Audition – Tartuffe

AUDITION DATE:   Sunday 18th June 10am
READING: Sunday 11th June 10am
LOCATION:   Limelight Theatre, Civic Drive, Wanneroo
DIRECTOR:   Gwen Browning
EMAIL: [email protected]
PERFORMANCE DATES: September 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 @ 7:30pm, September 17 @ 2pm

 

Synopsis:

Tartuffe is a hilarious romp based on the original Moliere comedy. This modern English version by Tim Mooney, is fast-paced, saucy and very funny. It satirises religious hypocrisy, blind piety and naivety.

 

For your opportunity to be a part of this fun production, you will be required to read several extracts from the script opposite other audtionees. These will be made available prior to the audition.

To book an audition time, please email Gwen Browning (Director) on [email protected] with the following information:

• Name
• Contact Phone
• Role/s you wish to audition for
• A brief summary of your performance experience

 

Roles (All ages are flexible but will need to relate to other characters):
ORGON (55+): A wealthy middle-aged head of the household who has a demanding mother, a son and daughter of marriageable age, an attractive second wife, and a smart-mouthed servant. Once an able and wise man, Orgon has succumbed to religious zealotry, using morality to exercise power over his family. Orgon is gullible, stubborn and not very bright.

TARTUFFE (50+): Pronounced Tar-toof A charlatan and hypocrite who preys on Orgon and his family. Tartuffe has faked holy poverty and religious fervour to wheedle his way into Orgon’s admiration and succeeded so well that Tartuffe now lives in luxury in Orgon’s house. Tartuffe keeps up his public image with extreme acts of penance and ostentatious charity. In private, he gorges on food and wine and leers at the women in Orgon’s household.

ELMIRE (45+): Pronounced Elm-eer Orgon’s second wife and the fond stepmother of Orgon’s son Damis, and daughter, Mariane. Elmire is a witty and fashionable lady who wears fine clothing and entertains many friends. She is devoted to her husband and stepchildren. But Elmire is also wise to the ways of society. She recognises the need to avoid scandal and to protect her husband’s family.

DORINE(Any age over 25): The maid to Mariane, Orgon’s daughter. Dorine may be the least important member of Orgon’s household in terms of social class, but she is by far the most realistic, clear-headed and competent. She talks back to her employers and social betters, stating the truth without fear. Dorine is street-wise, sceptical, and often saucy.

CLEANTE (50+) Pronounced Clay-aunt: Elmire’s brother and Orgon’s brother-in-law. Cleante is a frequent visitor at Orgon’s house, enjoying the society of Elmire’s other guests. Cleante is a philosopher and serious thinker, a voice of reason and moderation whose speeches border on the pompous. Cleante dispenses wise thoughts and argues with common sense. He approaches crises with caution and so is given to inaction.

DAMIS (25+) Pronounced Dam-eece: Orgon’s son by his first wife, Elmire’s stepson. Damis is young, hotheaded, and quick tempered. He shows off his bravado with threats of violence, especially against Tartuffe. Damis wants to marry Valere’s sister.

MARIANE (25+): Orgon’s daughter by his first wife, stepdaughter to Elmire. Mariane is innocent, shy, somewhat naive, and deeply in love with Valere, the man to whom Orgon has promised her in marriage. Mariane is also a dutiful daughter, accustomed to obeying Orgon.

VALERE (25+) Pronounced Val-air: A wealthy young man engaged to Mariane, Orgon’s daughter. Valere is an emotional adolescent who is deeply in love. He is quick to take offense and creates unnecessary obstacles between himself and Mariane. Valere is also the friend of Damis.

MADAME PERNELLE (70’s): Orgon’s mother and dreaded grandmother of Damis and Mariane. A bit of a tyrant who is totally taken in by Tartuffe.

MONSIEUR LOYAL: Could also double up as the Police Officer

A POLICE OFFICER: Could also double up as Monsieur Loyal. A royal official who serves as both an arresting officer and as the King’s messenger

FLIPOTE: The maid to Madame Pernelle. Flipote does not have a speaking part in the play. Her role is to take abuse from Madame Pernelle.