Current Auditions
Soldier Boy
directed by Nicholas Opolski
Performances Dates: 12 to 27 February 2027
Audition Dates: Sunday 11 October 2026 at 2pm and Monday 12 October 2026 7:30pm at our theatre, 29 Burke Road, Malvern East
CHARACTERS
Jim is an enthusiastic schoolboy, eager to do his part in a grand adventure; later, he is tempered by experience and illness. The actor will be playing younger.
A strong, practical woman; increasingly desperate and haunted as the war progresses. Jim’s Mother
The play contains multiple scenes, in which ensemble actors will each play several roles, including Jim’s two younger sisters, newsboys, nurse, doctor, soldiers.
No roles have been pre-cast
SYNOPSIS
In 1914, the outbreak of war was an exciting time for a generation of young Australians – a chance for adventure, an opportunity to see the world, and most important of all, a proud answer to the Empire’s call. And 14-year-old Jim Martin of Hawthorn was determined not to miss out. With his parents’ reluctant signature, Jim enlisted, and sailed to Gallipoli …
The incredible true story of a young local boy who became the youngest Anzac to fight in that terrible hell, Soldier Boy moves from the streets of Melbourne to the ships in the Dardanelles and the war-ravaged cliffs of Turkey. The novel Soldier Boy won multiple awards on its release in 2001 and is now an unforgettable play.
Audition Enquiries Contact: Nicholas Opolski nopolski@hotmail.com
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Auditionees are requested to book an audition time with the Director (full details on the VDL website https://vdl.org.au/auditions)
Adult actors will need a Working with Children card.
Please check you are available for all performance dates before booking your audition time. Please also inform the Director if there are any potential rehearsal dates on which you are not available.
Rehearsals will commence Sunday 6 December 2026, with no rehearsals from Monday 21 December; resuming Sunday 3 January 2027.
Sunday rehearsals: 2-5.30pm
Tuesday/Thursday rehearsals: 7.30-10.30pm
VERY IMPORTANT
You must book an audition time with the Director (refer information on the Victorian Drama League website for additional information, including contact details for the Director). After you have booked an audition time, you will be emailed a link to complete an online Audition Form.