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!
〰️
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.