The John Wayne Principle

Auditions for this very black comedy/drama (think Six Feet Under) will be held at the Dandenong Community Arts Centre Cnr Robinson & Walker Sts Dandenong, on Thursday 24th October starting at 7.30. It will be a general call with no individual times. If needed call backs will be on the following Tuesday 29th October.
There will be 6 performances from Fri 24th Jan 03 to Sat 1 Feb 03.

The John Wayne Principle is a darkly comic look at the world of big business and the drive behind its leadership. Robbie Slater must run his fatherÂ’s business empire for one year. If he survives, he will inherit a fortune. Robbie is confident that he can succeed, his wife is doubtful, his sister hopes he wonÂ’t even try, the company shareholders are certain he will fail and the company management is determined he will fail. Will Robbie succumb to the ruthless corporate mentality that he so hated in his father or will he succeed with his idealism intact?

The Characters
Robbie Slater, 28
Main character, a very complex role. A Harvard MBA but at the start of the play has been a househusband for 6 years, taking care of his son, fishing, cooking. Gets drawn back into business world he ran from. Basically has a good heart but in some ways still wants to prove himself to his father. Finds himself becoming more and more ruthless while trying to succeed on his own terms.

Jenny Slater, 26
RobbieÂ’s wife, attractive intelligent, a talented clothing designer whoÂ’s ambitions have not so far been achieved. In a lot of ways she is RobbieÂ’s moral centre and that of the whole play. Wonders if in his drive to prove himself, she will lose the husband she loves.

Serena Slater, 31
RobbieÂ’s sister described as sharply dressed career woman. Complex character has been the son their father wanted in many ways. Successful at business and somewhat ruthless but has an innate honesty. Less successful at personal relationships. Loves her brother but angry that he has come back after being away so long.

Sarah Stich, 32 secretary
Attractive, good at her job and proud of it. Was also good at her former career and combines the two if necessary. Pragmatic and sensible and ornamental.

Stafford Ellson, 35
Described as sartorial and smooth. A quintessential YUPPIE and proud of it. Happy to do whatever it takes to succeed. Wants everyone to be aware of his success so surrounds himself with the trappings. Major player in company management appointed as Robbie adviser, and while offering friendship is his chief saboteur.

Fiona Ellson, 31
Wife to Stafford very much Mrs Yuppie, slavish devote of fashion in clothes and food. Very bright and shiny surface with not much depth. Does harbour some inner longings for more genuine relationships.

John Hoiquist, 58, businessman
Described as portly and uptight. Major player in company management. Has spent years as the lap dog and whipping boy of Mr Slater senior and bears the scars, now is chairman of the board. Not up to the role but is trying to show who is boss. Plotting RobbieÂ’s downfall with Stafford

Alvin Join, 55, entrepreneur
Slimy businessman, after money for his latest deal, long time friend of RobbieÂ’s father and trying to use the relationship to his advantage for more money for his latest shonky deal. Obviously lacking in morals and proud of it. Crude and pushy.