What: Milton Follies Theatre Workshops for Stories in the Dark
When: Monday + Thursdays 6.30-8.30pm starting Monday 3rd February and Finishing Thurday 27th February 2025
Where: Milton CWA Hall, 56 Wason Street, Milton NSW 2538
Who: Ages 10+, all abilities welcome. NB ages 10-16 workshops will run from 6.30 – 7.30, ages 17-Adult will run from 7.30-8.30
Why:
Our May 2025 production will be Stories in the Dark, a play by Deborah Oswald.
In a post-apocalyptic, war-torn city, a terrified 12 year-old boy finds himself separated from his family. When he seeks refuge in an abandoned warehouse he meets Anna—a feisty and defiant 16 year-old on a mission to find her mother.
Together they negotiate the destroyed city and its people to scavenge for food and water and search for their displaced families. At night, an unlikely bond forms as Anna tells Thomas folk stories to distract them from the horrors lurking outside—and so begins a journey into the shifting, shimmering world of ogres, princes, singing bones, foolish lads and wolf mothers.
Stories in the Dark blends the magic and earthly wisdom of folk tales with the harsh reality of a nation in conflict and the struggle to survive in a broken, unfamiliar world.
We are hoping to include performers ages 10+ and of all abilities in this production, but please note – there are mature themes and language in this play.
Our workshops are designed to be fun and low pressure. These workshops are an opportunity to get to meet the production team and other potential cast mates, as well as to participate in theatre training, drama games and character exploration. NB There is no singing or dancing required, just acting!
FAQ:
Do I need to attend all the workshops if I want to be in the play?
No. You can attend as many or as few as you like. Similarly, you can attend the workshops even if you don’t want to audition for the play!
Are these workshops the rehearsals for Stories in the Dark?
No. Rehearsals for Stories in the Dark will start in March 2023. The workshops will run only through February to give everyone the opportunity to become familiar with the play, and tips will be given on how to perform and to audition. Only those who successfully audition will need to come to rehearsals.
What do I need to know if I want to audition for Stories in the Dark?
Audition Date: Monday 3rd March, 6.30-8.30pm, CWA Hall Milton, 56 Wason Street, Milton
You don’t need to attend the workshops to audition for Stories in the Dark, but it will be to your advantage if you do. During the workshops, we will be workshopping the monologues and duologues that you will need to present at your audition.
We will request that you memorise your part for your audition. Sample scripts will be provided at the workshop or by email on request.
When is Stories in the Dark on?
Rehearsals for Stories in the Dark will be on Mondays and Thursdays 6.30-8.30pm and will start Thursday, March 6th, 2025.
Not all cast will be required for each rehearsal through March and April.
However, all cast are required to be available through all May 2023 rehearsals.
In addition, cast members MUST be available for the following dates –
- Sunday 18th May: Full Day Dress Rehearsal
- Monday 19th May: Evening Full Dress Rehearsal
- Thursday 22nd May: Evening Full Dress Rehearsal
- Friday 23rd May: 7pm Show
- Saturday 24th May: 2pm Show
- Sunday 25th May: 2pm Show
- Friday 30th May: 7pm Show
- Saturday 31st May: 2pm Show
- Sunday 1st June: 2pm Show
Who’s in the Production Team?
Director: Ruth Myers is a retired netballer working part time with no kids left at home. She is looking to fill her days. You may have already seen a lot of her on stage as Cora in the Follies’ production of Calendar Girls or more recently as Donna in Mamma Mia!. Ruth has previously been Musical Director and Producer for Seussical Jr, Disney’s Little Mermaid Jr, Anything Goes Jr, Monty Python’s Spamalot Young@Part and directed Evie and the Birdman and Letters to Lindy. She works best as part of a team, as she doesn’t really know what she’s doing.
Assistant Director: Gaby Brown burst onto the Follies stage in 2023 as “crazy lady convinced that Lindy Chamberlain was a harbinger of the apocalypse”. She has since gone from strength to strength as a writer, director and performer, bringing the role of Rosie to life in our 2024 production of Mamma Mia! You may also know Gaby from her previous incarnation as a JJJ radio presenter, and she brings a wealth of creativity to this role.
Wait! I have more questions!
- Send any questions through to our email miltonfollies@gmail.com, or
- Fill in the Contact Form below to register to attend the workshops.
We look forward to meeting you soon!
Milton Follies 