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Auditions

Calls for Auditions

Titirangi Theatre Inc call for auditions

SUNDAY 21ST MARCH at 2pm at Titirangi Theatre, Lopdell House, Titirangi

THE SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL by Richard Brinsley Sheridan
Director Liz Watkinson

Larger than life characters, witty dialogue, gorgeous costumes; this classic 18th century comedy is a feast of fun for the actors as well as the audience. The action revolves around the intrigues of a set of idle, aristocratic Londoners whose plans unfold, collide and backfire in a hilarious sequence of events, culminating in the famous screen scene, one of the most famous in theatre history.

CAST LIST

It should be noted that all the characters in the play are more cariacatures than characters, as their names more often than not indicate. They should be great fun to play, as it would be hard to 'go over the top' with such a disreputable and scurrilous bunch.

Lady Sneerwell was the target of slander in her youth, now slander is her primary source of pleasure. She delights in ruining the reputations of other women. She is secretly infatuated with Charles and wants to destroy his romance with Maria so she can have him for herself.
Charles Surface, honest and generous is the protagonist of the play and the younger Surface brother. Although rather wild and extravagant he is good-natured and honourable. He is in love with Maria and wants to marry her, unlike his brother who is really only interested in her for her money.
Joseph Surface, the elder brother is artful, selfish and malicious. He is also a hypocrite, since he is courting Maria behind his brother's back while flirting with Lady Sneerwell and trying to seduce Lady Teazle.
Sir Oliver Surface, the rich uncle of Charles and Joseph. Having recently returned from abroad and being an astute, hearty sort of chap, he assumes other identies to test the characters of his nephews in order to decide which one will inherit his money.
Lady Teazle is young and naive having been brought up in the country, but since he recent marriage to the much older Sir Peter she has learned a sort of sophistication, dressing well, spending lavishly and flirting with young men. All these things lead to fights with her husband, whom she is secretly devoted to although she contradicts him and refuses to obey when he tries to exert his authority over her.
Sir Peter Teazle, neighbour of Lady Sneerwell, guardian of the young surface brothers and long suffering husband to his much younger wife, Lady Teazle, who makes his life miserable with her extravagances and flirtations. A simple sweet - natured sort of man, he loves his wife, although his friends sneer at him for letting her take advantage of him.
Maria is young and sweet and much disturbed by the vicious gossip she encounters whenever she is in company. She is Sir Peter's wealthy ward and very much in love with Charles although the outcome of his courtship is very much in doubt, as Sir Peter favours Joseph.
Snake, literally a snake in the grass, slithering around gaining and dispensing gossip. He works for Lady Sneerwell undertaking the actions she has planned that will destroy reputations. It is no surprise to learn though that he is always at the service of the highest bidder.
Sir Benjamin Backbite, another young suitor to Maria is an especially malicious character. Witty and poetic, he is also a gossip who will slander anyone, even people he doesn't know.
Crabtree, Backbite's uncle, is as great a gossip as his nephew.
Mrs Candour is an excitable and friendly gossip, whose talkative nature makes her dangerous. Hypocritical in the extreme, under the guise of appearing sympathetic, she spreads slander even more effectively than Crabtree and Backbite.
Sir Harry Bumper, Toby and Careless, friends of Charles, an idle lot, who spend their time drinking, gambling and singing.
Moses, a moneylender. Honest and helpful, he has been lending money to Charles and trying to bring his spending under control.
Rowley, servant to Sir Peter, former steward to the Surface brothers father, he is more in the position of an old and trusted family retainer and reserves the right to advise and caution his employer whenever he thinks it necessary.

SEASON: 8TH - 19TH JUNE.

First rehearsal Tuesday 6th April.

The audition is an open one so no appointments necessary. No preparation required, though a thorough reading of the script is advisable. I will not give out copies of the script before the audition, but as it is a famous play it should be easily available in libraries, secondhand bookstores or on the internet.

For any further information phone Liz - 817.5812 or email - lizzie.w@xtra.co.nz

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