AUDITION NOTICE: Arcadia - Centenary Theatre Group

Title: Arcadia

Presented By: Centenary Theatre Group

Genre: Drama / Comedy

Synopsis: Written by Tom Stoppard, Arcadia is widely regarded as one of the greatest plays of the 20th century. Set in a stately English country home across two time periods - 1809 and the present day - it weaves together romance, intellectual discovery, and mystery. As past and present collide, characters explore love, literature, science, and truth, uncovering secrets through fragments of history. Featuring duels, affairs, academic rivalries, and even a tortoise, the play is a rich blend of wit, beauty, and complexity.

Audition Date: Sunday April 26th, 2026

Audition Time: From 12:30PM

Audition Location and Address: Chelmer Community Centre, 15 Queenscroft Street, Chelmer QLD

Audition Requirements: Prepare a short monologue (approximately one minute) from any play, performed in a posh British accent (Received Pronunciation). You will also participate in cold readings from the script. Strong accent work is essential.

Audition Registration: Contact Director Michael Beh (stagemike30@gmail.com) or Production Manager Rhyll Bucknell (enquiry@centenarytheatre.com.au) to register.

Performance Dates: October 31st – November 22nd, 2026

Performance Times: Friday and Saturday evenings with some Saturday and Sunday matinees

Performance Location: Chelmer Community Centre, 15 Queenscroft Street, Chelmer QLD

Rehearsal Dates: Commencing early August 2026

Rehearsal Times: All cast will rehears on Sundays, plus one weekday evening (split between Old Romantics and New Romantics; exact nights TBC)

Rehearsal Location: Chelmer Community Centre, 15 Queenscroft Street, Chelmer QLD

Warnings: Adult themes including romantic relationships and period-typical behaviour

Performer Age: 18+ (some characters portray younger ages)

Creative Team:

• Director - Michael Beh

• Production Manager - Rhyll Bucknell

Production Website: Centenary Theatre Group - Arcadia

Other Information: All roles require strong British accents, including Received Pronunciation and upper-class dialects. The production spans two time periods (1809 and modern day), with one shared set and stylistic contrast between “Old Romantics” and “New Romantics.”

Available Roles/Character Breakdown:

• Septimus Hodge – Male, early to mid-20s; charismatic, intelligent, tutor and friend of Byron

• Thomasina Coverly – Female, appears 14–16 (actor 18+); highly intelligent, curious, emotionally perceptive

• Lady Croom – Female, 40s–50s; elegant, commanding, fashionable aristocrat

• Hannah Jarvis – Female, 40s–50s; witty, intellectual writer and researcher

• Bernard Nightingale – Male, 40s–50s; ambitious academic, confident but flawed

• Valentine Coverly – Male, early to mid-20s; thoughtful, slightly dishevelled aristocrat

• Ezra Chater – Male, 30s–40s; comedic, bombastic poet

• Richard Noakes – Male, 40s–60s; landscape gardener, practical and traditional

• Captain Brice – Male, 40s; naval officer, romantic

• Jellaby – Male, 80s–90s; long-serving butler, observant and knowing

• Chloe Coverly – Female, early 20s; charming, fashionable, romantic

• Gus/Augustus Coverly – Male, dual role; Augustus (speaking, ~16), Gus (non-speaking); actor 18+