THE MOUNT PLAYERS
THEATRE COMPANY

Synopsis:

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Jasper Jones is based on Craig Silvey’s celebrated novel, with the stage adaptation by the award-winning Kate Mulvany. This is a heart-warming and coming-of-age story, set in a small Australian town in the sixties. It centres on the lonely and bored Charlie, a lover of books, whose world is changed forever when fellow outsider Jasper Jones knocks on his window to solve a murder. Known as the town scapegoat because of his dark skin, Jasper knows he’ll be the first suspect and draws in Charlie into a race against time to get to the bottom of the mystery.

 

Note- this production contains coarse language, adult themes and references to violence and sexual abuse, and depictions of suicide that may be triggering to some audience members.

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Audition Venue and Dates:

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The Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith Street, Macedon

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Saturday 4th May 2024: from 10 am – 5pm
Sunday 5th May 2024:  auditions from 9 am – 1pm

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CALLBACKS: (TBC) Wednesday 8th May 2024:7pm – 9pm

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Auditions are by APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please contact David to organise your audition time and for any further information including script and audition pages. Please bring the completed audition form,  along with a non-returnable photograph, to the audition.

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This production is TMP’s entry for the Victorian Drama League Awards 2024.
 

Performance Dates:

Friday 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 August, 1 September 2024

Thursday, Friday and Saturday Performances at 8pm
Sunday Matinee at 2pm

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Important Dates/Rehearsals:

It is intended that a first read-through of the script will be in the week of May 13 to 16 (this will be confirmed once the casting has been finalised)

A rehearsal schedule will also be finalised once casting has been set and will try to take into account roles and cast member's travel commitments.

Rehearsals will start from Tuesday, May 21st 2024 and will generally be on Tuesday and Thursday nights and Sundays.

All actors cast must be available over the entire rehearsal period. (There will be some flexibility in the initial rehearsals to group various scenes to minimise attendance. Unavailability for rehearsals on a specific date however must be specified on the audition form). 

 

Roles:

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(Note The Mount Players is a community theatre company and as such, no actors are paid.)

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Charlie Bucktin (14): Lead, Male, 18-25

Book loving, awkward teen. Smart .Glasses. Naïve. Shy, gentle nature. In love with Eliza. This is a major role with the actor being on stage most of the time. The actor needs to be comfortable appearing in underwear on stage, dressing on stage and kissing Eliza. 

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Jasper Jones (16): Lead, Male, 18-25 

Ethnicity - Indigenous 

The role of Jasper needs to be played by a First Nations actor. Older, streetwise. In love with and loyal to Laura. Confident. Quick temper. Actor needs to be comfortable using strong swearwords and derogatory language which is a sign of the times seeing the play is set in 1965

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Eliza Wishart (14): Lead, Female,18-25 (will also double as her sister Laura)

Book loving. Innocent yet self-confident. Actor needs to be comfortable kissing Charlie. 

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Jeffrey Lu (14): Lead, Male, 18-25

Ethnicity: Southeast Asian

The role of Jeffrey needs to be played by an South East Asian actor. Outsider. Positive attitude despite bullying and harassment. Charlie’s equal in intellect. Comic lines. Actor needs to be comfortable around strong swear words and derogatory language which is a sign of the times as the play is set in 1965.

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Mrs Bucktin (Charlie’s Mum, 40+): Supporting, Female, 40-60 (May double up with character of “Warwick”)

She likes wearing expensive clothes from her flings in the city. Yearns for city life. Flamboyant. Actor needs to be comfortable hitting Charlie and making out with the actor playing the stranger.

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Mr Bucktin (Charlie’s Father, 40+): Supporting, Male, 40-60  (May also double as  “Clarry”, Warwick’s henchman)

Solitary figure often pensive, troubled. Locked away “writing” his great novel. 

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Mad Jack Lionel(50+): Supporting, 50-65

Lurks in the shadows on the outskirts. Watching particularly Jasper. Loner. Actor needs to be comfortable around swear words, needs to be pushed around by Jasper. 

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Warwick Trent (14): Supporting male, 16-25 (also refer Mrs Bucktin)

Bully. brutish. Not particularly handsome. Overweight rather than muscly. Actor needs to be comfortable using strong swear words and derogatory language which is a sign of the times as the play is set in 1965.

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Stranger/Officer/Mob/Men (Minor Male), 25-40,

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