The Private War of Corporal Cooper
THE PRIVATE WAR OF CORPORAL COOPER
Written by John Broughton
On Stage: 23 – 28 April 2025
PLAY SYNOPSIS
This is a powerful, short one act play set in New Zealand during World War 1, featuring Sister Mary Bartholomew, a nun knitting socks for soldiers.
When Corporal Johnny Cooper, a soldier with the First New Zealand Expeditionary Force in France receives her socks in a Red Cross parcel, he finds her name on a note inside. Unaware she is a nun, he writes back. This is a spiritual, dramatic, and touching play for two characters.
AUDITIONS
Audition Date: Monday 10th February
Time: 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Where: 16th Ave Theatre Green Room
CHARACTERS
Sister Bartholemew: A Dominican Novice Nun who is a teacher at St Joseph’s Convent in Dunedin
Corporal Johnny Cooper: A young soldier with the First New Zealand Expeditionary Force in France in 1916
For further details phone: Heather on 021 021 95 555
Complete the on-line audition form: https://16avetheatre.co.nz/register
GENERAL INFORMATION
All performers wishing to audition must complete the online audition application form
All cast and crew of this show must become (if you are not already) a member of 16th Ave Theatre prior to rehearsals starting.
Membership forms are available on-line www.16avetheatre.co.nz and payment can be made on-line or at the theatre via Eftpos.
Whilst talent is the primary consideration when casting, a high level of commitment is essential. Our final choices for all roles will be made with this firmly in mind.
On the day of auditions, please arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your audition time, allowing time for administration and your individual preparation.
PRODUCTION EXPECTATIONS
Your participation in this production requires your commitment to ensure a production of the highest possible quality. This is a very short season, and we will organise rehearsals around your schedules and other commitments.
If you have any other commitments (personal or work) that may impact on your ability to attend rehearsals, you must provide full relevant details in your audition application. This will be taken into consideration during your audition.
PRODUCTION TEAM
Director: Heather Graham
Production Manager: Apply for this volunteer role
Stage Manager: Apply for this volunteer role
Props Manager: Apply for this volunteer role
Lighting and Sound Operators: Apply for this volunteer role
Email the director to apply for these production team roles - info@16avetheatre.co.nz
REHEARSALS
Sunday 16th February 7pm
1st Read through, meet the team and Health and Safety briefing: Sunday 16th February 7pm
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 7.00m – 8.30pm
Sundays: to be confirmed once cast confirmed
There will be no rehearsals on 23rd or 25th February or between 26th March and 5th April.
Double runs on Sunday 13th April for Technical and Final Dress Rehearsal Easter Monday 21st April - time to be confirmed
An online calendar showing all rehearsals and other show-related events will be provided. This will be regularly updated throughout the rehearsal season, and it is your responsibility to keep up to date. A printed rehearsal schedules will be posted on the notice board
During rehearsals, we expect that our performers will be prepared.
This means:
Arriving in advance and be ready to work at the scheduled time
- having learnt and reviewed your lines and movement for the scheduled scene(s)
- having warmed up both vocally and physically
- paying attention and being respectful to the creative team and to your fellow cast members
We strongly recommend that performers prepare a rehearsal bag that includes some or all of the following:
- script, pencil, pad and eraser
- named water bottle
- a variety of snacks – fruit, granola bars, nuts and sweets
- personal hygiene supplies – deodorant or antiperspirant, wipes and towel
Cell phone – to be on silent during rehearsals
IMPORTANTANT DATES
Bios for programme to be completed by Sunday 21st March
Photoshoot for programme to be confirmed
Costume call Sunday 6th April
Tech week 7-13th April
Double Sunday rehearsal will be on Easter Monday 21st April. FOH Team will attend
PERFORMANCE DATES
Wednesday 23rd April Opening Night 7.30pm
Thursday 24th April 7.30pm
Friday ANZAC DAY 25th April 7.30pm
Saturday 7.30pm
Sunday 2.00pm