OPEN CALL AUDITION: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time - May 11, 2024
Ottawa Little Theatre presents
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Written by: Mark Haddon adapted by Simon Stephens
Directed by: Riley Stewart
Production Dates:
August 21 – September 07, 2024 at 7:30 pm (Wednesdays – Saturdays) and matinees on August 25 & September 01 at 2:30 pm (Sundays)
All actors must be available for all performances.
Open Call Audition:
Auditions will be held on:
Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 12 p.m. & 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. (see below)
Please note that these auditions will be divided into two components:
- ALL actors wishing to audition for the part of CHRISTOPHER are asked to arrive and be prepared to begin at 12pm. At that time, candidates will be assigned dialogue from the play.
- Auditions for ALL OTHER ROLES will commence at 2pm. Again, candidates will be given the audition dialogue at that time.
ALL those auditioning should be prepared to remain at the theatre until 5:00 p.m., given that they will be asked to read in various combinations.
Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to fill out your audition card.
Backstage Orientation:
An orientation and tour for all those interested in working backstage on this or any upcoming OLT show will take place at 2 p.m. Fill out an audition card upon arrival 15 minutes early. A member of the OLT Volunteer Committee will gather you together at the start of the audition and take you to the foyer.
Audition Location:
Ottawa Little Theatre
400 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa
(Please use 235 Besserer Street entrance.)
Synopsis:
Fifteen-year-old Christopher is brilliant but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured beyond the end of his block, but now he is determined to uncover who killed his neighbour’s dog. His relentless detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a frightening journey that turns his world upside-down. Based on the best-selling novel, the play has won multiple Tony and Olivier Awards including Best Play in London and New York.
Sides
Sides will be available on the day of auditions and not posted beforehand. Actors will be given time to review the sides before their audition. We will only be reading a few select scenes; however, ALL roles will be cast based on those readings.
Characters
A note to all those wishing to audition: this production will work on developing a performance ensemble, rather than segregating principal and secondary characters. ALL actors will be on stage for and participating in most of the show. There are 22 incidental characters that populate the story, and the scenes progress rapidly through many locations. All candidates should be able to deliver a reasonable British accent.
The acting company should be in reasonable physical shape, given that much of the movement will involve working with a choreographer on a challenging set.
CHRISTOPHER BOONE (15)
Christopher is a 15-year old autistic boy. He is very verbal and extremely intelligent. He is highly reactive when it comes to physical contact. Note, anyone auditioning for this role should be 15+.
SIOBHAN (30+)
Siobhan is Christopher’s teacher. She is experienced in dealing with autistic children and helps to both guide and ground Christopher. She is an important influence in Christopher’s life.
ED BOONE (30 to 50)
Ed is Christpher’s father. He is a patient, somewhat taciturn man. He has been emotionally wounded and has made rash, damaging decisions.
JUDY (30 to 50)
Judy is Christopher’s estranged mother. She is a bright, vibrant woman. She is not as capable as Ed in dealing with Christopher and can become easily overwhelmed and impatient.
MRS. ALEXANDER (55+)
Mrs. Alexander is an older neighbour. She is solitary and kind and not entirely aware/understanding of the complex world that Christopher occupies.
MRS. SHEARS (30 to 50)
She is the next-door neighbour of Christopher and his father. She was a friend of the Boone family, but now harbours a great deal of resentment towards them, particularly Christopher’s mother.
ROGER SHEARS (30+)
Roger was Christopher’s neighbour. He now lives in London with Christopher’s mother. He is not understanding of Christpher’s situation or needs. He is impatient and often gruff.
MR. THOMPSON (30+)
A neighbour of Christopher. He is a very typical, no-nonsense British man.
REVEREND PETERS (40+)
A clergyman who works at Christopher’s school. His intentions are good but he often lacks an understanding of Christopher’s world.