Audition notice!
Every Brilliant Thing
Written by Mary Elliott Nelson
Directed by Phillippa Hibbs
SYNOPSIS
Aged 7 years old, the narrator begins a list of every brilliant thing they can think of (Ice cream. Water fights. Staying up past your bedtime). It starts as an attempt to help their depressive mother, but it soon becomes a lifeline for the narrator, who builds the list through childhood, into university, and through to adulthood (Beyonce. Alcohol. Tea and biscuits). But can they keep bringing brilliant things to mind when life throws adversity and heartache their way?
This is a unique play. Written through collaboration between a playwright and a stand-up comedian, Every Brilliant thing is a joyful celebration of light in the darkness. The play explores themes of love, resilience, relationships and mental illness through storytelling, comedy, and improv.
DIRECTOR’S NOTeS
Phillippa Hibbs is absolutely stoked that someone’s letting her direct this play. She loves theatre, stories and comedy - and Every Brilliant Thing is a magical smoothie of all three. It’s very important that people have a good time when making (and watching) theatre, and Phillippa’s experience as a director, actor, comedian, intimacy adviser (and former teacher) means she knows how to keep people safe whilst supporting them to achieve their best. She can’t wait to direct this wonderful, unusual, and creative script - and explore deeply human stories with honesty and warmth.
DATE & TIME
Saturday, 16th August 2025
Appointment Slots from 10am - 6pm
Recall Date & Time
Sunday 17th August -Time TBC
LOCATION
Dolphin Theatre
Foyer
12 Spring Street
Onehunga
REHEARSALS
Tuesdays & Thursdays
7.30pm – 10.00pm
Sundays afternoons
Audition Now!
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Audition Now! 〰️
Role
Narrator
The narrator is the only character in the play. They use direct address, audience engagement, and improv to tell their story. There is no fourth wall.
The script is carefully crafted so that the narrator can be any age, gender or ethnicity.
Audience engagement is crucial to the role.
We are intending to double cast, splitting the performance season equally between both performers.
REHEARSAL DAYS & TIMES
Rehearsal days to be confirmed, but at this stage Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoon
Rehearsal times for weekdays 7pm-10pm Sundays 1pm-6pm. These times will be different for the children in the cast, as they will finish on weekdays no later than 9pm, and Sunday rehearsals will be shorter
Rehearsals will be sectioned for specific characters to start with, so the best use of rehearsal time is utilised.
Rehearsals will commence Sunday 24th August 1pm which will be for the full cast.
All rehearsals will be at Dolphin Theatre unless otherwise stated.
Rehearsals for production weeks will involve extra days, and times may vary. Please be prepared for this
CASTING NOTE
Casting is open to all ages, genders and ethnicities. We are looking for performers who can make strong connections with audiences. Audience interaction is key to this production. Backgrounds in improv or comedy could be helpful but are not required. Most importantly, we are looking for people who can create a safe, playful environment for the audience.
Dolphin theatre is a community theatre and is run entirely by volunteers.
All acting roles are unpaid.