TGSS AUDITIONS: Talk Radio (SOLD OUT)
An Amateur Production By Arrangement with ORiGiN™ Theatrical, on behalf of The Theatre Guild Student Society
TALK RADIO
Written by Eric Bogosian - Directed by Atticus Chave
AUDITIONS:
Adelaide University City East Campus Braggs Tutorial Room 4.27
Thursday, 13th August, Saturday, 15th August, Sunday 16th August.
A self-tape option is also acceptable if you are unable to attend any of the available audition slots.
SYNOPSIS: Barry Champlain, Cleveland's controversial radio host, is on the air doing what he does best: insulting the pathetic souls who call in the middle of the night to sound off. Tomorrow, Barry's show ‘Night Talk’ is going into national syndication and his producer is afraid that Barry will say something that will offend the sponsors. In response he makes this show one both them and Barry will never forget. Nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 1987, ‘Talk Radio’ explores the lowest depths of humanity - both the people calling in and Barry himself - through a high-octane and compelling script. Whilst dated at times, commentary on the ethics of ‘outrage media’ still rings true in our modern era of manosphere podcasts, lolcows and Joe Rogan.
Content Warning: This show includes depictions of misogyny, racism and anti-semitism, as well as references to self-harm and suicide. Smoking and drinking also appear throughout the play.
SEASON: December 2nd-4th 2026, 7:30pm, and December 5th 2026, 2pm & 7:30pm (5 performances)
PERFORMANCE VENUE: Little Theatre, Adelaide University
REHEARSALS: Rehearsals will begin early September, typically on Wednesday evenings (6:00pm – 9:00pm) and Sundays (11:00am – 4:00pm), depending on availability. Full rehearsal schedule TBD with director and cast; however, cast MUST have availability for full days on the 29th & 30th of November, and the 1st of December. Please email us if you have any questions about the rehearsal period, otherwise the director will discuss this further with you if you are cast in the production.
CHARACTERS:
All auditionees are encouraged to attempt an American accent during auditions. All characters can be played by any gender, as long as actors are comfortable performing as that gender on stage, and actors of all races are encouraged to audition for any character.
BARRY CHAMPLAIN (M) (stage age: 30s-40s): The host of “Night Talk”. A Shock jock who’s main aim in most conversations is to piss someone off, think Howard Stern. He’s cynical, snide and angry at the world around him, and slowly loses his cool as the show goes on. This role will be on stage and speaking for the majority of the production, and requires someone who’s confident in their line learning abilities.
STU NOONAN (M) (stage age: 30s-40s): Barry Champlain’s operator. Stu is in charge of taking the calls before they ever reach Barry. A long time friend and collaborator of Barry’s, he admires and enables him in many ways, but would never want to live his life. Has a wife and child, generally level headed.
LINDA MACARTHUR (F) (stage age: 20s-30s): Associate producer for “Night Talk”. In an on and off again relationship with Barry, dealing with him outside of his on-mic persona. Despite being an associate producer, she often gets treated more like a personal assistant.
DAN WOODRUFF (M) (stage age: 30s): Executive producer, WLTK. A sharp suited, confident young businessman and admirer of Barry for his outrageous conversations. However, the sponsors come first for Dan, so he tries his best to wrangle him in.
KENT (M) (stage age: 18): After calling in to ‘Night Talk’, Kent is invited into the studio to be on the show. He’s your typical teenage stoner delinquent, not terribly bright and doesn’t make for very stimulating conversation. The circumstances of his call are what interests Barry, which is how he ends up at WLTK.
CALLERS (Any age or gender): There are around 20-25 calls throughout the show, with different characters played by each actor cast as a “Caller”. Each actor will play roughly 3-5 characters throughout the show. This is a great opportunity for people who have a range of voices and character acting ability. We are casting 6 actors for these roles, and you may choose to audition only for these characters and not for a main character.
These characters range from lonely housewives, truckers on the road, long time regular callers, activists, and bigoted old ladies. Some callers will also be playing the radio hosts before and after Barry, as well as their operators. All Auditionees for any main characters will also be required to read for at least one caller of their choosing, with possible additional blind readings on the day. Those just auditioning for callers can pick up to three conversations to perform during their audition.
AUDITION STRUCTURE: Audition material will be sent out prior to the dates, and auditions will take place in individual 15 minute time slots. Actors will first perform a monologue, followed by a conversational piece with a member of the panel. If time allows, actors will then be given a piece to read blind.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION - Please read before booking.
This production is on a volunteer basis, as with all Theatre Guild productions.
Actors are welcome to audition for Theatre Guild Student Society productions provided that they are currently enrolled in a tertiary institution, with preference given to current Adelaide University students. Exceptions may be allowed, but please let us know in your audition form if this is not the case.
AUTG is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage performers of all races and ethnicities, gender identities, and abilities to audition. However, please be aware that the Little Theatre is not fully equipped for those with a physical disability. The foyer and auditorium are accessible via ground floor entrance, but the stage and backstage areas are unfortunately not equipped for wheelchair access.
Please be aware that everyone involved in an Adelaide University Theatre Guild Student Society production is required to become a member of the Adelaide University Theatre Guild. Auditions are open to everyone, but any roles will only be confirmed once you have become a member. Membership can be purchased via: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1450145
For any additional enquiries about ‘Talk Radio’ auditions, email us at tgss@clubs.ausaadelaide.com.au
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TGSS AUDITIONS: Talk Radio (SOLD OUT)
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