SUDS Production Callout: The Real Inspector Hound and The Bald Soprano
By Tom Stoppard and Eugene Ionesco
17th - 27th May 2023
The Cellar Theatre
Directed by Charlie Papps and Kieran Casey
Produced by Jadzia Stronell
Contact email: sudsdoublebill@gmail.com
The Real Inspector Hound is a murder mystery, following two theatre critics as they lay witness to a huge comedic spoof on a whodunnit set in an old country house. The play blends the audience with the action, providing a sharp critique on the craft of the reviewer, as well as discussing themes of fate and free will with more nuance than a majority of other comedic pieces. The characters are lively and the pace is always frantic, with interconnected webs of relationships crafting the perfect chaotic storm. Although at times profound, this play hinges on the fun it embodies, with many moving parts and nonsensical ideas.
The Bald Soprano involves the near quintessentially English couples of the Smiths and the Martins as they are about to have dinner, as they talk and tell short stories. Mary comes in and out. The Fire Chief joins the conversation halfway through the play. They talk nonsense, have meaningless banter, and tell inconclusive stories. The play is distinctly absurd.
PRODUCTION ROLES
Assistant Producer
As assistant producer, you will play an important role in overseeing the logistical and administrative aspects of running a show – This role is great for people who enjoy making spreadsheets, organising meetings, making rehearsal schedules and planning a fundraiser event. As assistant producer, you will have the opportunity to attend rehearsals and production meetings (wow!), and will be an extra set of hands for any jobs when they arise. You will have the support from our Producer who will be able to show you the ropes of what producing involves.
Production Manager
The production manager will aid the showrunning team in making sure that the separate production teams are communicating and running on schedule. They will also be a point of contact for minor questions from the production members and will be in consistent contact with the showrunning team to make sure the production moves as swiftly as possible.
Set Designer
Set Assistant
The set will be reciprocal to those classic Agatha Christie type country houses, in parody of her works. The set will then very slightly adapt to the setting of the Bald Soprano, which is a more middle class version of a similar overly English type household.
The necessities for the set of The Real Inspector Hound are a couch that can easily move in the middle of the stage (preferably with a skirt and high enough off the ground that a human body can fit underneath) and two armchairs for Moon and Birdboot, the critics. Moon and Birdboot should be watching the action on stage unfold, whilst being visible to the audience. There should be at least two entrances on stage right (with or without doors) and at least one entrance on stage left, with perhaps a window accompanying it.
The necessities for the set of The Bald Soprano are two ‘English’ Armchairs. Two more chairs. Could be armchairs, could not. One more seat, not an armchair, but nice enough for this middle class house. A door would be nice, but can use the one to the prop room - just mentioning it. Perhaps a door if you’d like. Definitely a clock.
Lighting Designer
Lighting Assistant
The lighting for Inspector Hound will be dramatic and over the top, with dramatic lighting changes and stark, over dramatic lighting during the performance. The Bald Soprano will be far less lighting heavy, with the play able to be done under a single basic wash, although this is open to discussion.
Sound Designer
Sound Operator and/or Assistant Sound
Mainly foley. For instance, a wheelchair going down some stairs and a clock chiming 27 times. That sort of thing. There may also be a little music here and there but that is up for creative discussion.
Sound designer will design these sounds. They may also be the operator if they so wish.
Sound operator will play them through the performances. If the Sound Operator would like, they may be able to assist in the design.
Costume Designer
Assistant Costume
The costumes for The Real Inspector Hound will be similar to the dress in classic Agatha Christie murder mysteries. The play within the play is set around a pre-war 20th century, so costumes should be reminiscent of that time, although they do not have to be entirely accurate due to it being a play within a play. The costumes for Birdboot and Moon should be more modern clothing, although their outfits should have a timeless quality. They are not necessarily reviewing within a set time period.
The costumes for The Bald Soprano will be costumes set in the same time as the play within a play of Inspector Hound, however should be rather bland. There should be nothing entirely remarkable about their clothing, although the two members of each couple may have a slight costume resemblance. The Fire chief must look like a fire chief and Mary as a maid.
Stage Manager
In charge of the backstage area for the show run.
In charge of the acquisition and care of props.
Graphic Designer
The graphic designer will be designing the graphics for the show. I know right, shocking. These will include the cast and crew announcements, DPs, the poster for the show, and all other relevant advertising materials. They will have a chance to have a lot of fun with the role, as these are very stupid and senseless plays, it leaves room for absurd and outlandish graphics to compliment the vibe of the show.
Photographer
The photographer will be needed at a few rehearsals and key dates such as dress runs and show nights to photograph the performance. The biggest responsibility is organising and taking cast and crew DPs and other promotional material, such as photography for the production poster.
Videographer
In charge of advertising trailers. Hopefully amusing ones.
Filming one of the show nights.
Open to other suggestions you might want to do with the role.
INTERVIEW SLOTS
Please also fill out the expression of interest form on this Facebook event, providing the times you are available to attend an interview over the coming days. Interviews will be held in person and will run for approximately 15-20 minutes each. Once you fill out the form, we will email you with your given interview time slot, based on availability. If NONE of the above timeslots work for you, contact us via our email: sudsdoublebill@gmail.com and we will discuss alternative times, dates and/or options.
Expression of Interest - Production: https://forms.gle/dMLC3e5UBBv4q41L6
We encourage applicants to bring samples of some previous work to their interviews as well as some initial ideas about what they may bring to the role. Applicants without any experience are still encouraged to apply!
An excerpt from both scripts are provided below – please create a vision for the scene focusing particularly on the aspects of production that you are most interested in.
Note: Please ignore the big mirror mentioned at the beginning of the Real Inspector Hound excerpt, that is not chill. Go from “Between MOON and the auditorium…”
Script excerpts:
Inspector Hound - https://drive.google.com/.../1s6aw_TT8-lYhZ.../view...
Bald Soprano -
https://drive.google.com/.../10javTGmfSlV0WDQO9eO.../view...
Interview Times
Monday 27th: 5pm - 7pm
Tuesday 28th: 1pm - 5pm
Wednesday 29th: 11am - 2pm
Thursday 30th: 1pm - 3pm
Friday 31st: 12pm - 2pm
CONTENT WARNINGS
Sexual References
Coarse Language
References and depictions of death and violence
For any questions, please contact Charlie, Kieran (Directors) or Jadzia (Producer) at sudsdoublebill@gmail.com. We hope to see you soon!