Get Involved - Auditions
Whether you fancy yourself onstage, backstage or offstage, Progress Theatre offers a variety of ways for you to get involved.
We’re all volunteers here, learning on the job and from each other. There’s always room for more though, so if you want to pick up a new skill, perfect an old one, or share your expertise with us, we’d love to have you.
Open Auditions
Progress auditions are open to everyone: members, ex-members, and non-members. Unless the audition notice states otherwise, auditionees must be over 18.
If you are cast for a show, you will need to become a member, this is for legal and safety reasons.
Inclusion
Progress Theatre is committed to the principles of inclusion, and roles are open to all, including any gender identity, disability or ethnicity. Although some characters may be historical figures, auditionees of different ethnicities, disabilities and gender identities are encouraged to audition. We are committed to improving our access to all and would love to welcome you to the Progress community.
Please get in touch at [email protected]
Upcoming Auditions
Dance Nation
by Clare Barron
‘Dance Nation’ traverses the awkwardness of pre-teens on the brink of adolescence, the competitive dance world and the chaotic and messy ascension to womanhood.
Set in Ohio, a group of highly ambitious and competitive dancers are preparing for a National Dance competition led by their fearless leader Dance Teacher Pat. Their dance needs to be epic, needs to be out-of-the-ordinary, needs to be about Gandhi.
In the comical lead up to the reveal of who will be dancing the lead as Gandhi, the dancers grapple with their friendships, the demands of being a dancer and their growing curiosity around sexuality. ‘Pussy’ which was once a word of shame is reclaimed as a battle cry of empowerment and solidarity amongst the dancers.
This funny, tender show captures the angst and complexity of growing up.
Directed by Imogen Lilly.
Contact details for any questions: [email protected]
Important dates:
Read through: Saturday 20 June, 2.30pm, at Progress Theatre
Auditions:
- Thursday 2 July, 7.30pm, at Progress Theatre
- Sunday 5 July, 2.30pm, at Palmer Park (upstairs lounge)
Performance dates: 12-17 October 2026
Notes on casting:
The play is set in Ohio; therefore, the ability to perform or learn an American accent would be preferable. All cast members must be comfortable with movement.
In the notes to the play, Clare Barron states: “All characters except Dance Teacher Pat and The Moms are between the ages of 11-14. However, they should be played by adult actors (for the most part) and should range in age from 12-75+ . There is no need for any of the actors to resemble teenagers. And the more diverse the cast in terms of race, sexuality, backgrounds, bodies, souls, etc. the better”.
Casting breakdown:
Amina – The star dancer of the company and Dance Teacher Pat's favourite. Amina is ambitious, considerate, and driven. Throughout the show, we see her struggle with the desire to maintain her position as the best dancer on the team, please Dance Teacher Pat, and remain loyal to her friends. (Female-identifying actor of colour; playing age 18+)
Zuzu – The second-best dancer, always in Amina's shadow. Zuzu is a talented dancer but is unable to find the feeling that connects her to dance. She is on the cusp of questioning whether there may be a life for her outside of dance. Will Zuzu crumble under the pressure and expectations of her mother, Dance Teacher Pat, and the other girls? (Female-identifying actor; playing age 18+)
Connie – A talented dancer who believes she should play the role of Gandhi. Connie appears slightly less mature than the other girls and remains fascinated by her lucky horse toy. She is the glue of the group, with a strong sense of justice. Dedicated to dance, she is not consumed by the desire to pursue it professionally or become the best. (Female-identifying actor of South Asian descent; playing age 18+)
Luke – The only male dancer on the competition team. Luke is described throughout the play as being "one of the girls". He is integral to the group dynamic and harbours feelings for Zuzu. He is sweet, sensitive, and kind. (Male-identifying actor; playing age 18+)
Maeve – The oldest and least talented dancer on the team. Maeve holds the other girls accountable for their actions, particularly Amina, and often offers a more mature perspective during moments of confrontation. Although passionate about dance, Maeve sees it as a hobby rather than a career path. (Female-identifying actor; playing age 18+)
Sofia – Sofia is described by the playwright as the character "who knows what's up". She is on the cusp of womanhood and is exploring her sexuality and sense of self throughout the play. Sofia is bold, funny, and unapologetic. (Female-identifying actor; playing age 18+)
Ashlee – A dedicated dancer with a strong moral compass. Much like Sofia—perhaps even more so—Ashlee is bold, powerful, and ambitious. She is unabashedly confident and recognises her own potential from a young age. (Female-identifying actor of colour; playing age 18+)
Vanessa & The Moms – This role would suit an actor who is flexible and happy to multi-role. Vanessa's dreams of dancing are crushed in the opening scene when she sustains an injury. Following the opening scene, the actor takes on the roles of the dancers' parents. The mothers in Dance Nation act as voices of reason and support, while also serving as catalysts for some of the drama. (Female-identifying actor; playing age 20+)
Dance Teacher Pat - The fearless leader of the dance company. Dance Teacher Pat prides himself on a long legacy of creating successful professional dancers and star performers. On the surface he is a comical, tough dance teacher however, there is something a little uneasy about his character. (Male-identifying actor; playing age 20+)