Baz Luhrmann's STRICTLY BALLROOM THE MUSICAL on the Hunt for 'Fran'; Auditions This Weekend

STRICTLY BALLROOM THE MUSICAL will tango, sashay and bogo pogo its way onto the Sydney Lyric Stage from 25 March 2014, thanks to the original creative team behind the classic 1992 film, director and co-writer Baz Luhrmann, set and costume designer Catherine Martin, choreographer John "Cha Cha" O'Connell and co-writer Craig Pearce.

Although auditions have been held for some time Baz Luhrmann is still looking for an actress to play the lead female role "Fran".

General auditions will be held in Melbourne this weekend, Saturday 21 September and in Sydney on Sunday 22 September. Just show up on the day ready for action.

"Fran" is a girl in her early 20's who blossoms from the ugly, awkward duckling of the dance studio into a beautiful and passionate dancer (and Scott's dance partner) as they display their breathtaking, rule-breaking new dance routine in the finale of the show. A character who undergoes a real transformation, as Fran and Scott become dance partners, fall in love and stand up for what they believe in. She is truthful, can be very direct and is strong and proud.

Anyone can come and audition but certain skills are required. Auditionees should be a strong actor/singer with dance training, ballroom training is a bonus but not essential. No vocal range is specified. Auditionees should bring sheet music for a song of their choice in the right key, but ideally people auditioning should prepare the Cyndi Lauper song "Time After Time" or another 80's ballad.

Just turn up on the day and register between 9am and 10am. Auditionees must bring a headshot and full resume of their training in singing, acting and dance and any performance work they have done. If they are called back to dance on the day they will need to wear characters shoes. They need to be prepared to wait around. Any successful auditionees will be required to attend a professional audition call - in Sydney on Monday the 23rd and in Melbourne on Thursday the 26th. Full details will be supplied to them at the end of their audition on the Saturday or Sunday.

Auditions will be held:

Sydney: Sunday 22 September from 9am, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Pier 4, 15 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay 2000

Information: www.lynneruthvencasting.com.

STRICTLY BALLROOM THE MUSICAL is the inspiring story of a championship ballroom dancer who defies all the rules to follow his heart. This uplifting and courageous tale originated as a stage play that Baz Luhrmann devised with a group of students at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) back in 1984. Then, after a preview season at the Brisbane Expo in 1988, the play opened at the Wharf Studios in Sydney.

Strictly Ballroom went on to become one of the most successful Australian films of all time, earning more than $80 million at the box office. Discovered at the Cannes Film Festival, it was winner of the Prix de Jeunnesse and runner up for the Palme D'Or. When released in Australia, Strictly Ballroom swept the field at the 1992 Australian Film Institute (AFI) Awards, gaining 13 nominations and winning in eight major categories. With the success of the film, its closing song, a remake of the John Paul Young song Love is in the Air, re-entered the Australian charts and became a Top 5 hit in October 1992.

In a brand new theatrical production, STRICTLY BALLROOM THE MUSICAL will bring this iconic story to life on stage. It will feature break-into-song numbers created from original classics from the film, Love is in the Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps, andTime After Time as well as newly composed songs.

Bookings: Ticketmaster.com.au or 1300 795 26. For more about the show, visit www.strictlyballroomthemusical.com.

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