Thank you for your interest in auditioning for Hidden Tunes 弦外之影 2025
​​Last year Small Ripples Theatre premiered Hidden Tunes 弦外之影 musical at La Mama’s Festival of Mother Tongues. We are expanding the show for an August 2025 production. This will include expanding the script, adding new elements, & enhancing the production. We encourage all walks of life and cultures to be a part of our journey. If you are unsure about the audition process or require assistance, please feel free to reach out.
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Important Dates
Application submissions with audition tapes due: Sunday 4 May 2025 @ 9:00pm​
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In-person Audition: Saturday 17 May 2025​
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Callback/Chemistry Read: Sunday 18 May 2025​
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Table Read: Saturday 31 May 2025​
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Promotional photoshoot: TBC​
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Rehearsals (TBC location): From Sunday 22 June (Weekday nights and weekends, twice a week)
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Tech week: 26 - 28 August 2025 @ Clayton Community Centre Theatrette
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Performance dates: 29 August - September 5 @ Clayton Community Centre Theatrette
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About the Show
Hidden Tunes 弦外之影 is a powerful Mando-pop musical accompanied by traditional Chinese instruments. This original work, performed in Mandarin with English surtitles, premiered at La Mama’s Festival of Mother Tongues in 2024. Set in a prestigious music academy, the story follows two classmates, Xiao Qian and A Jia. Bonded by their shared passion for music, their lives are shaken when one of them faces sexual harassment from a respected professor. As they navigate the emotional turmoil that follows, they must find the strength to stand up against injustice and rediscover hope through music and friendship.
Inspired by the #MeToo movement in Taiwan, Hidden Tunes sheds light on real cases of sexual harassment and abuse in the performing arts scene in Asia, where deep-rooted stigmas and rigid hierarchies make speaking out particularly challenging. The musical places the audience in the shoes of a bystander, prompting them to ask: “Can we recognise when a friend is in need? And what can we do for them?”
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Content Warning
This production features sexual violence themes and the aftermath of such an incident (mentions and discussions, no depiction of sexual violence). Actors must be comfortable working with this topic.
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Roles
We are looking for Mandarin-speaking performers who are dedicated to their craft and are willing to push themselves through the process of analysis and development. The production requires strong ensemble skills, adaptability, and a collaborative approach to character work.
We are seeking 1x lead & 4 ensembles covering multiple characters. We welcome submissions for any role you feel align with your strengths and identity.
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Production Team
Producer - Bingyao Liu
Director - Sarah Yu
Writers - Jun Bin Lee, Eileen Pan, Bowie Lei
Composer- Jun Bin Lee
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Access
If you require assistance filling out the form below or would like to organise alternate audition options due to access requirements, please contact us.
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Click below to find out more and fill out the application via Google Forms
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