Season V, 2026

‘Switzerland’ by Joanna Murray-Smith
Directed by Andrew Ferguson

Audition Enquiries

Andrew Ferguson
Contact email: [email protected]

Audition and Production Address

The 1812 Theatre
3-5 Rose Street
Upper Ferntree Gully
3156

Audition Dates

Sunday evening, 29 March 19:30 – 22:00
Wednesday evening, 1 April 19:30 – 22:00

Character Listing

Patricia Highsmith: female, 60+

In the final year of her life, 1995, the real-life Patricia Highsmith was living in seclusion in Switzerland. She is unwell, dying at the age of 74. Patricia is a tortured literary genius with various morbid fascinations. She is an alcoholic, though rarely appears to be drunk. The actor will be expected to research her life in further detail and have the capacity to portray Patricia to a reasonable degree of physical likeness, including vestiges of her once great beauty and an innate gender-neutral style. This is a very demanding, lead role.

Edward: male, 20-30

Edward is a young man purportedly sent by Patricia’s publisher to ask her to write another Ripley novel. He is enigmatic, intelligent, and carries an air of mystery that unsettles Patricia. Edward’s motivations are ambiguous, blending charm with a subtle menace. He challenges Patricia’s perceptions, forcing her to confront her own vulnerabilities. The role demands emotional range and nuanced intensity. This is a very demanding, lead role. American accent required.

Precast Character

None

Other Information

Auditions are strictly by appointment. Please email the Director to arrange a time. Please also provide a resume, which includes a headshot, prior to the audition via email: [email protected].

Successful cast members MUST BE available for the full rehearsal period (16 August – 30 September 2026), with regular rehearsals on Sunday afternoons, and Tuesday & Thursday evenings, as well as all production dates (1 to 24 October 2026). Please check you are available for all dates before booking your audition time. Please also inform the Director at your audition, if there is a possibility of you taking on professional acting work that may conflict with rehearsal and performance dates.

A copy of the script will be provided, together with a list of the sections to be read at audition. It is expected that auditionees will have read the play and have a very good understanding of it.