The Boys On The Bus
by Jamie Hornsby
Directed and Designed by Joshua Maxwell
Assistant Director: Abby Muddle
Emerging Director: Khy Elliott
Late April 2023, The Launch Pad Tuggerah
WHAT’S THE PLAY ABOUT?
Max is sensitive.
Saffron’s directionless.
Jason’s a legend.
Cork’s a cynic.
Gemma’s a loose cannon.
Nate’s just… there.
And someone’s burned Dickhead’s house down.
A raw and raucous coming of age drama, The Boys on the Bus is another masterwork from multi-ward winning playwright, Jamie Hornsby. Gritty and gripping, with a jet-black sense of humour, The Boys on the Bus examines class, identity, despair, masculinity, and the stuff that goes on at 2am in the carpark of the 24 hour bakery. In a town where everyone tells you the only way to succeed is to run far away, this play is about the ones who stay behind. The Boys On The Bus is a sister show to Jopuka’s inaugural commission, because there was fire.
DETAILS
Cast Age
16 - 25, Is character age, cast must be at least 16 at the time of first rehearsal as this production has some content warnings. The oldest cast member can be no older than 26.
Cast Size
Single cast of 13 or 14.
Venue
All auditions, rehearsals, and performances currently slated for The Launch Pad,
Auditions
Tuesday 24th 5pm - 9pm, Two 90m minute workshops,
Rehearsals
Saturday 4th Feb - April 16th
Saturdays 10am - 2pm
Some Wednesdays (March & April only) 6pm - 9pm
Production Week
April 17th - 19th
Shows
Thursday 20th 7:30pm Preview
Friday 21st 7:30pm - Opening
Saturday 22nd 7:30pm
Sunday 23rd 7:30pm
Thursday 27th 7:30pm
Friday 28th 7:30pm / Production Filmed
Saturday 29th 7:30pm / Production Filmed
Sunday 30th 7:30pm
Extra Season
There is discussions of a Sydney Season and Newcastle Season, but these will be discussed with casts as plans a solidified
Audition Material
Material will be supplied on the audition day
Content Warning
Production contains strong language, violence, on stage drinking, sexual references, teen pregnacy, drug references, and adult themes.
Production Clashes
This production’s performances clashes directly with The Little Mermaid Jr so you are unable to do both shows. However we are strong supporters of Central Coast Music Factory and as such 100% support the young people of our region in auditioning for their preferred show - either will be a fantastic oppounrtunity to engage in the arts.
Characters
Leads
MAX, M, 16, wants to be an artist. Sensitive, but can’t show it to his mates. Queer.
SAFFRON, F, 19, Max’s older sister. Funky and directionless. Prone to long rambling monologues.
JASON, M, 17, the de-facto leader of the group. Cocky, but thin-skinned. An embellisher.
CORK, M, 17, a pessimist with scathing wit. Jason’s right hand man. Kind of.
GEMMA, F, 19, a bit of a stoner. Has just moved down from the city.
ZARA, F, 18, endlessly sarcastic. Begins dating Jason, mostly for something to do.
TODD, M, 16, the rich-ish one. The butt of most jokes.
NATE, M, 17, a bit of a meathead, but perhaps with a sensitive side lurking deep below the surface.
ELISE, F, 17, trying her best, but tends to annoy everyone she comes into contact with.
ALYSHA, F, 16, a DnD obsessive. The one everyone forgets about. Even the playwright.
The Figures (4)
DENNIS, M, 25, a weird gross dude from Zara’s work. Or is he?
SWIMMER, M, 19, beautiful and enigmatic. Steely blue eyes, with darkness lurking underneath.
COVER MALE, M 17 - 22 - Limited spoken role but will be used to “swing” the male identifying roles in the show.
COVER FEMALE, F 17 - 21 - Limited spoken role but will be used to “swing” the female identifying roles in the show.
All roles are open to anyone who identifies as the gender of the character, or is comfortable performing the character's gender.
Commitment to Diversity;
Jopuka is committed to presenting the true diversity of Australia in our artistic vision so that all youth and young people can see themselves represented in our programming. Jopuka also commits to actively working towards better engagement of youth and young people from First Nations, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse and LGBTQIA+ communities, to ensure the future of our sector represents the true make-up of our community. Further information about Jopuka’s commitments and governing princpals can be found in our mission statement on our website
QUESTIONS? Email Joshua josh@jopuka.org.au
This project is made possible by funding from The Department of Regional Youth NSW.
