1984 // Radio Play – Auditions

Audition Notice:
1984 // Radio Play

by George Orwell (via LUX Radio Play Scripts)

The Brown County Playhouse and director Joshua Lane will hold auditions for the radio play of 1984 at the Brown County Playhouse on February 15 and 16 from 5 p.m.–8:00 p.m. You can arrive anytime during the three-hour window. Actors will read from audition sides, which will be provided when you arrive. If these do not work for you, please reach out to the director at joshua.marcus.lane@gmail.com to arrange an alternative meeting time or to submit a video audition. Production staff are also needed, so if you have an interest in helping out behind the scenes, see the list after available character roles.

Important dates:
Production dates will be April 10, 11, and 12. The table-read will be one week after auditions, and rehearsals will begin the week after that. Rehearsals will be 1-2 times per week at first, moving to 2-3 every week as we get closer depending on needs of the cast/show. Tech week will be Monday, April 6 – 9 the week of performances.

Show Overview:
The year is said to be 1984, and the Ingsoc Party controls all facets of daily life in Oceania. Winston Smith is a low-ranking party member, and just like everyone else is monitored around the clock. The Party uses technology, language, newspapers, history, war, and the fears of its citizens to maintain control over the thoughts and actions of its citizens – for thoughtcrime is the worst crime. But then a new love brings Winston’s world back to life, and a deep connection with a shadowy revolutionary figure convinces Winston to put it all on the line for a chance at true freedom.

Character overview:
The ages shown below are what the script suggests. However, the director encourages anyone interested to audition for the show, even if your age doesn’t match up with certain roles. Characters may list a specific gender but any with an asterisk (*) may be gender-swapped, so consider those as well.

ROLES:
WINSTON SMITH (male, 30s-40s)
JULIA (female, 20s-30s)
O’BRIEN (male, Irish but accent is optional)
INNER VOICE (of Winston)
NARRATOR
TELESCREEN (one or multiple people)
BIG BROTHER (30s-50s)
SYME* (male, 30s-50s)
PARSONS* (male, 30s)
CHARRINGTON* (male, 50s and up)
MILLIE (female, 10-15)
GUARD
PRISONER* (male)
VOICES (multiple)

Also:
ANNOUNCER (initial introduction, any ads we may do)
HOST (main introduction, intermission breaks, possible ads)

CREW:
Assistant Director
Production Manager
Stage Manager
Spotlight Operator
Stagehand