HYC Open Auditions: The Hothouse

Rehearsals:

Auditions:

We are holding two auditions, both at the Headgate Theatre. You will only attend one session: 

Saturday 23rd May 14:00 – 16:30

Sunday 24th May 10:00 – 12:30

You must register your interest via the form below. Deadline for the form is Friday 22nd May, 7pm.

The auditions will be workshop style, and any written materials will be sent out in advance. We do not require you to learn any pieces for the audition.

If you are unable to attend either session, we will accept a self tape. Please email headgateyc@gmail.com to organise and receive the necessary materials.

We strongly encourage you to read the play prior to your audition. This is by no means a requirement, but will be useful. The script is available for free on Drama Online should you have a login. Educational institutions may have access- contact drama departments or libraries- email headgateyc@gmail.com if not.

 

Character Descriptions

Roote

Head of the institution, in his 50s. 

Roote enjoys the power of his authority but doesn’t deal well with the responsibility, leaving him to be often questioned by his subordinates. His over-assertion of confidence and masculinity often plays out comedically as he grapples with the chaos of the play. He enjoys his title and status, and uses his position to attempt to enforce order.

 

Gibbs

Second in command, in his 30s. 

Gibbs antagonises his peers and sets people on edge. An ambitious man, he would be happy to usurp Roote and see himself in charge. He is methodical and manipulative, and is playing a long game, using his knowledge to gain power. While his conniving is often a cause of comedy, a quiet and calculating aggression lies just beneath the surface.

 

Lamb

Locktester, in his 20s. 

Lamb is the youngest of the staff team and has only been working at the institution for just over a year. He is energetic and optimistic, and hopes to work his way up by the traditional route of hard work. Lamb is desperate for connection and praise, leaving him easily manipulated due to his eagerness to please- a perfect scapegoat. He is very likeable and seems to be the only one to genuinely care about the patients and their wellbeing. 

 

Miss Cutts

Member of staff, in her 30s.

Miss Cutts enjoys manipulatively toying with people. She is obsessed with how others perceive her, and uses her femininity as a weapon. She encourages the men around her to doubt their masculinity, attempting to cause insecurity as a way to leverage power.

 

Lush

Member of staff, in his 30s.

Lush enjoys provoking his colleagues and testing authority. He is a deliberate contrarian in order to trip people up and undermine them. Lush is sly and knows more than he should, which he uses to threaten others’ power and status, all with a jocular persona. Lush’s winding up of his colleagues provides a main source of humour throughout the play, but is played straight.

 

Tubb

Head porter (member of the understaff), 50. 

Tubb is well-liked and kind, caring about his fellow understaff. He is well-meaning but a little disorganised, and seems comfortable in his role. Tubb is a small role, but humorous. 

 

Lobb

Face of The Ministry, 50.

Lobb presents a laid back attitude- unaffected personally by the issues of The Ministry’s delegates. Lobb cares more about protocol than people, and presents quite a heartless character, despite a sense of joviality. The one person in the play who has actual power and, therefore, does not need to prove it. This is a small role, but crucial to the story.

 

Directors’ Notes

• You must be 16-21 to audition. We also accept those who will be 16 by the time of the production (currently Year 11).
• We are very open to auditions for any role regardless of gender. We’re interested to see what you can bring to the character.
• You don’t need to have any prior experience to audition for this production.
• The play is funny, silly, and pacey- we want people who are excited to play and explore within the text.
• Although this is an absurdist piece, the acting will be firmly rooted in naturalism.
• We will be exploring the power of authority through the lens of young people’s experiences, so we’re interested in people who can bring their own perspectives.
• We want to see your interpretations, rather than what you think we might want to see.
• We want to make this a fun and exciting process, so we’re looking for people who can bring good vibes, great energy and commitment to the production.