Audition Notice for COLOURS IN THE STORM
- chelseabmcfadden
- 37 minutes ago
- 4 min read
COLOURS IN THE STORM
The Tom Thomson Musical
Written and Composed by Jim Betts
Director: Jason Silzer
Music Director: Suu Taylor
Producer: Judi Erickson
Colours in the Storm is about the life - and mysterious death - of one of Canada’s best-loved painters, Tom Thomson, whose landscapes of Algonquin Park are among the most famous paintings ever done in Canada. A beautifully written work with memorable music, it is more a gallery of scenes and songs than a traditional musical. The story follows Thomson’s life and growth as a painter, from his arrival in Algonquin Park in 1912, to his tragic death in Canoe Lake in 1917. Often haunted by his artistic vision, Thomson struggles to realize his potential and to come to terms with the passions in his life, while under the spell of his magnificent surroundings.
Characters
Tom Thomson: Passionate, mercurial and increasingly possessed by his artistic vision, 35 years old in 1912
Martin Bletcher: Quiet, emotionally repressed, but capable of anger; considers himself Thomson’s rival for Winnie
Shannon Fraser: “The big Irishman”; powerful and quick to anger; jealous of and increasingly aggravated by Thomson
Larry Dixon: Poacher, guide, self-proclaimed “expert woodsman”; makes a mean vat of hooch
Mark Robinson: Park ranger, diarist; grows to become one of Thomson’s few friends
Hugh Trainor: Runs the local lumberyard, tolerates his wife’s desire to be sociable and genteel
Dr. James MacCallum: Ophthalmologist, art patron, businessman; wry and intelligent, becomes Thomson’s patron, agent and friend
Lawren Harris: A founder of The Group of Seven; spiritual, well-spoken
Winnie Trainor: Confident, capable and Thomson’s equal in most things; a few years younger than Thomson
Annie Fraser: Hard-working and good-hearted; endlessly intrigued by Thomson; comes to understand her own strengths
Wild Mary: An uncontrolled spirit of the bush, alert to and embracing of the dangers and passions of the park
Frances McGillvray: An artist; self-confident, intelligent, goes after what she wants, in her 50s
Marie Trainor: Determined to be a proper mother, she has somehow sublimated a real strength and determination
Alice Lambert: aged 15 (can look the part), vivacious, unaffected, determined
Small Ensemble: voices and number cast to be determined
Audition Dates & Locations
Saturday, October 18, 2025 - 7 to 10 pm at The South Simcoe Theatre (1 Hamilton Street, Cookstown, Ontario)
Sunday, October 19, 2025 - 2 to 6 pm and 7 to 9 pm at St. John’s Anglican Church (29 Church Street (Highway 89), Cookstown, Ontario)
If required, Callbacks will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025 – from 7 to 10 pm at the South Simcoe Theatre (1 Hamilton Street, Cookstown, Ontario).
Audition Details
Auditions are open to actors aged 18 years and up.
Please prepare:
A song (max of 3 min) that shows off your voice and acting ability – any style and genre. Use of pre-recorded tracks is encouraged. No acapella singing. Please alert the Producer in your audition request if an accompanist is required; we will try to accommodate
A memorized monologue (max of 1 min). Alternatively, you can recite a poem or narrative song lyrics.
Be prepared to be redirected by the Director, as requested at the audition.
There will be a short group movement audition - no preparation or experience is necessary. Please be prepared to hang around after your initial audition - you will be released as each group is seen.
If you are unable to attend the audition dates above, video submissions will be considered. Please mention this in your email of interest. Once approved by the Producer, we will request video submissions be uploaded to the candidate’s own YouTube page by October 19 at 7 pm. Please provide the link.
Request an Audition
Email the Producer, Judi Erickson, to request an audition time at: judisstcolours@gmail.com
Please note that some audition dates and times may only be confirmed ON or AFTER Friday, 19 September. Don’t worry - we won’t forget you!
Show Dates
April 24 through May 10, 2026 on Friday/Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm at The South Simcoe Theatre, 1 Hamilton Street, Cookstown, Ontario.
Cast members are required to be available for the Q2Q, the dress rehearsal, the Preview, and all production dates without exception. (see below)
Rehearsal Information
Our first meeting/read-through will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 (7-10 pm).
Rehearsals will begin on Sunday, February 1 (2-6 pm) and continue on Monday/Wednesday evenings (7-10 pm) and Sundays (2-6 pm), excluding April 5 [Easter Sunday]. Easter Monday there will be a rehearsal. Sunday evening rehearsals from 6 to 9 pm will be added starting March 22.
During tech week, our Q2Q will be held on Sunday, April 19, our dress rehearsals will be held on Tuesday, April 21 (7-10 pm), and our Preview for an invited audience will be on Thursday, April 23 (7-10 pm).
Cast members must declare any potential rehearsal date conflicts on the audition form. This will be taken into consideration when casting.
NB: If you are cast, and your conflict dates change substantially from the information provided at the time of casting in such a way that it interferes with your ability to attend rehearsals regularly, The South Simcoe Theatre reserves the right to withdraw the casting offer.
Health & Safety
In keeping with Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit guidelines, this theatre will comply with any mandated health regulations.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The South Simcoe Theatre encourages inclusion and representation in all its endeavours. Everyone is welcome both on stage and off. In that spirit, we encourage diversity in our casting process.
Questions?
Email Judi Erickson, Producer, at judisstcolours@gmail.com
This is a NON-EQUITY, NON-PAYING production. Thank you.
