AUDITION NOTICE: When the Wind Blew - Shine Performing Arts

Title: When the Wind Blew

Presented By: Paula-Mary Camilleri in association with Eli J Ball & Shine Performing Arts Academy

Genre: Family-Friendly Original Australian Musical

Synopsis: When the Wind Blew is a family-friendly musical set in the vast and vibrant Australian bush. Bursting with heart, humour and unforgettable songs, this uplifting production invites audiences of all ages on a journey about courage, friendship and finding where you belong.

The story follows Hazel, a young sugar glider terrified of taking her first glide. When a fierce storm violently shakes her from her tree and separates her from her family, Hazel finds herself lost and alone in an unfamiliar world. With no choice but to move forward, she must discover a bravery she never thought she had in order to find her way home.

Along the way, Hazel meets an eclectic group of companions: Ziggy, a cautious echidna; Peanut, a gentle koala; and Arthur, a nervous spider. Guided by Coco, a wise wallaby, they travel across the bush to seek guidance from Madam Virginiana, a mystical possum whose tea-leaf riddles challenge each character’s understanding of home and belonging.

But danger lurks in the shadows. Diesel, a cunning and vengeful dingo, relentlessly pursues them with the help of his eerie accomplices. As the journey grows more perilous, the group learns that home isn’t just a place—it’s the people who walk beside you.

Written by Paula-Mary Camilleri and Eli J Ball, When the Wind Blew is a joyful, moving musical celebrating bravery, connection and the courage to leap, even when you’re afraid.

Audition Date: Sunday 12 July 2026

Audition Time:

• Children's Ensemble - 9AM -10AM

• Hazel Auditions - 10AM - 11AM

• Adult Auditions (Ensemble & Leads) - 12PM - 2PM

• Callbacks - 3PM - 4PM

Audition Location and Address: St Benedict's College, Mango Hill, Queensland

Audition Self-Tape Due: 5PM, Saturday 11 July 2026

Audition Requirements:

Children's Ensemble Audition:

• Dance call

• Learn and perform a song from the show

• Cold read from the script

• Wear appropriate dance attire and footwear

Hazel Audition:

• Must attend Children's Ensemble session

• Prepare two contrasting 1-minute or 32-bar musical theatre songs

• Piano accompaniment or backing track accepted

• Cold read from the script

Adult Auditions (Ensemble & Leads):

• Dance call

• Tap call (if experienced)

• Prepare two contrasting 1-minute or 32-bar musical theatre songs

• Piano accompaniment or backing track accepted

• Possible cold read from the script

• Wear appropriate dance attire and footwear

Callbacks:

• Script readings

• Learn and perform material from the show

Online Auditions:

• Submit two contrasting 1-minute or 32-bar musical theatre songs

• Include headshot and video link

• Email submissions to info@shineperformingartsacademy.com.au

• Video should be filmed waist-up with clearly audible vocals

Audition Registration: Via Shine Performing Arts Academy

Audition Pack: When the Wind Blew Audition Pack

Performance Dates: 18 - 20 December 2026

Performance Times:

• Friday – 7PM

• Saturday – 2PM & 7PM

• Sunday – 2PM

Performance Location: Redcliffe Entertainment Centre, Downs Street, Redcliffe, Queensland, 4020

Rehearsal Dates:

• Read Through - Sunday 19 July 2026

• Costumes/Photos - Tuesday 21 July 2026 and Sunday 2 August 2026

• Music & Dance Rehearsals - Most Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from August 2026

• Tech Week - Tuesday 15 December – Thursday 17 December 2026

Rehearsal Times:

• Costumes/Photos - 5PM - 8PM

• Tuesdays & Thursdays - 7PM - 9PM

• Saturdays - 1PM - 4PM

• Tech Week - 5PM - 10PM

Rehearsal Location:

• St Benedict's College, Mango Hill

• Tech Week - Redcliffe Entertainment Centre

Warnings:

• Theatrical haze

• Strobe lighting effects

• Auditionees may be photographed and recorded during auditions and callbacks

Performer Age:

• Hazel: 10–16 years (playing approximately 8 years old)

• Children's Ensemble: 10–16 years

• Adult Principal, Featured and Ensemble Roles: 18+

Creative Team:

• Producers - Paula-Mary Camilleri & Eli J Ball

• Director - Paula-Mary Camilleri

• Choreographer & Musical Director - Eli J Ball

• Casting Consultant - Teagan Fudge

• Production Manager - James Reid

• Orchestrations - Eli J Ball

• Additional Piano/Vocal Arrangements & Score Preparation - Benjamin Heintz

Production Website: Shine Performing Arts - When the Wind Blew

Other information:

• This production celebrates the diversity of Queensland’s performing arts community and encourages performers of all backgrounds, experiences and abilities to audition.

• Applications from culturally and linguistically diverse performers and performers living with disability are strongly encouraged.

• All cast members aged 18+ must possess or obtain a current Blue Card.

• Cast members must comply with Shine Performing Arts Academy's Child Safety Action Plan, Code of Conduct and Media Consent policies.

• The production will be professionally recorded in audio and visual formats.

• Participation is unpaid. There is no participation fee and no performer compensation.

• Auditionees should be available for the duration of their audition session.

• Additional material may be requested during auditions or callbacks.

• Call time for performances is 90 minutes prior to curtain up.

Available Roles/Character Breakdown:

• Hazel - Female-identifying, 10–16 years (playing approximately 8 years old) | Soprano (belt to Eb5). A young sugar glider who has a deep fear of gliding. Strong actor and vocalist required.

• Arthur - Male-identifying, 20s–30s | Tenor. A nerdy, quirky and uncertain spider on a journey of self-discovery.

• Brielle - Male or Female, 18–30 years | Tenor or Mezzo. A sly and mischievous goanna with a talent for trouble.

• Curly - Male or Female, 18–30 years | Tenor or Mezzo. A dim-witted curlew with a knack for getting into trouble.

• Coco - Female-identifying, 18+ | Soprano. A wise and warm-hearted wallaby who serves as narrator and guide.

• Hazel's Mum - Female-identifying, 25+ | Soprano. A caring and devoted parent.

• Hazel's Dad - Male-identifying, 25+ | Baritone/Tenor. A loving but firm parent who guides Hazel.

• Stewart / Ensemble - Male-identifying, 18+ | Baritone/Tenor. Flamboyant tiger quoll. Doubles as Passerby and Wombat 2.

• Joyce / Ensemble - Female-identifying, 18+ | Alto/Mezzo. Owner of the Gum Leaf Cafe. Doubles as Mother Platypus.

• Peter / Ensemble - Male-identifying, 18+ | Baritone. Co-owner of the Gum Leaf Cafe. Doubles as Ernie the Emu and Wombat 1.

• Adventurer 2 / Ensemble - Female-identifying, 18+ | Alto/Mezzo. Doubles as Emu 1 and Galah 1.

• Mal / Ensemble - Male-identifying, 18+ | Tenor. Flamboyant magpie.

• Adventurer 1 / Ensemble - Male-identifying, 18+| Tenor. Human explorer. Doubles as Kevin the Kangaroo.

• Lenore / Ensemble - Female-identifying, 18+ | Soprano. A parrot with a sore claw. Doubles as Mother Skink.

• Belvedere / Ensemble - Male-identifying, 18+ | Tenor. Doubles as Kookaburra.

• Parrot / Ensemble - Female-identifying, 18+ | Soprano. Doubles as Galah 3.

• News Reporter / Ensemble - Female-identifying, 18+ } Mezzo-Soprano. Doubles as Galah 2 and Emu 2.

• Kangaroo / Ensemble - Male-identifying, 18+ | Baritone/Tenor. Doubles within the ensemble.

• Milly / Ensemble - Female-identifying, 18+ _ Mezzo-Soprano. A flirtatious red wattle bird.

• Tilly / Ensemble - Female-identifying, 18+ | Mezzo-Soprano. A flirtatious red wattle bird.

• Lilly / Ensemble - Female-identifying, 18+ | Mezzo-Soprano. A flirtatious red wattle bird.

• Myna Bird / Ensemble - Male-identifying, 18+ | Baritone/Tenor. Father of Tommy Tweets.

• Lorikeet / Ensemble - Male-identifying, 18+ | Baritone/Tenor. An energetic lorikeet.

• Ensemble/Dancers/Swings - All genders, 18+. Triple-threat performers playing multiple ensemble roles. Strong technical dance skills, including Broadway-style tap, preferred.

• Brenda / Children's Ensemble - Female-identifying, 10–16 years | Mezzo. A sassy dunnart.

• Sophie / Children's Ensemble - Female-identifying, 10–16 years | Mezzo. A nosy owl.

• Sophie S / Children's Ensemble - Female-identifying, 10–16 years | Mezzo. A kind lizard.

• Tommy Tweets / Children's Ensemble - Male-identifying, 10–16 years | Tenor. A pompous myna bird.

• Oliver / Children's Ensemble - Male-identifying, 10–16 years | Tenor. An energetic lorikeet.

• Liam / Children's Ensemble - Male-identifying, 10–16 years | Tenor. A nerdy platypus.