Auditions for ARTS’ Rehearsed Reading of “The Nutcracker & the Mouse King”

Auditions are now open for the next Armidale Radio Theatre Society production, “The Nutcracker & the Mouse King”.

The Armidale Radio Theatre Society (ARTS for short) was a project started by student Jake Hunt in 2019, with performances including The Importance of Being Earnest, Twelfth Night, and most recently Charley’s Aunt (Previous episodes can be found at the bottom of this post).

In recent year’s though, ARTS has hosted an annual Christmas broadcast, whether it be fireside poetry readings or full productions such as A Christmas Carol.  Last year, we took a break to this tradition and it’s absence was noticed.  We heard you and so this year we’re back with a bang bringing to life the classic story of “The Nutcracker & the Mouse King”.

But what’s the story actually about? 

Written in 1816 by E.T.A Hoffman, The Nutcracker & the Mouse King follows little Marie Stahlbaum as she receives a Nutcracker for Christmas.  From there the narrative follows your classic princess and the frog style storyline when Marie learns of the Nutcracker’s plight at the hands of the horrific 7 headed mouse king.  We then explore the ongoing war, stories of legend depicting how the Nutcracker came to be, and the wonderful home of the Nutcracker made of sugar, spice, and all things nice.

It’s a heartwarming Christmas tale, but isn’t afraid to pull it’s punches depicting some darker scenes, akin to the stories of the Brothers Grimm.  It’s a well rounded story with many twists and turns and sure to be an exciting story to bring to life.

Who can audition?

We’re ideally looking for a cast of 10 actors to fill various roles, all ranging in personality and gender.  Our first pick from the auditionees will be UNE students, followed by UNE staff, and then Armidale community members.  So whilst all may apply UNE students will be prioritised.  Unfortunately, due to the final performance being on-campus we are restricting this opportunity to those in the Armidale area (but watch out for other opportunities to join online in the future).

Our roles include:

• Narrator (x10) – 10 of our 14 chapters require narrators.  Some chapters are more light-hearted, whereas others get a bit darker, and one in particular details a battle between toys and mice.
• Marie Stahlbaum – Our protagonist, a young girl who receives a Nutcracker on Christmas and follows the doll into a world of conflict and childlike creativity.
• Herr Drosselmeier – Marie’s Godfather, a wonderful clockmaker and genius with a bit of a dark side.
• The Nutcracker – An upstanding, and proud toy general, with a heart of gold. Your classic romantic lead.
• Mama – Marie’s disbelieving mother. Lives life by the book. Caring but realistic.
• Papa – Marie’s father. An upstanding gentleman of society.
• Fritz – Marie’s younger brother.  Bombastic and chaotic, with a keen interest in military toys.
• Mouse Queen (Mouserink) – The mother of the monstrous mouse king.  Small but fierce with the ability to curse whoever does her wrong.
• Various minor roles – Toy’s, characters within the legend of the Nutcracker, and citizens from the land of dolls and sweets.

All roles are open to all ages and genders, these guidelines are purely to provide an idea of character (after all we’re performing radio theatre, look isn’t really an aspect ).

How Can I Audition?

Auditions are open from today (3rd) until the 10th December (11:59pm).

For your audition material, please provide a brief (30 sec – 1 min) recording of yourself reading a story, play, poem or excerpt of your choosing. The piece should demonstrate your vocal ability in terms of expression, emotion and tonal range. Microphone and recording quality will not impact your ability to be cast. Get creative!

Once you’ve recorded your audition, send it through with your details to this form

Note, the rehearsal process will include scheduled rehearsals once to twice a week, with a final rehearsal in our virtual campus (date TBA) and a live reading at the Bistro on Thursday 18th December.  After the final performance an edited recording of the night will go live across TuneFM on the Christmas Eve, 24th December (though actors will not need to be available for this date).

And that’s the show, if you have any further questions, contact Nick Troon at ntroon2@une.edu.au or 6773 1070.