AUDITION NOTICE: The Dolls of New Albion: A Steampunk Opera - VOX Theatre Arts

Title: The Dolls of New Albion: A Steampunk Opera

Presented By: Vox Theatre Arts

Genre: Steampunk Opera / Sung-Through Musical

Synopsis: The Dolls of New Albion is a 90-minute, four-act musical following four generations of the McAlistair family in the fantastical city of New Albion. The story begins with brilliant scientist Annabel McAlistair, who attempts to resurrect her dead lover Jasper by placing his soul inside a mechanical Doll. Her discovery reverberates through the lives of her son Edgar, grandson Byron, and great-granddaughter Priscilla, with each generation’s involvement with the Dolls contributing to the gradual downfall of New Albion.

Narrated by the mysterious Kate, the story explores love, power, greed, loss, political unrest, inherited trauma, rebellion, and the consequences of scientific and technological advancement. Vox Theatre Arts will present the Australian premiere of the work, accompanied by a four-piece live band.

Audition Date: Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 September 2026

Audition Time: 9:00am–12:00pm both days. Individual audition slots are selected through the registration form.

Audition Location and Address: Northside Studio, Unit 24/11 Buchanan Road, Banyo QLD 4014

Audition Self-Tape Due (if applicable): Video auditions may be arranged for those unable to attend either audition date. Contact info@voxtheatrearts.com to arrange a submission. All audition applications must be received by Thursday 17 September 2026 at 11:59pm.

Audition Requirements:

• Prepare two songs: one that best demonstrates your vocal ability and a second that demonstrates your acting through song.

• Auditionees should also prepare to tell a story of no more than two minutes, either through improvisation or a prepared monologue.

• A vocal range test may also be conducted.

• Bring backing tracks on a Bluetooth-compatible device. No live accompanist will be provided.

• There is no movement component at the initial audition, although cast members need basic movement/dance skills sufficient to participate in ensemble movement.

• Callbacks will be held Tuesday 22 September, 7:00pm–10:00pm and may include a movement exercise, group vocal harmony exercise, and individual singing work. Callback materials will be supplied to all auditionees one week before auditions.

• Applicants must also upload an artist resume and headshot with their application and disclose all known conflicts between October 2026 and the end of January 2027.

Audition Registration: Register for The Dolls of New Albion Auditions

Applications close Thursday 17 September 2026 at 11:59pm.

Audition Pack: The Dolls of New Albion Audition Pack

Performance Dates: 28–30 January 2027

Performance Location: PIP Theatre, Milton QLD

Rehearsal Dates: 20 October 2026 to 24 January 2027

Rehearsal Times: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Rehearsals will take place at Vox Studio, Upper Mount Gravatt.

Warnings: The production contains sensitive and mature subject matter including suicide, police violence, domestic violence, coercive relationships, implied drug use, death, loss, and grief.

Performer Age: Performers must be 18 years or older by the commencement of rehearsals. Vox strongly encourages applications from performers with varied experiences, perspectives, identities, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, abilities, and neurodiversity.

Creative Team:

• Director – Tamzen Hunter

• Musical Director – Molly Parker

• Assistant Director & Choreographer – Rhona Bechaz

• Producer – Eloise Newman

Production Website: Vox Theatre Arts – Auditions

Other information:

• This is an amateur production and all performing roles are unpaid/volunteer.

• Vox Theatre Arts annual membership for 2026 is $25, payable by the close of the first rehearsal.

• Casting outcomes and offers are scheduled to be emailed on Wednesday 23 September 2026.

• All cast are required at the Meet & Greet/Table Read on 29 September and must have full availability for the 25–27 January tech and dress period, although they may not be required for the entirety of each day.

Available Roles/Character Breakdown:

All cast members will perform as part of the ensemble when not appearing in their principal character roles.

• Annabel McAlistair | Alto F3–C5 | Femme | 18–45 | A brilliant scientist who resurrects her dead lover Jasper by placing his soul inside a mechanical Doll. Annabel is the focus of Act One, and her scientific breakthrough sets in motion events that affect generations of her family and the city of New Albion.

• Edgar McAlistair | Bari/Tenor Bb2–A4 | Masc | 18–45 | Annabel’s son. A wealthy businessman whose ambition, business interests, and pursuit of progress contribute to New Albion’s growing corruption.Please note: this character is coerced into a relationship.

• Byron McAlistair | Baritone F#3–G4 | Masc | 18–45 | Edgar and Fay’s rebellious son. Byron becomes involved in politics and the Voodoopunk movement as he attempts to change New Albion and its society.Please note: this character has implied drug use.

• Priscilla McAlistair | Mezzo F#3–C5 | Femme | 18–45 | Byron’s daughter. A reclusive young woman whose story forms the centre of Act Four and brings Jasper back into focus as the consequences of the McAlistair family legacy come to a head.Please note: this character dies as a result of police violence.

• Jasper the Doll | Bari/Tenor G2–A4 | Any gender | 18–45 | Annabel’s deceased lover, whose soul is resurrected inside a mechanical Doll. Jasper remains connected to the McAlistair family throughout all four acts and generations.

• Fay | Mezzo G3–D5 | Femme | 18–45 | Edgar’s unhappy wife and Byron’s mother. Her actions have profound consequences for her family.Please note: this character is coerced into a relationship.

• Amelia | Mezzo G3–D5 | Femme | 18–45 | Byron’s close friend and a Voodoopunk high priestess who becomes deeply involved in his political and spiritual rebellion.Please note: this character has implied drug use and dies by suicide.

• Soldier 7285 | Tenor C3–Bb4 | Any gender | 18–45 | A young soldier within New Albion’s increasingly authoritarian police force whose story intersects with Priscilla’s during Act Four.Please note: this character engages in police violence.

• Kate the Narrator – PRE-CAST | Alto F3–C5 | Femme | 18–45 | The omniscient narrator who guides the audience through four generations of the McAlistair family and the history of New Albion. This role has already been cast.

• Ensemble – New Albion Citizens / Voodoopunks / New Albion Police | Any vocal type / gender. The ensemble portrays the ordinary citizens of New Albion, members of the rebellious Voodoopunk spiritual movement, and the increasingly militarised New Albion Police.