Audition notice!

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

Written by Mary Elliott Nelson
Directed by Maryanne Rushton

DIRECTOR’S NOTeS

Maryanne is a versatile professional with a successful career in television, theatre, and film. She has excelled as an actor, makeup artist, SPFX technician, wig technician, and director. 

Maryanne has directed award-winning productions such as the NZ Premiere of First Date - The Musical, Mamma Mia, Anything Goes, and many more, including an ACTT Award for Best Direction of a Musical for ‘A Christmas Story-The Musical’ (MM Theatre Collective 2019) and a NAPTA Award for Outstanding Direction of a Musical for ‘Be More Chill’ (Centrestage Youth Theatre 2023). 

She has also received accolades for her performances in various roles, including Madame Thernardier in ‘Les Miserables’, Mother Abbess in ‘The Sound of Music’ and Norma Desmond in ‘Sunset Boulevard’. 

Maryanne has also earned other prestigious awards, including The Golden Scroll Award from the Variety Artist Club of NZ, in recognition of her talent, skills and dedication to the entertainment industry in NZ. 

This will be Maryanne’s first time directing a play and it is an honour for her to be doing it in the theatre where she directed her first musical.

 
 

 

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! 〰️

 

 

Roles

ADULT’S ROLES

Ages ranges are indicative of playing age only and will be flexible. We are open to any ethnicity for any character. Some cross-gender casting may be considered

Children’s Roles

Will double as Townspeople, Martini Children, and or Bailey Children

Please note- Children’s ages are approximate character ages. They will have dialogue, and audition excerpts will be available. They do not need to learn this off by heart for the audition.

 

George Bailey

A compassionate and selfless individual, George dreams of escaping Bedford Falls but finds himself tethered to the town due to his family and civic duty. His journey explores themes of sacrifice, the value of human connection, and finding happiness in unexpected places.

Adult George
Ages: 20-39 yrs

Child George
Age 12 yrs

Mr Potter

The primary antagonist, Mr. Potter is a wealthy and greedy businessman who represents the forces of materialism and unchecked ambition. He is contrasted with George's altruism and concern for the community.

Ages: 40’s - 60’s

 

 

Clarissa/ Clarence Oddbody

(this part could be played by a male or female)

A second-class angel, Clarence/Clarissa is tasked with helping George and ultimately earning his wings by showing him the positive impact he has on Bedford Falls. They represent hope and the transformative power of perspective.

Age: Any

 

 

Uncle Billy

George's well-meaning but somewhat absent-minded uncle and business partner, Uncle Billy often relies on George and contributes to the financial pressures faced by the Bailey family.

Ages: 40’s - 60’s

 
 

 

Violet Bick

Doubles up as ensemble

Liked all the boys, especially George when she was young. She turns all the mens heads as an adult. Saucy, kind and well-meaning, likes the good things in life.

Adult Violet
Ages 18 - 37 yrs

Child Violet
Ages 10 - 12 yrs

 

 

Harry Bailey

Doubles up as ensemble. George's younger brother, Harry, achieves success and recognition, highlighting George's own unfulfilled potential and the choices he makes.

Adult Harry
Ages 18 - 37 Yrs

Child Harry
Ages 8 - 10 Yrs

 

 

Sam Wainwright

Doubles up as ensemble. Georges childhood friend.

Adult Sam
Ages: 20-39 yrs

Child
Age: 12 yrs

 

 

Mr Gower

Drugstore owner Appears gruff and mean, smokes cigars, and is prone to drinking. But is at heart a kind soul.

Ages: Late 40’s - 60’s

 

 

Mary Hatch Bailey

George's loving and devoted wife, Mary is a source of strength and support for him throughout his life. She embodies the ideals of family, community, and enduring love.

Ages: 18-37 yrs

Child
Age: 12 yrs

 

 

Ensemble Roles

3 men, 3 women and 2 children

  • Angel Joseph

  • Ed

  • Welch

  • Bert the policeman

  • Mr Martini

  • Mrs Martini

  • Angel Gloria

  • Mrs Davies

  • Mrs Thompson

  • Randall

  • Ernie

  • Ruth Bailey

  • Martini Children

  • Bailey Children

 
 

 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

  • You will be asked to read a piece from the script, this may be the role you are auditioning for, or another role.

  • Auditions will be 5- 10 minutes

  • Please arrive in plenty of time for your audition, at least 10 minutes before your allocated time slot. We want you to be relaxed, and enjoy the process.

  • This will be a large cast for a play. We are looking for lead roles plus actors that are versatile and able to perform many of the smaller roles

  • The play does involve some carol singing and a bit of dancing in one scene

  • Remember…. we want you to be great, we want you to have fun, we are rooting for you.

 

 

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

 

 

NOTEs

The Dolphin Theatre is a welcoming and nondiscriminatory organisation.  We are seeking an incredibly diverse and inclusive cast.  We encourage community members to attend regardless of age, race, colour, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and/or experience. If you require accommodations in any way, please let us know and we will do our best to make that happen. 

 

 

Dolphin theatre is a community theatre and is run entirely by volunteers.
All acting roles are unpaid.