AUDITION NOTICE
Toby by Abe Pogos
ReAction Theatre is excited to announce upcoming auditions for our major theatrical production for 2020 – TOBY by Abe Pogos. This will be presented at La Mama Theatre (Carlton Courthouse) for one week in September as part of Winter/Spring programming.
We are looking for passionate, experienced, versatile and generous actors to join our production.
TOBY is an actor driven, ensemble work for 6 actors that was originally performed at La Mama in 2005 as part of the VCE Theatre Studies list. This is the first remount since that time and will be presented as an immersive piece of theatre.
About the company
ReAction Theatre was founded in 2011, predominately to present new and contemporary Australian text-based theatre pieces. Based in Melbourne, Australia, ReAction Theatre brings together a team of artists and experts, on a project by project basis, to collaborate on the development of new theatrical and text-based works.
Reviews of ReAction Theatre’s previous work
“...utterly brilliant.” — AU Review
“With only a short season, this play is not to be missed.”— AussieTheatre.com
Extended Synopsis
Toby is a social outcast in a nineteenth-century European village. Robbed by his best friend, hounded by the authorities and branded a gypsy, Toby's life is somewhat dysfunctional. In desperation, he hatches a plan designed to enhance his chances with the beautiful Joan and his standing in the village generally, however he uncovers more about honesty and power than he anticipated.
A timely and darkly comic fable, Toby explores racism, genocide and the politics of power. It shows how easy it is for people to become ‘other’; for people to be made afraid of anyone different, and then to become cruel and murderous.
Characters to be cast
PLEASE NOTE: Actors of diverse cultural backgrounds are encouraged to audition for all roles. Character ages are rough guidelines. Broader ages will be considered. This production contains themes of death and intimate scenes. Please ensure you are comfortable with performing these themes before you apply.
TOBY – late 20’s to mid-30’s. A social outcast, living by his wits and trying to gain acceptance. Combat skills an advantage. Needs to be comfortable with intimate scenes (kissing/touching).
CHRISTIE – late 20’s to mid-30’s. Duke’s younger Sheriff and Toby’s ‘protector.’ Childhood friend of Garth. Duplicitous. Combat skills an advantage. Needs to be comfortable with intimate scenes (kissing/touching).
GARTH - late 20’s to mid-30’s. A soldier. In love with Joan. Combat skills an advantage. Needs to be comfortable with intimate scenes (kissing/touching).
DUKE – 50-60’s. A Sherriff and ‘functioning’ alcoholic who goes into a steep decline during the play. Combat skills an advantage. Needs to be comfortable with intimate scenes (touching).
JOAN - late 20’s to mid-30’s. Radiant, even ethereal. In love with Garth. Needs to be comfortable with intimate scenes (kissing/touching).
PET – mid-20’s to early 30’s. A social outcast, living by her wits. Unique/edgy looking. Earthy. Needs to be comfortable with intimate scenes (kissing/touching).
Desirable skills/interests
Generosity and a dedication to ensemble work.
Physical theatre, stage combat training, skills or experience an advantage.
Creative problem solving.
Fearlessness, trust and a commitment to truthful storytelling.
A willingness and an openness to exploring the work.
TOBY Production Team
Director/Producer – Louise Howlett Lighting Design – Shane Grant Set Design – Jacob Sandom Photography – Darren Gill
Auditions will take place on:
29 February from 10.15 am – 1.45 pm
7 March from 10.15 am – 3.45 pm