Audition Call: HOODS by Angela Betzien
Barking Gecko Theatre (BGT) is auditioning for its 2025 production, HOODS, by Angela Betzien.
This is a previous BGT work from 2009, with the new iteration directed by Andrea Gibbs, specifically designed for high school students.
Two Hoods ride the train each night to a wrecking yard on the outskirts of the city. Here, in this cemetery of stories, they are storytellers, with the power to fast forward, pause and rewind. HOODS is the story of three siblings left in a car in a suburban carpark late into the night. A contemporary Hansel and Gretel tale. It is dark, gritty, and touching. It explores issues of poverty, violence, and family connection.
The production dates are as follows:
- Rehearsals: Monday 21 April – Friday 9 May
- Production: Week Monday 12 – Friday 16 May
- Season: Tuesday 19 May – Friday 13 June
The audition details are:
Dates: Monday, 30 September & Thursday, 3 October 2024 (with callbacks on Friday, 11 October, as applicable)
Times: 9 am – 3 pm (audition process will take approximately 30 minutes)
Where: Undercroft, Subiaco Arts Centre, 180 Hamersley Road SUBIACO (Monday 30 September) and The Middar Room, State Theatre Centre of WA, 147-176 William Street, Perth (Thursday 3 October & Friday 11 October, as applicable)
Requirements: We are auditioning for two roles (Kyle and Jessie) with two audition pieces. There will also be some guided improvisation based on this character and situation. Performers will audition in pairs.
Notes:
- You will only be required for one audition date.
- We are seeking performers of diverse ethnicities, aged 20 to early 30s, who can portray multiple characters and possess excellent comic timing. Experience working with young audiences is a plus.
- Performers must be Perth-based.
- Given the nature of the audition process, auditions must be attended in person. We are unable to accept self-tapes.
Character Brief
Kyle
Eleven years old. He is starting to distance himself from the family and his sister as he feels the rejection strongly. He has put up a wall to try and stop his real feelings from getting out and the hurt from getting in. He loves Jessie very much, and even though she annoys him, he doesn’t often show it. He loves his computer games and mucking about.
Jessie
Seven years old. She has a big heart and believes the best in everyone despite some damning evidence to the contrary. She cares for baby Troy because she finally gets to be a big sister to him. She is still innocent and wants the world to be good and kind; she is often disappointed. She idolizes Kyle, and he is her one constant. Jessie believes in Santa and that her mum will come back for them. She is strong and determined but also a seven-year-old in a grown-up world.
We kindly ask that you avoid portraying the character as a little kid and instead play them as young person. It's crucial that Jessie come across as fully realised and believable character. Given that the show explores some darker themes, the audience's empathy will only be engaged if they genuinely connect with Jessie. Since the show is aimed at teenagers, we are looking for portrayals of real humans, not Disney-style characters.
If you would like to be considered for an audition, please send your CV and headshot to BGT Producer Natalie Di Risio at natalie.dirisio@barkinggecko.com.au by COB 16 September. Please note that audition places are limited. Audition pieces will be provided upon confirmation.
