PEP Productions – Auditions
Ride the Cyclone
Book, Music, & Lyrics by
Jacob Richmond & Brooke Maxwell
Script based on the 2023 Edition (as provided by Origin Theatrical)
Synopsis
After choir practice, five teenagers from St. Cassian High School in Uranium City, Saskatchewan, visit a local fairground. There, they encounter Karnak, a mechanical fortune teller, who encourages them to ride The Cyclone — a rollercoaster that tragically derails, killing them all.
They awaken in a surreal limbo, where Karnak offers them a chance to compete for a return to life. Each teen must tell their story to earn the opportunity. Also present is Jane Doe, a mysterious sixth victim with no memory of who she is. What follows is a darkly comic and heartfelt musical about identity, mortality, and the stories we leave behind.
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Director: Daniel Kim (he/him)
Assistant Director: Caroline Leavey (she/her)
Musical Director: Isaac Stott (he/him)
Choreographer: Maya Lee (she/her)
Production Manager: Justin Cleaver (he/him)
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Audition Information
Audition Dates:
• Thursday 9th October
• Sunday 12th October
Location: TBC
Callbacks:
• Monday 20th October (movement call back may also be required)
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Book Your Audition
To secure your audition time, please complete the information at the link below:
https://www.trybooking.com/DGCFH
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Audition Requirements
Please prepare a 90 second cut of two contrasting songs:
• One that demonstrates character
• One that showcases your vocal range and ability
You are welcome to use sheet music (an accompanist will be provided) or backing tracks (please provide your own speaker).
If you are auditioning for the role of The Amazing Karnak, you will not need to prepare a song. You will be sent a monologue to present at the auditions.
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Eligibility
Auditionees must be 18 years or older by the start of rehearsals.
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Inclusion & Accessibility
PEP Productions warmly welcomes and encourages auditionees of all cultural and linguistic backgrounds, including individuals from the BIPOC, Disabled, Neurodivergent, and LGBTQIA+ communities.
If you have any specific access needs or support requirements for your audition, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We're committed to making the audition process as welcoming and accessible as possible.
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Character Breakdown
Notes:
• All listed ages refer to playing age and are flexible.
• Genders/pronouns listed refer to character identities.
• Performers of any gender identity are welcome to audition for any role.
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OCEAN O’Connell Rosenberg
• Age: 17
• Vocal Range: Ab3 – A5 (Alto/Soprano)
• Description: The group’s leader. Ambitious, competitive, and self-righteous. She sees herself as virtuous, though she can be cruel.
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MISCHA Bachinski
• Age: 18
• Vocal Range: Bb2, mix up to Bb4, falsetto up to C5 (Baritenor; rap/folk with auto-tune elements)
• Description: Ukrainian-born and adopted as a teen. Tough and aggressive on the outside, but romantic and soulful underneath.
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NOEL Gruber
• Age: 17
• Vocal Range: F#2 – A4, falsetto up to C5 but up to B5 is possible (Tenor; smooth, cabaret style)
• Description: Uranium’s only out queer teen. Morbid, intellectual, and obsessed with French New Wave cinema. Yearns for a dramatic end.
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RICKY Potts
• Age: 17
• Vocal Range: Bb2 – C5, falsetto up to A5 is appreciated (Baritone; pop/rock style)
• Description: Formerly mute due to trauma. In limbo, he regains speech. Withdrawn but imaginative, having built a vivid fantasy world.
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CONSTANCE Blackwood
• Age: 17
• Vocal Range: F#3 – D5 (Alto; rock/pop belt)
• Description: Kind, awkward, and often dismissed. Carries deep insecurities beneath her bubbly exterior. Ocean’s best friend and frequent target.
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JANE Doe
• Age: Unknown
• Vocal Range: B3 – D6 (Classical soprano with strong upper coloratura and lower depth)
• Description: A mysterious girl with no memory or identity. Detached and literal. Her presence unsettles the others. May carry a headless doll as symbolism.
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THE AMAZING KARNAK
• Age: Timeless
• Vocal: Spoken word only
• Description: A mechanical fortune-teller who serves as the narrator. Calm, serious, and otherworldly.
Note: Karnak will be portrayed using an oversized puppet. The actor may be required to voice and puppeteer simultaneously.
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ENSEMBLE
• Description: Minimum of two additional performers will support the production with vocals, movement, and transitions. May also assist with puppetry for Karnak.
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Intimacy Note
During the show, Noel and Mischa share a kiss during one of Noel’s songs. Later, Mischa cries and hugs Noel in a moment of vulnerability. Noel returns the hug, turning it into a genuine moment of friendship.
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Rehearsal Information
Rehearsal Location:
To be confirmed (likely in the Bayswater / Box Hill / Croydon area)
Initial Rehearsal Period:
• Begins: Wednesday 5th November 2025
• Concludes: Wednesday 19th December 2025
Regular Rehearsals:
• Mondays, Wednesdays, Sundays (TBC with final venue)
Christmas Break:
• Monday 22nd December – Sunday 4th January
Rehearsals Resume:
• Monday 5th January 2026
Full-Day Weekend Rehearsals:
• Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th January (10am–5pm)
• Saturday 31st January & Sunday 1st February (10am–5pm)
Sitz probe:
• To be confirmed
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Production Week & Performances
Theatre: Doncaster Playhouse
Bump-In:
• Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th February
Technical Rehearsals:
• Monday 9th & Tuesday 10th February
Dress Rehearsals:
• Wednesday 11th & Thursday 12th February
Performances:
• Friday 13th February – 8:00pm
• Saturday 14th February – 8:00pm
• Sunday 15th February – 5:00pm
• Wednesday 18th February – 8:00pm (potential additional performance)
• Thursday 19th February – 8:00pm
• Friday 20th February – 8:00pm
• Saturday 21st February – 2:00pm & 8:00pm
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Please note that this an amateur production and therefore no remuneration is available.
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