For Adult Audition Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/CLULF
Benji Workshop Auditions links: https://forms.gle/59rzJ8LAkSLevHmD9
Want to get involved behind the scenes and help in other ways? Email: volunteers@babirra.org
Babirra Music Theatre acknowledges the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet, work and play and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Welcome
Babirra Music Theatre is excited to announce auditions for Priscilla:The Musical. We encourage and welcome performers from all backgrounds to be part of this wonderful opportunity. With over 60 years of history, Babirra continues to build a talented, inclusive and respectful community.
We are seeking interest from people who are passionate about performing; performers of all ages who are excited to share our production of Priscilla- a musical full of pop hits, fabulous costumes, big dance numbers, with a powerful story of love and acceptance.
So, please book an audition. Encourage someone you know to come and audition too. And, if for some reason being on the stage is not for you, we have lots of opportunities to be involved behind the scenes with the set construction, costuming and dressing, props, stage crew and much more. Please email us to find out more at volunteers@babirra.org.au.
Thank you for your interest in Priscilla: The Musical and we look forward to seeing you at the auditions.
Jaison Hoernel
President
Production Team
Director: Richard Perdriau
Musical Director: Malcolm Fawcett
Choreographer: Cassie Pennicuik
Costumes: Ely Wallis
Set Design: Richard Perdriau
Lighting Design: Jason Bovaird
Sound Designer: Marcello Lo Ricco
Graphic and Program Design: Luke Martin
Production Manager: Paul Santzaridis
Stage Manager: Katy Roose
Digital Marketing: Luke Martin
Audition Secretary: Kerryn Hoernel
Performance Dates
The Round – City of Whitehorse
Tickets at https://www.theround.com.au/
Friday, 7 June 2024 8:00pm
Saturday, 8 June 2024 8:00pm
Sunday, 9 June 2024 2:00pm
Thursday, 13 June 2024 8:00pm
Friday, 14 June 2024 8:00pm
Saturday, 15 June 2024 2:00pm
Saturday, 15 June 2024 8:00pm
Sunday, 16 June 2024 2:00pm
Audition Information
Auditions for adult roles are open to people aged 16+ at the time of auditions.
All cast will be required to have a current Working With Children at the time of the first rehearsal.
Your vocal audition should feel like a performance and is an opportunity for you to showcase your singing and performance abilities to the production team. We are looking for enthusiastic entertainers with great stage presence who will bring the energy and the party!
Adult vocal auditions are by appointment only and will be approximately 7 minutes in duration.
Please prepare one (1) audition song of up to two minutes duration. Please choose a Pop/Rock, Motown or Soul song in the style of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, that is not from the show. No traditional musical theatre songs, please.
Auditions are to be performed to a backing track which you will source and bring with you on a smart device such as a smartphone, laptop or iPad. We will have a sound system for you to connect to via a cable connection. Please note a piano accompanist will not be at these auditions and sheet music is not required.
If auditioning solely for the role of Jimmy, preparing a song is welcome, but not a requirement.
A separate vocal range test may also be requested.
Some auditionees may be asked to read for a role.
Babirra is committed to fostering a strong respectful community. Please ensure that at the time of audition, you let us know of any other commitments that clash with the rehearsal and production dates.
If you are cast, we will request that you do not audition for any other show or commit to anything that affects your availability for any rehearsal and production dates.
Benji Auditions (Boys age 8-10)
Children applying for the role of Benji will audition in a group workshop setting. This will be held on Sunday 12 November from 2:00pm-4:00pm at Highfield Road Uniting Church, Canterbury. Auditionees will be taught an excerpt of Benji’s song from the show and also be asked to read from the script. Parents must remain at the venue for this period, as your child may not be required for the full duration. However, parents will not be permitted in the audition space.
Adult Dance Audition
Monday 20 November 8:00pm-10:30pm at Highfield Road Uniting Church, Canterbury.
- Priscilla is a high energy show, with a number of movement and dance scenes, and will require some high impact choreography.
- The dance audition will be by invitation only
- The dance audition will be approximately 2.5 hours long and may consist of multiple sections/routines in different styles
- Some people may not be required for the full duration. As not all roles will require the same level of dance ability, not receiving an invitation to the dance call does not mean that you are not being considered for a role in the show.
- Please wear comfortable clothing and footwear (such as runners or jazz shoes). Those who have chorus heels should bring them (all genders please)*
- We encourage auditionees to warm up prior to the dance audition, and the venue will be open from 7:30pm to facilitate this.
- The creative team asks you to advise the choreographer or production manager of any injuries prior to commencement of the audition, and to ensure you prioritise your safety when participating
*During the audition, if the creative team doesn’t feel confident in your heel ability, they may ask you to remove your shoes for your safety.
Callback Auditions
Thursday 23 November 8:00pm at Highfield Road Uniting Church, Canterbury.
After the completion of vocal auditions, you may be asked to attend a callback. You will be notified after the dance audition on Monday 20th November if you are required and callback material will be sent to you via email.
Not all roles will be called back, and if you are not required for a callback it does not mean you aren’t being considered for a role.
Audition dates:
Auditions will be held at Highfield Road Uniting Church, 72 Highfield Rd, Canterbury VIC
Sunday 12 November 2023, 2:00pm-4:00pm group workshop audition for the role of Benji
Monday 13 November, 8:00pm-11:00pm: Vocal Auditions
Friday 17 November, 8:00pm-11:00pm: Vocal Auditions
Sunday 19 November, 5:00pm-11:00pm: Vocal Auditions
Dance and Movement Audition (by invitation):
Monday 20 November, 8:00pm-10:30pm
Please wear comfortable shoes and comfortable, close-fitting clothes.
Call Backs:
Thursday 23 November, 8:00pm: Call backs
Audition Venue:
Highfield Road Uniting Church Hall, Highfield Road, Canterbury
Rehearsals
All rehearsals are at Highfield Road Uniting Church, 72 Highfield Rd, Canterbury VIC (unless otherwise communicated)
- Monday 4 December 2023, TIME:8:00pm – Meet and greet and costume measurements
- Sunday 4 February 2024, TIME:1:00pm – 5:00pm: First Rehearsal
Regular rehearsals are scheduled for:
- Monday and Thursday evenings, TIME:8:00pm-10:30pm
- Sundays TIME:1:00pm-5:00pm
Other dates required:
- Saturday 23 March and Sunday 24 March, TIME: 10:00am-5:00pm: Rehearsal Weekend
- Date and Time TBA: Costume Call
- Date and Time TBA: Photo Shoot and Promo Shoot
A full rehearsal schedule will be provided at the first rehearsal. While you may not be required for all rehearsals, we expect all cast members to maintain availability for all dates.
Production Week
The production week is a very intense week prior to opening night. Cast will be required for the Sitzprobe and all tech and dress rehearsals. We may also ask the cast to help with parts of Bump-in to the theatre.
- Sunday 2 June 2024, TIME:8:00am-11:00pm: Bump In
- Sunday June 2 June 2024, TIME: 1.00-4.00pm Sitzprobe
- Monday 3 June 2024, Time 8:00-10:00pm: Tech Rehearsal
- Tuesday 4 June 2024, Time 6:00-1100pm: Dress Rehearsal
- Wednesday 5 June 2024, Time 6:00-1100pm: Dress Rehearsal
- Thursday 6 June 2024, Time 6:00-1100pm: Dress Rehearsal
Availability may be considered when casting this show, so please ensure that you advise any existing commitments that would prevent you from attending.
Synopsis
Based on the 1994 popular movie of the same name, Priscilla Queen of the Desert follows the journey of three drag performers (Tick, Adam and Bernadette) as they drive across the Australian outback in their bus, named Priscilla. Tick has been asked by his estranged wife, Marion, to bring his drag show to the Alice Springs casino. He asks Adam and Bernadette to join him but does not reveal that he has an 8-year-old son living there who now wants to meet his father. As they head west, Tick, Adam and Bernadette learn to accept and support each other whilst encountering a number of strange and colourful characters, some of which are judgemental of their appearance and lifestyle.
Adam is forced to realise that not everyone is tolerant of his flamboyant personality, Bernadette opens up to the possibility of love again following the death of her husband, and Tick finally meets his son, Benji, who accepts his father unconditionally. The trio perform at the casino and realise that they have forged a bond that will last forever.
Full of well-known pop songs and supported by three divas, Priscilla: Queen of the Desert is a flamboyant, funny, disco-fuelled musical that gets the audience up on their feet.
Casting
Babirra aims to present a production of Priscilla that celebrates diversity and embraces inclusion.
Casting is open to individuals from all backgrounds, expressions of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and identity. We believe in authentic representation and aim to assemble a cast that reflects this. We invite performers of diverse experiences and talents to join us.
Babirra is committed to fostering a strong and respectful community. Please also let us know of any accommodations that you require throughout the casting process.
The Characters
Tick
Male
Playing age: 30s
Baritone – Vocal range top: E4 Vocal range bottom: A2
Tick is a Sydney drag queen with the stage name Mitzi Mitosis. Married but estranged from his wife, Marion, after coming out as gay. Tick is both nervous and excited when Marion tells him that his 8-year-old son Benji wants to meet him. He is good friends with Bernadette and Adam and is the voice of reason on the road trip, frequently acting as an intermediary when the two others wind each other up. He is loyal to his wife and friends and finally finds fulfilment through forming a relationship with his son.
Bernadette
Transgender woman
Playing age: 40 to 55
Baritone – Vocal range top: E4 Vocal range bottom: A2
Bernadette is a transgender woman and former drag queen performer at Les Girls. Still glamorous and striking, she is kind, loving and loyal to her friends. She has lived through a time when being transgender was not accepted and highly discriminated against, so has learned to be tough with a very sharp, dry sense of humour. She and Bob strike up a romantic connection.
Babirra is looking for a transgender female for this role, but will consider all genders.
Adam (Felicia)
Male
Playing Age: 20’s
Tenor – Vocal range top: A#4 Vocal range bottom: C3
Adam is an upcoming Sydney drag queen, going by the name of Felicia Jollygoodfellow. Living in the bubble of the Sydney gay scene, he is naive to the homophobia prevalent in the Australian outback in the 1990s. Adam is bursting with positive energy, and although he comes across as quite narcissistic, flaunting his sexuality and delighting in provoking others, a caring and more thoughtful side to Adam emerges throughout the show.
The Divas x 3
Female
Playing Age: Not Specific
Sop, Mezzo Sop & Alto – Vocal range top: C5 Vocal range bottom: F3
The three divas are the musical backbone of the show. Similar to girl groups of the 60’s and 70s such as the Supremes, they are fabulously dressed and over the top in their actions. The divas sing in tight harmonies and alternate solo singing. Choreography will be required for the roles, and although it may not be at the same technical level as some of the ensemble numbers, it is essential that they are in perfect sync with each other.
Bob
Male
Playing Age: 45-60 – Bass
Vocal range top: A3 Vocal range bottom: B2
Bob is a mechanic in a small town in the Australian outback. He is married to Cynthia, a woman of East Asian descent, but both are unhappy in their relationship. For a man who lives in the outback, Bob is extremely open minded and welcoming of the three drag performers, finding a romantic connection with Bernadette.
Marion/Ensemble
Female
Playing Age: 30’s
Spoken Role
Marion is the estranged wife of Tick. She manages the Alice Springs casino and is mother to 8-year-old son, Benji. She is accepting of Tick’s homosexuality and wants him to have a relationship with their son. Marion is patient and understanding, but not afraid to be firm with Tick. The actress playing Marion also forms part of the ensemble.
Cynthia/Ensemble
Asian female (but open to all genders)
Playing Age: 20-40
Spoken at Pitch
Cynthia is married to Bob, a local mechanic in a small town in the Australian outback. Bored with her life and frustrated with her marriage, she delights in performing for the locals in the bar. The original script calls for her party trick to pop ping pong balls from between her legs, but the production team is considering alternatives that are more empowering for the character. Cynthia has one song ‘Pop Musik’ but it is spoken at pitch, rather than sung. The actor playing Cynthia may also form part of the ensemble.
Miss Understanding/Ensemble
Male, gender non-conforming or non-binary person
Playing Age: Not specific
Tenor – Vocal range top: A#4 Vocal range bottom: C3
Miss Understanding is a drag queen at the same club as Tick. She opens the show and welcomes the audience with her sharp sense of humour, setting the scene for the type of humour that’s to come. Miss Understanding sings ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’. The actor playing Miss Understanding also forms part of the ensemble.
Farrah/Ensemble
Male, gender non-conforming or non-binary person
Playing Age: Not specific.
Spoken role
A featured role for an ensemble member. Farrah is an experienced drag queen who shares a dressing room with Tick. She is quite jaded and unsympathetic to Tick’s requests.
Young Bernadette/Ensemble
Male, transgender or gender non-conforming or non-binary person
Playing Age: 20’s
A featured role for an ensemble member. Young Bernadette features in one of the show’s throwback numbers, where they lip-sync to ‘A Fine Romance’.
Jimmy/Ensemble
Indigenous person (open to all genders)
Playing Age: Not specific
Spoken Role (A singing audition for this role is optional)
Jimmy is an Indigenous person who encounters the three drag performers on their way to Alice Springs. They dress up in traditional Aboriginal clothing and do ceremonial dances to make money from tourists.The actor playing Jimmy may also form part of the ensemble, and the production team may consider more than one person to share this storyline. We encourage people to bring their own identities to the role and not be beholden to any stereotypes which may occur within the script.
Shirley/Ensemble
Female
Playing Age: Not Specific
Vocal range top: G4 Vocal range bottom: G3
A featured role for an ensemble member. Shirley is a waitress at the Broken Hill Pub. She is tough, masculine and bigoted, not taking kindly to the arrival of the three drag performers. Shirley sings the first verse of ‘I Love the Nightlife’.
Frank/Ensemble
Male.
Playing Age: Not Specific.
Spoken role
A featured role for an ensemble member. Frank is a miner in Coober Pedy. He is tough and very homophobic, becoming violent when he realises Felicia is actually a man.
Benji
Male
Playing Age: 8-10
Children’s voice, unbroken
Benji (Benjamin) is Tick and Marion’s 8-year-old son. His parents have separated amicably and he lives with his mother. He has not had a relationship with his father, but now wants to meet and get to know him. Benji is indifferent to Tick’s lifestyle and just excited to have a relationship with his dad.
Ensemble
We are looking for a talented and diverse ensemble of approximately 18-20 to showcase the story-telling requirements of this high-energy show. There is a requirement for all cast members to be able to sing in harmony and dance well. Babirra has a strong vision to build and grow the community of amateur theatre. We are looking for the ability to story-tell in your performance, and are seeking a cast of all body types, abilities, ethnicities and gender identities.
Fees
Production costs, due at first rehearsal:
Membership Fee $20; Show Fee $130.