatory working-bee on a date TBC - you will be provided with ample notice.

Workshop - 9amPavillion Theatre, Beenleigh ShowgroundsSATURDAY, 19th OCTOBER, 2019

Individual 10 minute auditionsPavillion Theatre, Beenleigh Show-groundsSATURDAY, 19th OCTOBER, 2019

If you are auditioning forOlive, D’Borah, Chelsea, Bridget or Tracee

...thenattend...

Then...

Fast forward approximately 13 weeks...

All other principals

PERFORMANCE CALENDARFriday January 31 – 7.30pmSaturday February 1 – 7.30pmFriday February 7 - 7.30pmSaturday February 8 – 7.30pmFriday February 14 – 7.30pm

Saturday February 15 – 7.30pmFriday February 21 – 7.30pmSaturday February 22 – 2.00pmSaturday February 22 – 7.30pmSunday February 23 [Bump Out]p Out]

what to do now?

...wait for a phone call...

Please complete this form IN FULL and present it, to the Audition co-ordinator when you arrive at the ‘Tin Shed’. Please staple your performance history and colour 10x15cm headshot to this form. If under 18 years old, form must be signed by guardian.

Personal Information (this will not be passed to any third parties - it is for our use only)

Name:

Address: Postcode:

Mobile: Email Address:

I acknowledge that, if I am cast in this show, I will be photographed and filmed as part of the promotional aspects of the pro-duction. I give consent for my image & voice to be used in all Phoenix Ensemble media and release all copyright to Phoenix Ensemble. Signature: Date:

Your vocal range: DOB: Height:

Your dance styles:

auditioning for

o Olive o Richard

o Sheryl o Grandpa

o Uncle Frank o Dwayne

o Larry, etc. o Linda, etc.

o Josh, etc. o Briget/Tracee/

Chelsea/D’Borah

Phoenix Ensemble understands that unexpected commitments may arise during the production and will make every effort to accommodate them but the company expects a high level of commitment from all cast members.

Please list all dates you are unavailable:

I am willing to be cast in another role.o Yes o No

If you do not receive an offer would you like to be included behind the scenes, e.g. props, crew, etc?o Yes o No

Phoenix Ensemble Use Only

Casting Offer:

Final Casting Communicated via: o phone o email

Notes:

Audition Form

Name: Mobile Number:

PERFORMANCE HISTORY (beginning with most recent please)

RELEVANT TRAININGVoice

Dance

Other (include other skills you may have - juggling, mime, acrobatics, etc.)

Production Role Theatre Company / Year

Performance History (or attach CV)