AUDITIONS
AUDITIONS - SHORT PLAY FESTIVAL 2026
We are seeking a diverse cast of local talent for our inaugural Short Play Festival. This year’s lineup features eight original works ranging from high-concept comedy to moving drama. Actors of all experience levels are encouraged to audition.
AUDITION INFORMATION
Come and audition and be part of a thriving hub of local theatre!
- Location: De Luxe Theatre, Church Street, Opotiki
- Information Session: Sunday February 15th @ 2PM
- Audition Date: Sunday February 21th @ 2PM
- Rehearsals: March – April
- Performance Date: Saturday May 2nd at 2PM and 7PM
Play Title
Hubble Bubble
Synopsis
In this high-energy comedy, two traditional witches attempting to cast for “that” Shakespearean play find themselves bewildered by their only applicant: a Gen Z-er with a very modern vocabulary. It’s a witty clash of cultures where ancient magic meets modern-day “rizz.”
Seeking
Phoebe: 40s–70s. Assertive, impatient, and traditionally “witchy.”
Silene: 40s–70s. Submissive, kindly, and a bit more oblivious than Phoebe.
Harper: Late teens to early 20s. Must be able to deliver modern Gen-Z slang with high energy.
What do superheroes do on their day off? Sam (a street-level brawler) and Chase (a cosmic-level deity) navigate the mundane challenges of shared apartment life, domestic chores, and the literal “dirty laundry” that comes with saving the world.
Sam (The Ocelot): 20s. Gritty and battered; needs to convey physical exhaustion.
Chase (Astroman): Late 20s to 30s. Classically handsome, “heroic” build, and confident.
A restaurant offers a 10% discount for anyone willing to sit at the “worst table in the house.” When two stubborn strangers arrive at the same time and refuse to give up the deal, a petty battle of wits over table space and lemon wedges turns into an unexpected connection.
Luna: 21+ Sharp-witted and stubborn.
Chase: 21+ Equally stubborn with a “musician vibe.”
Server: 18+ Any gender; the deadpan observer of the chaos.
Take a peek behind the curtain of a secret committee tasked with approving new figurative expressions for public use. This absurdist comedy deconstructs the phrase “ripped him a new one,” proving that where idioms come from is far more ridiculous than how we use them.
Number 37: 30–60. The committee chair; hyper-focused and authoritative.
Number 12: 60+. The “wild card” of the group; can be played as eccentric or cynical.
Number 44: 30–60. Enthusiastic and a true believer in the committee’s mission.
Intern: 20–30. Curious, eager, and slightly pesky.
Laura has recently passed away and is eager to start her new life as a ghost. However, she quickly discovers that she can’t haunt her loved ones without a permit, and the afterlife’s Department of Haunt Services is governed by a bureaucratic logic that is truly maddening.
Laura: 30s–40s. A recently deceased person who is losing her patience with the afterlife.
Clerk: Any age. A dry, bureaucratic official who has seen it all.
Mathias is looking for love, but he’s also looking for the “truth” behind every major world event. During a blind date with the relatively normal Jan, Mathias attempts to navigate a romantic dinner while reflexively turning every conversation topic into a 9/11 conspiracy theory.
Mathias: 30s–50s. Intense, obsessive, and capable of rapid-fire dialogue.
Jan: 30s–50s. The “normal” date; needs strong reactive acting skills.
While waiting for a flight to Sydney, a weary traveler named Ryan strikes up a conversation with an elusive woman in a baseball cap. What begins as a chance encounter at an airport gate evolves into a charming mystery with a surprising celebrity reveal.
Lainey: Early 30s (Script says 33). Needs “star power” and an air of mystery.
Ryan: Mid 30s (Script says 35). Relatable, charming, and grounded.
Raymond: 50s. A brief but important role.
Passenger: 20s. A cameo role with a strong silent reaction.
On a chilly autumn evening in a public park, Colin and Dorothy celebrate their anniversary. This tender, bittersweet drama explores the enduring power of love and memory as a husband gently navigates a conversation with his wife, who is living with dementia.
Colin: Late 60s to 70s. Patient, loving, and cognitively sharp.
Dorothy: Late 60s to 70s. Must be able to portray the shifts of dementia with grace and vulnerability.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
- Only adults 16 years+ may audition
- You will be asked to read sides from the scripts above (available on the day)
- Enthusiasm and commitment are far more important than ability
- There are no limits to the number of roles you can audition for
- We encourage everyone to audition, even if you have never been involved in theatre before!
- It is a requirement of everyone auditioning to relax and have fun!
- If successful, you agree to become a paid member of the East Coast Theatre group. Further details are available on the Membership page.
Who Needs Membership?
Anyone can become a member. However, it is a requirement that all Production Team and Cast are paid members. This is to ensure that our people are covered by insurance.
How to Join
Membership payments can be made via cash or direct deposit as listed on the google form.
Please review our Code of Conduct policy. By becoming a member, you agree to uphold these standards as part of the ECT community.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact us at eastcoasttheatregroup@gmail.com.
We can’t wait to welcome you!
Each year, we present a mix of productions for all tastes and experience levels. Whether you’re drawn to the stage, the script, or behind the scenes, there’s a place for you here. Follow us on Facebook to stay in the loop!
WELCOME GUIDE
Download our Welcome Guide to learn everything you need to know about getting involved — from auditions and backstage roles to how we bring our shows to life. It’s your first step to becoming part of the East Coast Theatre family!