Audition Notice

Chatroom, by Enda Walsh

Directed by Bradley Coffey

Sunday 6th November, 12noon

For more information, audition pieces and to book an audition slot, please contact Bradley on coffeybradley@gmail.com or call 07740 048534.

Production Dates

31st January - 4th February 2023

Rehearsals

18th December 2022 - 30th January 2023. (There will be three rehearsals a week. These are proposed to be Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays)

About the Play

Warning: this production contains reference to suicide and depression and brief mentions to eating disorder

A powerful depiction of modern-day isolation and the dangerous power of technology.

A chilling, blackly comic tale of manipulation, cyberbullying and adolescent insecurity.

The play's action takes place in a staged representation of the virtual space of an internet chatroom. A group of bored and restless teenagers – William, Jack, Eva, Emily and Laura – spend their time deconstructing children’s literature and the messages in modern pop music. But when a new member, Jim, joins to share his depression and thoughts of suicide, the conversation takes a dark turn. The group is torn between those who want to help and those who see this as a chance to create a martyr for the teenage population.

Please note: The playing age for all characters is teen (15- 18). However you must be over 16 years old to audition and have finished Year 11 of school.

BLT actively encourages auditionees from ethnic minority communities and any of the below parts could be played by any race.

You do not have to be a member of the company to audition, but if you are cast you must join.

Characters

WILLIAM An angry teenager. The source of his frustration is that he does not have a cause, a purpose in life. 15 - 18

JACK A silent bully. He does not react. He suggests that Jim should visit a real therapist and causes William’s negative reaction. 15 - 18

EVA Like William, she is also in search of a cause, a purpose. She becomes William’s alter ego. 15 - 18

EMILY She used to have anorexia. A silent bully. 15 - 18

LAURA She is there to listen to others, but she is not allowed to talk. She mechanically obeys the rules, she does not really help Jim. 15 - 18

JIM He is depressed because his father abandoned him, his mother despises him and he has been bullied multiple times in school. He becomes William’s purpose. 15 - 18