present

The Front is a human story. It is set during 1916 and follows the lives of the diggers and nurses based in France. Inspired by true events surrounding the Battle of Fromelles, the story celebrates the human spirit, deals with the raw tragedy of loss and aims to instill a sense of hope in the power of human kindness amidst the darkest of times. Up Front Productions is dedicated to taking this new work from page to stage such that we will launch the premiere production in time to coincide with centenary events from 2014 onwards. We believe the show will be overwhelmingly successful as it not only tells a story that is so close to the hearts of many Australians, but it is a unique opportunity to launch an all Australian work featuring world-class home grown talent. Website: www.the-front-musical.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/The-Front ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Casting Brief
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Production: The Front - Workshop. Producer: Writers: Composer: Director: UpFront Productions Lane Hinchcliffe and Rob George Lane Hinchcliffe Andy Packer

Musical Director: Matthew Carey Audition Dates: Workshop Dates: Submission Process: Tuesday, 25th Feb, and Tuesday, 4th March 2014 Monday, 31st March to Friday, 11th April 2014 Please attach headshot and resume to your submission and send to: mail@upfrontproductions.com

DEADLINE FOR SUGGESTIONS: CLOSE OF BUSINESS WED 19th Feb 2014

Character breakdowns: Frank Late 30s-40s High baritone Well educated, rather stern but also gentle. A typical school master. Natural leader. Served in the Boer war and understands the futility of the fight. Very progressive in terms of his personal values. Miriam mid 30s Soprano A gentle and motherly woman with strong convictions, very devoted to her husband, Frank. Works in a domestic matron-like role at the boarding house where Frank is headmaster. Like Frank, she shares the same progressive values and beliefs. Keith Early 20s Baritone Jovial, handsome, very typical country boy. Quite cheeky and can be a bit of a larrikin, however also has a sensitive side. Gertie Early 20s Alto A working girl, very capable and independent. Has grown up around men and is probably quite handy eg. Could change a tyre! Willy 16 High baritone Young, innocent and naive. Very loveable but slightly strange, certainly could be described as a misfit! Is very literal in describing what he sees and hears without necessarily understanding the full impact of what he is saying. E.g. Why are those men all limping? Why are those crosses covering the fields? Bert Mid-late 20s Tenor Must be able to sing B4 Handsome, very well educated and rather introverted. A very sensitive person and gentle soul. Australian born, German parents. Bluey Late 30s Bass - Baritone The sergeant. Rough and rude. A bit of a bully and a troublemaker. Is quite emotionally desensitised and not particularly phased by the horror of war. Enjoys exerting power because of his rank. Charles 20s Non-singing A young and ignorant boy who has been well educated and given the rank of officer because of his tertiary education and his family background. Is influenced by Bluey initially, but shows a huge revelation in the final moments of his life as he turns back to save Willy. Ken 50s Tenor The son of Arthur and father of Jake. He is a history teacher and very knowledgeable about the historical facts relating to the battles. Through his retelling of the events, he creates the transition between contemporary and historical narratives. Jake 20s Non-singing A young boy very similar (and possibly doubled with) the character of Charles. Like Charles, he demonstrates a huge transition from ignorance to understanding. Jake leaves us with a sense of hope for the future generation developing a new understanding.