AUDITION NOTICE: Lux Radio Plays: All About Eve & Sunset Boulevard - Mates Theatre Genesis

Title: All About Eve & Sunset Boulevard

Presented By: MATES Theatre Genesis Inc.

Genre: Classic Radio Plays / Drama

Synopsis: MATES Theatre Genesis Inc. presents two classic LUX Radio Plays adapted for the stage.

All About Eve - A seemingly sweet fan, Eve Harrington, worms her way into the life of aging Broadway star Margo Channing and secretly plots to steal Margo’s roles and friends. Based on the screenplay by Joseph Mankiewicz and adapted for radio by Sanford H. Barnett and Robin Jones.

Sunset Boulevard - Broke screenwriter Joe Gillis accidentally meets Norma Desmond, an aging and forgotten silent film star living in a decaying mansion. After accepting a job editing her screenplay, Joe becomes increasingly entangled in Norma’s delusions and obsession. Based on the screenplay by Billy Wilder, Charles Brackett and D.M. Marshman and adapted for radio by Sanford H. Barnett.

Audition Date: Thursday September 3rd, 2026

Audition Time: 10AM - 1PM

Audition Location and Address: Redland Uniting Church Hall, 36 Passage Street (corner Queen Street), Cleveland QLD.

Audition Requirements:

• Group audition involving a cold read from the script.

• No lines need to be memorised.

• Actors may perform with the script in hand.

• These are radio plays, so strong vocal performance is particularly important.

• American accents are required, except for Max in Sunset Boulevard, who is European.

• Microphones will not be used.

• It is not essential for performers to be the same age as their characters; vocal suitability is more important.

• A recent headshot is requested, although a clear selfie is acceptable.

• Bring a copy of the audition form and headshot to the audition.

Audition Registration: Complete the audition form from the audition pack and email it with a recent headshot/photo to info@matestg.org.au. Auditionees should also bring a copy of the form and headshot to the audition.

Audition Pack: Download the Audition Pack Here

Performance Dates:

• Saturday 17 October 2026

• Tuesday 20 October 2026

• Thursday 22 October 2026

• Saturday 24 October 2026

Performance Times: All performances are 1:00pm matinees, with actors called at midday.

Performance Location: Redland Uniting Church Hall, 36 Passage Street (corner Queen Street), Cleveland QLD.

Rehearsal Dates: Tuesday and Thursday mornings/afternoons from 8 September to 8 October 2026, with technical/dress rehearsals on 13 and 15 October.

Rehearsal Times:

• All About Eve: 10AM – 12:15PM

• Sunset Boulevard: 1:45PM – 3PM

• Technical/Dress Rehearsals: 10AM – 3PM, all cast required.

Rehearsal Location: Redland Uniting Church Hall, 36 Passage Street (corner Queen Street), Cleveland QLD.

Warnings: Sunset Boulevard contains mature themes, including Joe Gillis's exploitation/prostitution and Norma Desmond's obsessive and delusional behaviour. The production uses a stylised, exaggerated performance approach reflecting mid-20th-century theatre and radio drama.

Performer Age: All ages welcome.

Creative Team:

• Director – All About Eve: Ian Stevenson

• Director – Sunset Boulevard: Elizabeth Morris

Production Website: MATES Theatre Genesis Inc.

Other information:

• This is an amateur community theatre production and all cast and crew positions are unpaid.

• Successful cast and crew members must become financial members of MATES. Membership is $20 per year and must be paid by the first rehearsal.

• Actors can perform with scripts in hand and will not be required to memorise their lines.

• All rehearsals and performances take place during daylight hours.

• Cast members may be required to assist with costumes and props. Actors provide their own shoes and personal items such as makeup.

• Successful cast and crew are expected to attend rehearsals, publicity appearances, photo shoots and media calls as required.

• Applicants should list all known scheduling conflicts on their audition form.

• MATES is seeking not only actors but also Foley artists, stage crew and front-of-house volunteers.

• StageworX Script Readings: Optional free script readings will be held before auditions:

  • Thursday 20 August – 9:30am–12:00pm

  • Tuesday 25 August – 1:00pm–3:30pm

  • Cleveland Library, Room 2, corner Bloomfield & Middle Streets, Cleveland.

These readings are optional and open to everyone.

Available Roles/Character Breakdown:

Roles in Both Plays

• John Milton Kennedy – The Announcer

• William Keighley – The Host

• Libby Collins – Hollywood reporter

• The Foley Operator – Creates sound effects live on stage. This role may be shared.

All About Eve

• Margo Channing – A leading but aging Broadway star.

• Eve Harrington – Margo's seemingly innocent and devoted fan who becomes Margo's assistant and ruthlessly schemes to steal her life and career.

• Addison DeWitt – A cynical and manipulative theatre critic.

• Lloyd Richards – Karen's husband and Margo's playwright.

• Karen Richards – Margo's close friend and Lloyd's wife.

• Bill Simpson – A successful film and theatre director and Margo's fiancé.

• Birdie Coonan – Margo's blunt, sharp-witted dresser and loyal friend.

• Claudia Casswell – An ambitious young actress with only three lines.

• Other minor roles will be allocated from the cast during rehearsals.

Sunset Boulevard

• Joe Gillis – A cynical, jaded, struggling screenwriter who serves as both narrator and a character in the story.

• Norma Desmond – A faded and eccentric former silent-film star who believes she is still "the greatest star of all". A complex femme fatale with grandiose theatrical mannerisms and delusions.

• Betty Schaefer – An optimistic, ambitious young script reader and writer who becomes Joe's love interest.

• Max von Mayerling – Norma's loyal butler, biggest fan and protector who continually feeds her delusions.

• Artie Green – Joe's helpful best friend, engaged to Betty.

• Sheldrake – A busy movie studio boss.

• Irene Martin – An intermission guest.

• Old Guard – Paramount gatekeeper who recognises Norma as a star.

• Young Guard – Paramount gatekeeper who does not know Norma.

• Lieutenant – Police officer, two lines.

• Captain – Police officer.

• Detective – Police officer, two lines.

Additional Opportunities

• Foley/sound effects

• Stage crew

• Front of House

• Placard/sign holders for cues such as SILENCE, ON AIR and APPLAUSE

• Costume and props assistance

• Other production support roles.