The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time Audition Notice

Playing dates 30^th October – 1^st November

Audition Date – Monday 24^th June 2024

“It was seven minutes after midnight. The dog was lying in the grass in the middle of the lawn in front of Mrs shears house its eyes were closed it looked as if it was running on its side the way dogs run when they think they’re chasing a cat in a dream. But the dog was not running or a sleep. The dog was dead.”

Here at NK Theatre Arts, we are excited to announce the audition information for the Northwest Amateur Premier of Simon Stephen’s richly theatrical adaptation and bleakly humorous tale of the bestselling novel ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time’.

This production will be set in the round with the actors remaining on stage throughout. We are looking for a company of 10 actors for this ensemble production which involves both multi-rolling and some whole cast abstract physical movement to immerse the audience in Christopher’s world. Out of the company of 10 actors, 4 will play the central characters of the plot, the other actors will take on a variety of roles to help tell the story. Below is a character breakdown of the central roles:

Christopher (Playing age 15): The central character to the play, Christopher knows an incredible amount about mathematics and space. He attends a school for pupils with special needs and is close to his teacher Siobhan. Christopher also finds people confusing and struggles to understand feelings and emotions. During the play, Christopher not only has to solve the case of who killed Wellington, but also a mystery much closer to home.

Siobhan (Playing age – any): Siobhan is Christopher’s teacher at school who he undoubtedly trusts. She knows him well and understands how to communicate with him effectively. Siobhan encourages Christopher to write a story that he would want to read, and in turn becomes almost the narrator of the play, helping to tell Christopher’s story.

Ed (Playing age 35+) : Ed is Christopher’s father. At the beginning of the play, he cares for Christopher alone after the disappearance of his wife. He is patient and understands Christopher, however at times he becomes exasperated with him. Ed harbours a secret that risks potentially destroying his and Christopher’s relationship.

Judy (Playing age 35+): Christopher’s estranged mother found it a hard task raising him, often shouting as she did not know how best to support him. She and Ed grow apart and eventually separate. As the play progresses, we learn more about Judy’s disappearance, which brings her and Christopher closer together.

ENSEMBLE CAST OF 6 ACTORS (Playing age – any) – From policemen, to headteachers, from ticket inspectors to elderly neighbours, the ensemble will take on a variety of roles as well as interact with Christopher through abstract physical movement to help create his world. We welcome a wide range of ages for these roles.

Audition Format

The auditions for this production will take place on Monday 24^th June at 7.30pm at the Forum Theatre, Romiley. The auditions will involve a small readthrough, before doing some script work and a short physical workshop.

*Rehearsal information will be confirmed once we have cast the production, considering availability of cast members*

For further information and to register your interest for auditioning please contact the director jake@nktheatrearts.org.uk