Brisbane - Casting Notice
Brisbane
By Matthew Ryan
(Note : the play now has a new name but the author has authorised us to use the name ‘Brisbane’ as it is to be the first play of the first full season in Galaxy, in Brisbane!)
“The play has great humour and an amazing warmth too as the action zigzagged from family crises to wartime rumours and loss.”
ABSOLUTE THEATRE - QTC Performance
VENUE: Ad Astra - Galaxy. 210 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane.
DIRECTED BY: Fiona Kennedy
PERFORMANCE SEASON: March 19 - April 11, 2026
PERFORMANCE DAYS & TIMES: Thur/Fri nights 8pm, Saturday 730pm and Sunday 2pm
REHEARSALS: TBA - but typically two week nights and a weekend day
PAYMENT: This is a co-op production, all get a share of ticket sales after expenses.
AUDITIONS DATES AND TIMES : To be advised but will be around 10/12
CALL BACK DATES AND TIMES : TO be advised.
To apply, please email creatives@adastracreativity.com. Please include your current CV in Word or Google Doc only, as well as a RECENT headshot. Please make sure you specify the role/roles you will be auditioning for.
CREATIVE TEAM
Director - Fiona Kennedy (also Artistic Director for Ad Astra Theatre Company)
Fiona loves textual analysis and exploring the playwright’s intention. Each season she curates a selection of Australian, Classic and unexpected productions that give Brisbane’s emerging and re-emerging creatives the opportunity to reach for the stars! Ad Astra's motto is ‘to the stars and beyond’. We strive to take players and audience beyond what is familiar and known, beyond what is timid and undisturbed, to new paradigms and distant galaxies. Fiona has an exciting range of acting credits to her name including Bakersfield Mist and Loot and has performed in theatres across south east Queensland.
Executive Producer - Gregory Wilken
Gregory leads with passion and purpose, supporting creatives at all stages of their journey. His focus is on nurturing local talent, developing new works, and creating strong frameworks that help artists thrive. Gregory brings a mix of empathy, experience, and vision to every project. As the driving force behind Astra Nova, Ad Astra’s new writing and development program, he champions emerging storytellers. Gregory believes Brisbane’s artistic scene grows stronger when new voices are supported early. By connecting writers with mentors, he helps shape fresh, original work that enriches the city. His mission is to build spaces where creativity feels possible and supported. Both an actor and a producer, Gregory understands the courage behind every creative leap. Along with Dan and Fiona, Gregory has been instrumental in developing Ad Astra’s new performing arts precinct, providing high-quality spaces for rehearsal, performance, and collaboration. Gregory is dedicated to connecting artists and creating opportunities that help them grow and shine. Gregory is determined that Ad Astra continues to be a launchpad for bold new talent.
Ad Astra Theatre Company
Ad Astra started in 2018 in a converted 1970s two story brick office block at 57 Misterton Street in Fortitude Valley - called the Satellite Theatre. It has a vibe very similar to the cool small theatres of LA, London and NYC. From humble beginnings, it has grown to take its place amongst the best independent theatre companies in Brisbane. It has seen hundreds of emerging and re-emerging amazing creatives showcase their talent on a professional stage. Many have been nominated for Matilda awards over the years. Ad Astra receives regular critical acclaim for its productions from both reviewers and audiences alike. In 2024 we have kick started Astra Nova, which is a program for emerging playwrights, who get to work with a mentor over a six month period to help bring new local plays to a professional stage. Next year, we will open our second venue, the premiere space there is the Galaxy Theatre . The new venue will offer spaces for rehearsals, performances, film events and so much more.
ABOUT THE PLAY
"One moment Brisbane is a serious social realist play, the next an Australian farce, the next an historical documentary, inspired slapstick, a puppet show, a dark cabaret, a Python-esque skit. am epic war saga and then suddenly a genuinely moving and personal coming-of-age drama".
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
It requires skilful ensemble work, some naturalistic acting and some heightened naturalism. it requires some good mimicry if you are playing Monash or Churchill.
Please prepare two (2) suitable monologues: one comedic and one dramatic. The audition will involve cold reads of the script.
Characters :
1.Danny Fisher (aged 14) Actor 18 to early 20's
2. Patty/Young Woman (aged 14) same age as Danny
3. Frank Fisher/American Pilot/Andy West (aged 18) older than Danny
4. Rose/Woman (aged 18) same age as Frank
5. Annie Fisher (Danny's mother) 40's
6. John Fisher (Danny's father) 40's
Ensemble to play
Stanley
Robbie
Justin
General John Monash
Rose's father
Prime Minister John Curtin
Winston Churchill
Radio Announcer
Franklin Roosevelt
Douglas Macarthur
Newsreel Commentator
Shop Owner
Publican
Restaurant Owner
American soldiers
Australian soldier
What do we require of you for the audition
Please prepare two (2) suitable monologues: one comedic and one dramatic. The audition will involve cold reads of the script.
