Audition Notice for THE GRAVITATIONAL PULL OF BERNICE TRIMBLE
- chelseabmcfadden
- Aug 13
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 hours ago

The Gravitational Pull of Bernice Trimble
Written by Beth Graham
Director: Iain Moggach
Producer: Jason Bowers
Iris Trimble is struggling to cope with the recent news that her mother, Bernice, a lively 55-year-old, has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. To compound the shock of the news, her siblings are on opposite sides of the fence – Sara demands a second opinion and Peter seems completely unfazed. In the face of these tricky family dynamics, Bernice approaches it with a smile and a laugh, and most importantly, is ready to put herself first. Told with a good dose of humour while carefully addressing a sensitive topic, the story illuminates the challenges families experience when faced with this all too prevalent health issue. Nominated for the 2015 Governor General’s Award.
Characters
Bernice Trimble: The mother, who is 59 years old and begins experiencing memory loss. She is described as strong-willed and vivacious but also grappling with the implications of her diagnosis.
Iris Trimble: Bernice's middle daughter, who acts as the play's narrator and focal point. She is deeply emotional but often keeps her feelings repressed and is tasked with holding the family together as they confront Bernice's illness.
Sarah Trimble: Bernice's eldest daughter, who is more expressive and practical. She has a daughter of her own and is often at odds with Iris.
Peter Trimble: Bernice's youngest child, a quiet and rational statistician. He is more reserved and introspective than his sisters.
Show Dates
February 20 to March 8, 2026, on Friday/Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2pm at The South Simcoe Theatre, 1 Hamilton Street, Cookstown, Ontario. Cast members are required to be available for the Q2Q, both dress rehearsals, the Preview, and all production dates without exception. (see below)
Audition Dates
Friday, September 26, 2025 (7 to 10 pm) and Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 5 to 9 pm. If needed, callbacks will be held on Monday, September 29, from 7 to 10 pm. The auditions are open to actors aged 20 years and up.
Audition Location
In person at The South Simcoe Theatre
Audition Details
This is a cold reading audition, you will be asked to read from sides that will be provided to you upon arrival at the audition.
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, a copy of the selected reading will be emailed to you, and we will request video submissions be uploaded to the candidate’s own YouTube page by September 25 at 7 pm. Please provide the link.
Request an Audition
Email the Producer, Jason Bowers, to request an audition time at jasonbowers2022@gmail.com.
Rehearsal Information
Our first meeting/read-through will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 (7-10 pm). Rehearsals will begin on Sunday, November 16 (1–5 pm) and continue Tuesday/Thursday evenings (7-10 pm) and Sundays (1-5 pm). Certain dates will be Off-site rehearsals and Christmas Break between December 21, 2025, to January 3, 2026. Rehearsals will resume on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 1-5 pm. During tech week, our Q2Q will be held on Sunday, Feb. 15, our dress rehearsals will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 17 and 18 (7-10 pm), and our Preview for an invited audience will be on Thursday, February 19 (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.
Vulnerable Sector Screening
As this production team may include individuals under 18, actors and production team members aged 18+ will be asked to complete a Vulnerable Sector Attestation. If you are cast, you will be provided with information on this process.
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 Jason Bowers, Producer, at jasonbowers2022@gmail.com
This is a NON-EQUITY, NON-PAYING production. Thank you.