The Secret Garden Auditions
Posted on May 5, 2022 in General News
The show will run November 18 through December 4.
Shuswap Theatre will be holding auditions for our Fall Musical Production The Secret Garden and also welcoming back Liz Hobbs as director! Liz quickly became a favourite at Shuswap Theatre during her time directing Romeo and Juliet in 2017. We are so excited to be welcoming her back and cannot wait to be working together once again.
The Secret Garden
The Secret Garden examines love, loss and renewal. This enchanting tale follows the indomitable spirit of a young orphaned Mary, who is sent to her Uncle’s shrouded estate in Yorkshire, England where she is determined to restore the beauty of a forgotten garden. Surrounded by spirits from the past, Mary discovers the courage one can have, if they have the will to grow. This beloved coming-of-age tale is sure to open a door to the hearts of audiences
Casting Breakdown
The production will have a cast of 21 and offers roles for both leads and ensemble. Some roles can be played by any gender.
Lead Roles
| Lily | Mary’s Aunt |
| Mary Lennox | 10 yr old girl |
| Archibald Craven | Mary’s Uncle and Lord of Misselthwaite Manor |
| Mrs. Medlock | Mr. Craven’s housekeeper |
| Dr. Neville Craven | Mr. Craven’s brother |
| Martha | a housemaid |
| Dickon | Martha’s brother |
| Ben Weatherstaff | Head gardener |
| Colin Craven | Archibald Craven’s 10 yr old son |
| Mrs. Winthrop | headmistress |
Ensemble *Dreamers*
| Rose Lennox | Mary’s Mother |
| Captain Albert Lennox | Mary’s Father |
| Alice | Rose’s friend |
| Lieutenant Wright | Officer in Mary’s father’s unit |
| Lieutenant Shaw | Fellow Officer |
| Major Shelley | Officer |
| Mrs. Shelley | Major Shelley’s wife |
| Major Holmes | Officer |
| Claire Holmes | Major Holmes’ wife |
| Fakir | |
| Ayah | Mary’s Indian nanny |
Rehearsal Schedule
While the audition process is happening in May, rehearsals will not start until September, and will likely be 3 evenings during the week, and one daytime during the weekend. Although we do our best to accommodate people’s personal schedules, the truth is that you must be able to make the production your priority, especially as we move into November. If you cannot commit to the rehearsal schedule, please do not audition. There is room on the audition sheet to list your availability and any possible conflicts during the run of the production (September through December). There is also a mandatory tech weekend the weekend prior to opening night.
Performance Dates: November 18th through Dec 4th. This includes evenings, matinees and a relaxed performance.
Audition Process
It is going to be a little bit of a different audition process than what usually happens at Shuswap Theatre. There will be two days for auditions, which will be held at Shuswap Theatre.
Sunday, May 15th from 1-5 pm
Monday, May 16th from 5-8pm
We have some times available for Monday, May 16th or you are welcome to drop in!
6-6:30pm
6:20-6:40pm
7pm -7:20pm
To sign up for one of those times, please email Nedine
Here you will find all the other required documents for the audition.
– An audition sheet (if you have a headshot you can include, please do so, otherwise we will take your photo on the day).
– Sides (sample readings) from the script for you to read, especially if you are reading for a particular role.
– Selected songs from the show. It is preferred for you to learn the song for the role/range of your voice but you may also come prepared with a song of your choice if you prefer. There will be an accompanist available. Select your vocal range below to download your audition song sample.
If you have any issues with these or any of the documents, please contact us right away. We will also have copies of all the documents available for you at the auditions, if needed.
There is a possibility of callbacks. If needed, we will be in contact.
Crew Opportunities
Have you ever been interested in getting involved behind the scenes? Learning a new crew job? We will be offering the opportunity for mentorship through this production. You will be paired with an experienced member and learn the ins and out to helping bring a massive project like this to life. Contact Ann at housetech@shuswaptheatre.com if you are interested.
Questions? Please contact Julia by email or call her at 250-804-6767