Audition Notice

SYNOPSIS: A thrilling retelling of Suffolk’s real-life murder mystery…

Summer 1827. In a red barn Maria Marten awaits her lover. A year later her body is found in a grain sack under the floor of the barn, barely identifiable, and so the manhunt begins.

Maria’s story sent shock waves throughout the country. The ‘Red Barn Murder’ - as it became known - was national news. A gruesome tale that had all the hallmarks of a classic crime drama – a missing body, a country location, a disreputable squire and a village stuck in its age-old traditions – it has inspired writers and filmmakers down the ages.

But, in all the hysteria, Maria’s own story got lost. Until now. Hal Chambers and Beth Flintoff’s spine-tingling retelling reclaims Maria Marten’s story and brings it back to vivid, urgent life.

THE BALLAD OF MARIA MARTEN

Beth Flintoff

RATED: PG-13

REHEARSALS BEGIN: January 7 Tuesday, 4:30-6:30 PM

REHEARSAL DATES: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday, 4:30-6:30

Ballad of Maria Marten Script

*CONTENT WARNING*

The Ballad of Maria Marten tells the true story of a woman who was murdered by her partner. A lot of the play is about the joy of friendship, however it is in many ways a tragedy. There is a theme of coercive control and the threat of violence, particularly in the second half of the play. The murder does not happen onstage and we never see the perpetrator, though they talk about him. There are descriptions of violence, and the actresses sometimes have make-up to suggest bruises, blood and other injuries, but there are no acts of violence onstage apart from a couple of moments of pushing and shoving. There are discussions about birth, baby loss and grief, as in real life Maria lost two of her children when they were newly born.

*IN ORDER TO AUDITION FOR THE ONE ACT PLAY YOU WILL NEED A PARENT PERMISSION FORM,

PLEASE PICK ONE UP FROM MRS. G IN N107 on TUESDAY, JANUARY 7th.*

Acting Audition | December 19, 4:45 - 7:00pm

What to Prepare :

Please prepare a 1-2 minute monologue. This show has a possibility of being done in British RP
Information on all known conflicts from January 7th to May 5th that would interfere with evening or weekend rehearsals/performances.
All auditionees MUST attend the acting to be considered for a role in the show.

Audition/Callbacks (By invitation only/If needed) | December 20, 4:45 - 7:45pm

What to Prepare :

Please be prepared for callbacks, the sides are linked below for each character.
Not receiving a callback does not mean you will not be cast in the production.

Tech Crew Sign Ups | Open until December 20th.

Audition Sign Ups

Tech Crew Sign Up

Callback Information

FINAL CAST LIST

The final cast list will be posted online at www.mavtheatrecompany.com on December 20th. Please note that casting decisions are made by the Production Team and are final.

REHEARSALS

FIRST MANDATORY CAST MEETING/READ THRU/HEADSHOTS:

Wednesday, January 7th from 4:30-6:430pm in the MavTheatre Black Box

BASIC REHEARSAL SCHEDULE:

Starts JAN 13 & end once OAP Contests start.
OFF SPRING BREAK

Mondays, Tuesdays Wednesdays & Fridays 6:30-8:30pm, some potential additional days TBD
All actors will be called for every rehearsal
Additional rehearsals may be scheduled during weekends/holidays ONLY if ABSOLUTELY necessary.
Schedule will be finalized after auditions at the director's discretion.

MANDATORY TECH & DRESS REHEARSALS/PERFORMANCES DATES:

PRODUCTION EXPENSES

A. Production Fee of $25, which goes towards: scripts, show t-shirt & travel expenses.

B. The production contribution and ad deposit are due January 13th

D. Costumes and Make-up: Each cast member is REQUIRED to provide his or her own shoes for the rehearsals and performances. There may be some incidental expenses for undergarments. For current health and sanitary reasons, you MUST provide your own make-up kit.

OBLIGATIONS

When you are cast it is assumed that you agree to the terms listed below:

1. You have parent permission and approval to be in the show.

2. You have explained and submitted in writing on the participation agreement all special conflicts to the director.

3. There will be NO ADDITIONAL CONFLICTS allowed other than those listed.

4. If you are ill you will call and inform the stage manager or director prior to rehearsal time and leave a message.

5. Your grades will not fall below a 75 in each class.

6. You will attend all events connected to the show.

8. You are responsible for a $25.00* production contribution.

9. You are responsible for your own shoes and make-up.

10. You will be honest, dedicated, energetic, positive and willing to go the "extra mile" to make this a highly polished and professional show.

11. A parent, guardian or other adult representative will commit to volunteering time, a meal or snacks to the production.

12. Should I fail to uphold my duties, I will be dropped from the show.

Support from home is extremely important. Please have your parents read the form in your cast packet. If there are any questions please contact Mrs. G at Gina_Hinojosa@RoundRockISD.org

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

Maria Marten -The protagonist, often shown as a young woman with a strong spirit but easily manipulated by Thomas Corder, ultimately becoming a victim of his abuse and violence.

Phoebe Stowe - Maria’s ride or die. A close friend to Maria who may represent a more outspoken and independent female voice, offering a contrast.

Sarah Stowe - A close friend to Maria who has a winning sassiness

Lucy Balhaam - Maria’s friend, but the outsider. Very courageous and grows through the play.

Anne Marten - A supportive and caring figure who offers Maria comfort and guidance, representing a source of strength amidst the challenges she faces. Woman who’s seen more than her fair share of the world’s harshness, and who has grown ever softer and kinder in response

Theresa Havers - Maria’s friend, less fortunate, and wears denial like a suit of armour

Thomas Corder - a weaselly man who behaves dishonorably or unfairly, especially towards women

Peter Matthews -chivalrous, dapper and kind

Lady Cooke - a upper class woman, who says