AUDITION NOTICE: Bonnie & Clyde - Phoenix Ensemble

Title: Bonnie & Clyde

Presented By: Phoenix Ensemble

Genre: Musical

Synopsis: Set in Depression-era America, Bonnie & Clyde tells the electrifying story of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, small-town dreamers whose hunger for fame and escape from ordinary lives leads them down a path of love, crime, and infamy. Their daring heists, turbulent romance, and relentless pursuit of freedom make them both heroes and villains in the public eye. Featuring a thrilling score blending blues, gospel, and rockabilly, Bonnie & Clyde is a sexy, action-filled tale of two of history’s most notorious lovers, leading to their inevitable and tragic downfall.

Audition Date:

• Group Dance & Vocal Workshop (all auditionees): Thursday 16 October 2025 — 6:30pm or 8:00pm (90 minutes)

• Individual Auditions (Principals + Preacher): Saturday 18 October 2025 — 9:00am–3:00pm

• Callbacks (by invitation): Tuesday 21 October 2025 — from 7:00pm

Audition Location and Address: Phoenix Ensemble, Pavilion Theatre (“Tin Shed”), Beenleigh Showgrounds, James St, Beenleigh QLD

Audition Requirements:

• All auditionees must attend a group dance & vocal session. You will learn a short routine and vocal harmony in groups. Wear movement clothes and closed shoes.

• If auditioning for Principals (Clyde, Bonnie, Buck, Blanche, Ted, Preacher):

  • Prepare two contrasting songs (max 1 min each) in the style of the show. Bring a backing track on an AUX/Bluetooth device (speakers/adaptors provided).

  • Prepare one of the provided monologues (Southern American accent). This does not need to be memorised.

• Ensemble auditionees need only attend the group workshop unless also auditioning for featured tracks.

• Southern American accents are required for all roles.

Audition Registration: Book your slot via phoenixensemble.com.au/audition

Audition Pack: Download here (PDF)

Performance Dates: Friday 20 February – Saturday 7 March 2026 (3-week season)

Performance Times: Fridays & Saturdays (evenings), Saturday matinees (no Sundays)

Rehearsal Dates: Commence Sunday 9 November 2025.

Rehearsal Times: Mondays & Wednesdays 7:00–10:00pm; Sundays 1:00–6:00pm.

• Holiday break: 22 Dec 2025 – 2 Jan 2026.

• Sitzprobe: Sunday 1 February 2026.

• Tech/Final rehearsals: From Monday 9 February 2026.

Rehearsals and Performance Location: Phoenix Ensemble, Pavilion Theatre, Beenleigh Showgrounds

Warnings:

• Contains intimacy, stylised violence, firearms, adult themes, and passionate physicality.

• An intimacy coordinator will be engaged to ensure safety.

• All cast must be 18+ by the first rehearsal, except for Young Clyde and Young Bonnie, who will be cast separately at a later date.

Performer Age: 18+ (excluding youth roles).

Creative Team:

• Director: Kym Brown

• Musical Director: Sally Faint

• Choreographer: Julianne Clinch

Production Website: phoenixensemble.com.au/audition

Other Information:

• Phoenix Ensemble is a community company; all roles are voluntary/unpaid.

• Cast must become financial members by the first rehearsal and hold (or obtain) a valid Blue Card.

  
  

Available Roles / Character Breakdown:

• Clyde Barrow

  • Male-presenting, stage age: 21

  • Vocal range: A2–C5 (high tenor belt).

  • Reckless and magnetic; a small-town boy craving fame and notoriety. Charismatic, daring, impulsive, and utterly in love with Bonnie. Requires stamina, vocal power, and strong physical presence.

• Bonnie Parker 

  • Female-presenting, stage age: 20

  • Vocal range: G3–F5 (mezzo belt).

  • A beautiful, ambitious waitress and poet, torn between love and fame. Headstrong, stubborn, and vulnerable. Chemistry with Clyde essential; must handle intimate and emotionally charged material.

• Marvin “Buck” Barrow 

  • Male-presenting, stage age: 25–35.

  • Vocal range: B2–G4.

  • Clyde’s loyal older brother, torn between his outlaw life and Blanche’s disapproval. Adventurous but conflicted. Needs strong acting depth to balance bravado with moral struggle.

• Blanche Barrow 

  • Female-presenting, stage age: 25–35.

  • Vocal range: G3–Eb5.

  • A devout and moralistic woman; deeply religious, righteous, and disapproving of her husband Buck’s choices. Provides comic relief and emotional grounding.

• Ted Hinton 

  • Male-presenting, stage age: 25–30.

  • Vocal range: C3–A4.

  • A kind police officer caught between his duty and his unrequited love for Bonnie. Honest, earnest, and gentle, but ultimately on the opposite side of Bonnie and Clyde’s world.

• Ensemble / Featured Roles — Each ensemble member covers featured tracks:

  • Cumie Barrow: Clyde & Buck’s mother, pragmatic and weary. Female-presenting, 30–50.

  • Emma Parker: Bonnie’s mother, supportive but fearful. Female-presenting, 25–40.

  • Governor Miriam Ferguson: Strong and authoritative. Female-presenting, 35+.

  • Sheriff Schmid: Relentless lawman pursuing Bonnie & Clyde. Male-presenting, 35+.

  • Preacher: Gospel powerhouse; requires strong tenor (A2–C5). Male-presenting, 35+.

  • Henry Barrow: Clyde & Buck’s father, weary and resigned. Male-presenting, 30+.

  • Deputy Bud: Young, naive; Clyde’s first victim. Male-presenting, 20–40.

  • Judge / Captain Hamer: Stern, commanding, final pursuer of the couple. Male-presenting, 40+.

  • Ensemble also appears as townsfolk, church congregation, bank/store customers, police, and guards, often with solos or spoken lines.

• Young Clyde — Male-presenting, around 10. Treble/unbroken voice (B3–A5).

• Young Bonnie — Female-presenting, 10–15. Vocal range: C#4–C5. Contemporary tone required.