A Man of No Importance AUDITIONS

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Executive Producer: Janey Carr

Producers: Shannon Cottrell and Sheri Kowalski

Director: Dot Routledge

Assistant Directors: Janet Flynn and Victoria Santos-Geldart 

Musical Director:  Miguel Malaco

Choreographer: Janet Flynn 

Stage Manager:  Amanda Cook

Rehearsal Pianist: Luke Bagdonas 

 From the award-winning writers of Ragtime and Anastasia comes one of musical theatre's best-kept secrets—a funny, moving, and deeply human story filled with unforgettable characters and soaring Irish-inspired music.

Set in 1960s Dublin, A Man of No Importance follows Alfie Byrne, a bus conductor, poet, and passionate amateur theatre director, as he brings his community together to stage an Oscar Wilde play. Along the way, he—and those around him—discover the courage to embrace love, identity, acceptance, and the extraordinary beauty found in ordinary lives.

This rich ensemble musical is filled with wonderful roles for performers of all ages, from young adults to seasoned character actors. Whether you're looking for a heartfelt leading role, a memorable comedic turn, or the chance to be part of an exceptional ensemble, there's truly something for everyone. Overflowing with Irish wit, warmth, humour, and heart, A Man of No Importance is a hidden gem that will leave audiences laughing, crying, and cheering. Join us as we bring this unforgettable story to life.

February 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18 and 19, 2027 at 8pm

February 7, 14 and 20, 2027 at 2pm

Additional performances may be added on February 6 (2pm), February 10 (8 pm), February 13 (2pm) and/or February 17 (8 pm). Extra shows being added will be confirmed by January 4, 2027 at the latest.

Cast members must be available for ALL performances.

Venue: Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston Rd (NE corner of Kingston and Markham)

 An information session will be held on Sunday, August 23 at 7 pm in a hybrid format.

This is a great chance to meet the team, hear their ideas and how they work, get some tips on how to have a successful audition and ask lots of questions. 

Please note the Information Night Zoom session will be recorded and posted online.

Please use the following Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89272613098?pwd=tg8fKSvvu4GI5Zj1fLxVM2Qj0nCA3W.1 

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 from 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Friday, September 18, 2026 from 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm

 Friday, September 25, 2026 from 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm

 Tuesday, September 15, 2026: Scarborough Village Theatre — 3600 Kingston Road, Scarborough, ON. The theatre is located in the Scarborough Village Recreation Centre. Please use the recreation centre’s main entrance off Markham Road, then proceed to the theatre lobby. 

All other audition dates/ callbacks and rehearsals: SMT’s Unit, The Estate — 51 Estate Drive, Scarborough, ON. The entrance is not visible from the street but is across the street from The Keg a few doors down from Ink Drip Printing which is visible from the street.

 Rehearsals will begin on Sunday, November 22 or Monday, November 23, 2026 and continue:

Mondays and Wednesdays 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm and Sundays 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Please note there may be rehearsals over the end-of-year holiday period (Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa thru New Year). Please be sure to include any conflicts during this time on your audition sheet.

Additional or longer rehearsals will be held once the production has moved to the theatre. Rehearsals at the theatre are as follows (dates/times may be adjusted):

Move-in: January 24, 2027 from 9:00 am – 9:00 pm

Sitzprobe: January 24, 2027 from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Sound Rehearsal: January 27, 2027 from 6:30 pm – 11:00 pm

Q2Q Technical Rehearsal: January 31, 2027 from 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

Technical Dress Rehearsal: February 1, 2027 from 6:30 pm – 11:00 pm

Dress Rehearsal with Orchestra: February 2, 2027 from 6:30 pm – 11:00 pm

Final Dress Rehearsal with Orchestra: February 3, 2027 from 6:30 pm – 11:00 pm

Post Show Unit Clean Up: February 27, 2027 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Please prepare TWO songs from musicals in the style of A Man of No Importance keeping in mind the following:

1. We will only hear one – the second song should be a 16-32 bar selection as a back-up choice should we want to hear something different.
2. Songs should showcase your vocal range and storytelling ability. Think about the character that you are auditioning for and the types of songs they sing!
3. You will receive redirects of your song so please make sure you are really comfortable with it. Your song should be memorized.
4. We may cut off the songs or we may ask you to stop mid-song, give you a re-direct, and ask you to continue.
5. Please no pop songs. 
6. Please no songs from A Man of No Importance. We’ll hear those on call-back day!

Please help the pianist to help you!

Make sure your sheet music is:

• In the proper key for the pianist.
• Hole punched and placed in a binder.
• Preferably double sided.
• Clearly marked for the accompanist with any cuts or repeats.
• Please refrain from taping together sheets of music or bringing single loose sheets of music.

Dance

There will be a dance call held halfway through each audition session at 8:30 pm. You must attend the session on the day of your audition so be prepared to come early or stay later depending on the timing of your audition.

Please wear comfortable clothes, appropriate footwear (e.g., running shoes, dance shoes), and enjoy yourself. That counts as much as whether you get the steps!

Accents

All performers cast in A Man of No Importance will be expected to perform with a Dublin, Ireland accent.

Accents are not required for initial auditions. However, we ask that performers auditioning at callbacks make an effort to use a Dublin accent so we can begin working with you in the style of the production.

Don't worry if your accent isn't perfect—we'll be working on dialects throughout the rehearsal process, and no one is expected to arrive as an expert. We simply ask that you come prepared to learn, take direction, and continue developing your accent during rehearsals.

If you'd like to get a head start, we recommend this excellent Dublin accent tutorial:

How to Do a Dublin Accent (YouTube)

Online Form

Once you book an audition you will be sent a link to our online audition form. Please make sure to fill this out as soon as possible. As part of the form you will be asked to provide a full list of conflicts. Be as thorough as you can, especially around the winter holidays. If there are changes in conflicts during the audition process, please inform the producers, or bring an updated list to the audition and/or call backs.

The information provided will be used when creating the rehearsal schedule. Please note it is a lot of work to reschedule a rehearsal because of last minute conflicts. Conflicts added after the time of auditions may result in removal from the show or numbers in the show.

Should you receive a call-back please assume you will need to be there for the entire session. We will provide a schedule for the session. Once you have been released you are welcome to stay to watch the rest of the call-back. It’s always nice for folks to have an audience that isn’t the panel.

Those called back will be asked to prepare specific scenes and musical selections from the show. These will be sent along with callback notifications and will also be available for preview online ahead of time.

Callback material does not need to be memorized but you should be familiar enough with it that you can participate and connect with your scene partners and the panel.

Please note – though we will try, we may not be able to accommodate all conflicts for call-backs.

To book an audition, contact auditions@smt-theatre.com. Please indicate your preference of audition date/time and role(s) you are interested in auditioning for.

 Physicality Codes Legend

C = basic physical contact like shaking hands, arm-in-arm and partner dancing   

D = a dance role   E = embracing    F = fight choreography     K = kissing

L = weight bearing, lifting, or being lifted      SI = staged intimacy

Casting Notes

Please note that age ranges given in the descriptions indicate perceived appearance on stage as opposed to the actor's chronological age. These are just guidelines. 

We are open to diverse casting and all roles are open to consideration regardless of background, ethnicity or sexual/gender orientation.

Roles Available

Alfie Byrne

A gentle Dublin bus conductor with a passion for amateur theatre, Alfie Byrne is kind, optimistic, and deeply devoted to his community. Quietly funny and endlessly compassionate, he dreams of bringing people together through the transformative power of art while carrying a deeply personal secret in a society that offers little acceptance.

The heart of the story, Alfie's journey is one of courage, self-discovery, and authenticity. This role requires an actor with exceptional emotional range, able to balance warmth, humour, vulnerability, and resilience. A strong, expressive baritone and excellent storytelling ability are essential.

Age: 35 to 45  Gender: Male  Physicality Codes: C, E, F, K
Vocal range top: E4  Vocal range bottom: A2  
Voice Type: Tenor

Lily Byrne

Alfie's sister, Lily is practical, fiercely protective, and the steady force in his life. She has spent years caring for her brother and keeping their household together, often expressing her love through gentle teasing, unwavering loyalty, and a healthy dose of Irish wit. Though she can be stubborn and outspoken, her warmth and compassion shine through.

Lily’s journey is one of learning to let go and accept the changes in the person she loves most. The role requires an actor with excellent comic timing, emotional depth, and a strong stage presence. A warm mezzo-soprano with strong acting skills is essential to capture both Lily’s humour and her heartfelt devotion to her brother.

Age: 40 to 50  Gender: Female  Physicality Codes: C, E
Vocal range top: C5  Vocal range bottom: E3
Voice Type: Alto/Mezzo

Robbie Faye

A handsome young bus conductor who is a little rough around the edges, with natural charm, confidence, and a quick wit. Popular with everyone around him, Robbie has an easy-going nature and a mischievous sense of humour, but beneath his tough exterior is a kind and compassionate man who genuinely cares for those around him. Though expected to follow the conventional path laid out for him, Robbie finds himself questioning what he truly wants from life. 

Age: 20 to 35  Gender: Male  Physicality Codes: C, E, K, SI
Vocal range top: A4  Vocal range bottom: C3
Voice Type: Tenor

Adele Rice

New to Alfie's bus route, Adele is a sweet, genuine young woman whose warmth and quiet confidence immediately catch his attention. Though she has a small-town innocence, she is wise beyond her years and possesses an inner strength that makes her a natural fit for Alfie's beloved theatre group and the role of Princess in Salome.

The role requires a charismatic actor with a warm stage presence, strong storytelling ability, and an expressive soprano voice. Adele is earnest, hopeful, and full of heart, bringing both charm and emotional honesty to the production.

Age: 18 to 25  Gender: Female  Physicality Codes: C, E
Vocal range top: F5  Vocal range bottom: C4
Voice Type: Soprano

Mr. Carney/Oscar Wilde

One actor portrays two strikingly different but deeply connected characters. Carney is the local butcher and the self-appointed leading man of St. Imelda's Players. Boisterous, charismatic, and larger than life, he thrives on attention and takes great pride in his theatrical reputation. Socially and morally conservative, he has little patience for ideas that challenge the status quo and is determined to marry Lily. The role demands excellent comic timing, confidence, and a commanding stage presence.

In contrast, Oscar Wilde is Alfie's imagined confidant and muse—a witty, elegant, and effortlessly charming presence who serves as his guide, conscience, and source of courage. Sophisticated, insightful, and quietly compassionate, Wilde encourages Alfie to embrace his authentic self and the transformative power of art. This actor must seamlessly transition between broad comedy and poignant emotional moments

Age: 45 to 60  Gender: Male  Physicality Codes: C, E
Vocal range top: G4  Vocal range bottom: A2
Voice Type: Baritone/Lower Tenor

Baldy

The longtime stage manager of the St. Imelda's Players, Baldy is a retired publican—the former owner of a local Irish pub—who has become the steady hand behind every production. Crusty, quick with a sarcastic remark, and never one to sugar-coat the truth, he keeps rehearsals running with equal parts exasperation and affection. Though he can seem gruff on the surface, his loyalty to the Players and the people around him runs deep.

Having lost his beloved wife, a fellow member of St. Imelda's Players, Baldy carries both humour and heart in equal measure. Beneath his acerbic exterior is a compassionate man who understands the importance of friendship, community, and the family they have built through theatre. This role calls for a strong character actor with excellent comic timing, warmth, and the ability to balance sharp wit with genuine emotional depth.

Age: 50+ Gender: Male  Physicality Codes: C
Vocal range top: G4  Vocal range bottom: B2
Voice Type: Baritone/Lower Tenor

Mrs. Patrick

A wife, mother of three, and respected member of St. Imelda's Sodality, Mrs. Patrick has spent years living within the expectations of her faith and community. Beneath her composed exterior, however, is a woman yearning for passion, connection, and a life that feels truly her own. Her affair with Robbie reveals both her courage and her vulnerability as she struggles to reconcile her heart with the rigid moral standards of the world around her.

This role calls for an actor who can balance warmth, wit, and emotional depth, portraying a woman caught between duty and desire with honesty and compassion.

Age: 35 to 45  Gender: Female  Physicality Codes: C, E, K, SI
Vocal range top: E5  Vocal range bottom: G3
Voice Type: Mezzo-Soprano

Mrs. Grace / Kitty Farrelly

A dynamic character track that allows one actor to portray two unforgettable women at the heart of the community. Mrs. Grace is the grand dame of St. Imelda's Players. Elegant, commanding, and never one to be overlooked, she has a remarkable ability to make every situation just a little bit about herself. Accustomed to getting her own way, she is larger than life, delightfully theatrical, and a formidable presence both on and off the stage.

In contrast, Kitty Farrelly is the quick-witted owner of the local pub. Earthy, sharp-tongued, and often seen with a cigar in hand, she knows everyone in the neighbourhood and isn't afraid to keep even the rowdiest patrons in line. Beneath her tough exterior is a kind, perceptive woman with a generous heart and a healthy dose of common sense. This role calls for a performer with excellent comedic timing, strong character work, and the versatility to create two vibrant and completely distinct personalities.

.Age:40+     Gender: Female      Physicality Codes: C, E
Vocal range top: F5  Vocal range bottom: A3
Voice Type: Mezzo-Soprano/Soprano

Miss Crowe

The devoted costume designer for the St. Imelda's Players, Miss Crowe is a gentle, timid spinster whose quiet kindness and unwavering loyalty have made her an integral part of the company. She harbours a long-standing crush on Alfie, expressed more through thoughtful gestures than bold declarations, and treasures the close-knit community the Players have created together.

Years ago, Miss Crowe played Peter Pan—a role that remains the defining theatrical moment of her life. She still holds that memory clos. This role calls for an actor who can balance gentle comedy with heartfelt sincerity, bringing warmth, vulnerability, and quiet optimism to one of the show's most endearing characters

Age: 40+  Gender: Female  Physicality Codes: C, E
Vocal range top: A5  Vocal range bottom: B3
Voice Type: Mezzo-Soprano/Soprano

Mrs. Curtin

A former child star of the Dublin Music Hall, Maureen has never lost her love of performing. Now married with nine children, she brings boundless energy, infectious enthusiasm, and a touch of old-fashioned showbiz glamour to the St. Imelda's Players. The stage is where she truly comes alive, and every rehearsal is another chance to relive the magic of her performing days.

Confident, charismatic, and full of personality, Maureen is a natural entertainer who delights in every moment under the spotlight. This role calls for a strong singer, actor, who can capture Maureen's larger-than-life spirit, comic flair, and unwavering passion for the theatre. Some experience or willingness to learn tap is essential.

Age: 30+  Gender: Female  Physicality Codes: C, D, E
Vocal range top: D5  Vocal range bottom: A3
Voice Type: Alto/Mezzo

Rasher Flynn/Monsignor

A richly contrasting character track that blends warmth, comedy, and dramatic weight. Rasher Flynn is the beloved technician for the St. Imelda's Players. Once an accomplished All-Ireland gymnast, he now spends as much time with a cigarette and a pint as he does backstage. Good-hearted, uncomplicated, and endlessly enthusiastic, Rasher approaches life—and theatre—with unwavering loyalty and infectious optimism.

In stark contrast, The Monsignor is a commanding and influential figure within the Church. Authoritative, uncompromising, and steadfast in his beliefs, he ultimately brings the St. Imelda's Players' production to an abrupt end. His presence serves as a powerful reminder of the social and religious pressures that shape the lives of those around him. This role calls for an actor with the versatility to balance broad character comedy with quiet authority and dramatic gravitas.

Age: 40+  Gender: Male  Physicality Codes: C, E, F
Vocal range top: E4  Vocal range bottom: A2
Voice Type: Baritone

Ernie Lally/Breton Beret

A versatile performer taking on two sharply contrasting roles. Ernie Lally is the devoted stagehand of St. Imelda's amateur theatre group. Quiet, nervous, and eager to please, he looks up to Alfie with genuine admiration and throws himself wholeheartedly into every production. His awkward charm and earnest enthusiasm make him an endearing member of the company.

In contrast, Breton Beret is a confident, streetwise rent boy whose brief but pivotal encounter with Alfie forces him to confront feelings he has long kept hidden. Tough, magnetic, and unapologetically self-assured, Breton Beret carries an effortless confidence that stands in stark contrast to Ernie's timid nature. This track offers an actor the opportunity to showcase strong range, shifting seamlessly between heartfelt comedy and moments of emotional honesty.

Age: 20 to 35  Gender: Male  Physicality Codes: C, E, F, K
Vocal range top: C4  Vocal range bottom: A2
Voice Type: Baritone/Bass

Sully O’Hara/Peter

A delightful comedic track that offers the chance to portray two lovable underdogs. Sully O'Hara is an unemployed, awkward loner making his theatrical debut with Alfie's latest production. Nervous but eager to belong, Sully throws himself into rehearsals with earnest enthusiasm, discovering confidence, friendship, and a place where he is accepted.

In contrast, Peter is the janitor at St. Imelda's and an aspiring rock musician whose dreams of stardom haven't quite worked out. Good-natured, quietly quirky, and content to march to the beat of his own drum, Peter brings warmth, humour, and an understated charm to the story. This role is perfect for an actor with strong comedic instincts, heart, and the ability to create two distinctly different yet equally endearing characters.

Age: 20 to 35  Gender: Male  Physicality Codes: C, E, F
Vocal range top: G4  Vocal range bottom: B2
Voice Type: Tenor

Father Kenny / Carson

A rewarding character track featuring two authority figures whose influence shapes Alfie's world in very different ways. Father Kenny is the parish priest of St. Imelda's. Frequently distracted by the demands of his parish, he possesses a dry, understated wit and a pragmatic outlook on life. While he may not always understand Alfie's passion for theatre, he is far from unkind and offers quiet moments of compassion beneath his busy exterior.

As Mr. Carson, the actor becomes Alfie's supervisor at the Dublin Bus Company. Orderly, suspicious, and unwavering in his commitment to rules, Carson sees the world in black and white and has little patience for imagination or anything that falls outside the norm. This role calls for an actor with strong comic timing and the versatility to create two distinct authority figures—one quietly compassionate, the other rigidly conventional.

Age: 40+  Gender: Male  Physicality Codes: C
Vocal range top: any  Vocal range bottom: any
Voice Type: Bass to Tenor vocals