WELCOME TO OUR CREATIVE OPPORTUNITIES &
AUDITION PAGE
Auditions for Sterts Theatre's production of Stiles and Drewe's Wind in the Willows are now open!
We are delighted to be auditioning for Wind in the Willows and encourage anyone over the age of 10 to get involved! This is a wonderful story about friendship, loyalty and adventure, featuring a brilliant musical score and plenty of opportunities for big company numbers. We will be casting lead and supporting roles based on who feels right for the character, and welcome all genders to apply for any part.
Ratty, Badger and Mole join the exuberant Toad and embark on a series of adventures and misadventures caused by an insatiable need for speed! Imprisoned for theft and with his existence under threat from the inhabitants of the Wild Wood, Toad must attempt a daring escape to defend Toad Hall.
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Wind in the Willows will be performed on the evenings of 13th-16th and 20th-23rd November 2024, with matinees on 16th and 23rd, at Sterts Theatre. You must be available for all of these dates. Rehearsals will be Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays, based on cast availability.
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There are audition slots for lead roles, supporting roles and ensemble, please read all the way down the page.
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Select and book your slot through our box office Auditions and Workshop page - there is no charge associated with booking a slot.
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Lead Roles - Mole, Rat, Badger and Toad - for performers age 16+
Sunday 7th July, slots available from 10am onwards
Sign up by 3rd July.
Material:
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Whilst in the original all 4 parts are male roles, our auditions are gender blind. We are not expecting anyone to have memorised the lines by heart but please be prepared to read two scenes of your choice from the below selection. The songs have been chosen because of their style and story telling and not because they are assigned necessarily to the parts you would like to audition for. The show is a 'big sing' but we ask you to just look at the sections so that you can get really familiar with them. We are interested in your story telling, how you would interpret these songs, your own take on things. PLEASE do not worry if words go wrong or you sing a wrong note (that's what rehearsals are for!) - it is all about story telling and joy!
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Mole
Mole is a kind-hearted, modest and loyal creature, with a natural curiosity that takes us on a wild and wonderful journey. A devoted friend and homebody, Mole often serves as a voice of reason and caution amongst the more impulsive members of the group. Mole has a strong sense of morals and a deep appreciation for the comforts of home, but is brave - challenging themselves to venture out of a well established comfort zone growing in confidence as the story progresses.
Rat
Rat is friendly, sociable and good natured, with a deep connection to the river and love for boating. Embodying the leisurely, carefree lifestyle of the riverbank, Rat is well read, cultured and generous with an adventurous spirit. Rat has a poetic soul and appreciates the beauty of nature. An excellent host who holds a lot of knowledge and expertise.
Toad
Toad is boisterous, thrill-seeking and impulsive, known for a boundless enthusiasm and a tendency to become obsessed with new hobbies. The wealthy owner of Toad Hall, often using this wealth to indulge in new interests, recklessly leading to accidents and legal troubles. Toad is vain and self-centered but has a larger than life personality and infectious enthusiasm that draws us all in, the life and soul of the party.
Badger
Badger is wise, stern, often branded a recluse and known for a no-nonsense attitude and a strong sense of justice. Highly intelligent and well-educated, Badger naturally assumes a leadership role within the group, especially in times of crisis. Not one for unplanned visits, Badger can be grumpy and short-tempered, but will go to great lengths to help others. Badger is brave, formidable, loyal and carries a sincere respect for tradition.
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Rat/Mole: Act 1 Scene 2 p.7-9 & Act 2 Scene 2 p.75-76
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Badger: Act 1 Scene 8 p.47-49, Act 2 Scene 4 p.88-90
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If you would like to audition for Mole, Rat or Badger please also look at the song 'A Friend is Still a Friend'.
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This song is reflective and full of warmth. It should be heartfelt and offers a true 'feel good' factor. Again the link below is in the correct key. Please learn the first verse - up to where Ratty comes in. A link to the original cast recording is below, it is in the correct key.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqBFRnCvnT0
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Toad: Act 1 Scene 9 p.56-57, Act 2 Scene 2 p.69-74
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Song - The amazing Mr Toad.
This song is brash, full of cheek and huge fun. Toad is confident and larger than life - never a dull moment!! If possible please learn up to the end of the first verse but you can, of course, use the words if you feel happier doing so. Clarity of diction sells this song (as it does in any song!) Please look at the end of the song as well, from 'It's high time that laurels were bestowed ......' The music below gives the first two pages and the last page, this isn't a mistake, the song is quite long so we would like to look at just these sections.
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Here is the Youtube link to the original cast recording. It is in the correct key
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QE6bCzaRxYk
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Supporting Roles - Mrs Otter/Chief Weasel/Lesser Weasel/Portia/Magistrate/Car Driver and others - for performers age 10+
Sunday 4th August, 45 minute long slots between 1:30pm - 4:45pm in small groups
Sign up by 22nd July.
Material: There is no obligation to learn any material for this and we will provide scripts on the day. Please come in clothes you feel comfortable moving in; we will read and workshop different scenes in small groups at a time, swapping roles, and explore some singing with those comfortable doing so.
Ensemble - for performers age 10+
Sunday 4th August, 2 group auditions: 10.00am - 11:15am and 11:30am -12:45pm
Sign up by 22nd July.
Material: There is nothing to prepare, just bring yourselves, some water and come in clothes you are prepared to move in. The audition may involve learning some choreography and singing as a group.
Come back soon for auditions for future shows
Information on how to take part in future shows will be added here when we are auditioning.