Hotel Sorrento - Casting Notice
Hotel Sorrento
By Hannie Rayson
“I could now see why the play is considered an Australian classic. This well-staged production succeeds in all aspects, resulting in an enjoyable and thought-provoking night in the theatre.”
CANBERRA CRITICS CIRCLE
VENUE: Ad Astra - Pluto. 210 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane.
DIRECTED BY: Susan O’Toole Cridland
PERFORMANCE SEASON: Previews : 18, 19, 20 February
Opening Night : 21 Feb
Q&A : February 22 Sunday - matinee
Closing Night : 14 March
PERFORMANCE DAYS & TIMES: Generally Thu, Fri @ 8pm, Sat @ 730pm and Sunday at 2pm.
REHEARSALS: Monday and Friday nights from 7pm – 10pm and Sunday morning from 10am – 1pm
We will add in an extra rehearsal in January and day and time to be confirmed
PAYMENT: This is a co-op production, all get a share of ticket sales after expenses.
AUDITIONS DATES AND TIMES : Monday 17 November from 7pm
CALL BACK DATES AND TIMES : TBC
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 – Susan O’Toole Cridland
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
Hotel Sorrento is a powerful Australian drama that explores family, memory, and cultural identity. When three sisters reunite in their coastal hometown of Sorrento after years apart, tensions rise as buried truths resurface—especially following the publication of a novel that mirrors their lives. With wit and emotional depth, Hannie Rayson’s award-winning play examines the bonds that hold us together and the secrets that pull us apart.
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
While we have listed suggested ages for the characters below, these are open for flexibility so can range from early to mid 30’s, The role of Troy must be able to realistically be played as a 16 year old Australian accents required for most roles.
Characters :
Hilary Moynihan – Late 40s to early 50s. The eldest sister, pragmatic and grounded. She stayed in Sorrento to care for their father and raise her son. Strong, stoic, with a quiet emotional depth.
Meg Moynihan – Mid to late 40s. A successful writer living in England. Intellectual, introspective, and emotionally complex. Her novel, Melancholy, becomes the catalyst for family conflict.
Pippa Moynihan – Early to mid 40s. The youngest sister, visiting from New York. Energetic, sharp, and career-driven. She brings a cosmopolitan flair and a touch of cynicism. Slight American accent preferred.
Waldo Moynihan – 70s. The sisters’ father. A quiet presence, affected by age and memory. His interactions are minimal but poignant.
Troy Moynihan – Teenager (16–18). Hilary’s son. Curious, sensitive, and caught between generations.
Marge – 50s–60s. A local teacher and friend of the family. Warm, intelligent, and deeply interested in Meg’s novel and its implications.
Dick Bennett – 50s–60s. A local businessman and friend. Straight-talking, patriotic, and skeptical of Meg’s portrayal of Australia.
Edwin – 40s–50s. Meg’s English husband. Reserved, polite, and slightly out of place in the Australian setting. British accent required.
What do we require of you for the audition
Prepare: A short dramatic monologue (2–3 minutes).
Cold readings from the script will be required.
We would like to audition in groups of 10 and we would require you to be at the audition for no more than 1 hour.
We will assign you a time upon application.
We welcome performers of all backgrounds and encourage diversity in casting. This production will explore themes of identity, belonging, and family with nuance and sensitivity.
