Welcome to open auditions for Miss DeLune’s Corset No Longer Closes, a three-act musical melodrama written and directed by Matthew Paines.
Auditions will be held at the NoName Theatre Helsinki on Friday 3 October at 18–21. Please note that you must register in advance in order to participate.
See below if you are unable to attend, but still wish to be considered.
THE PLAY
A three-act ‘boudoir melodrama’ set in a lavish villa, focusing on the complex relationships of Miss Carmen DeLune, a once-revolutionary mezzo-soprano grappling with her fading stardom, with her entourage; as they navigate fame, power, and personal desires. The opening act introduces La Diva, her entourage, and the tensions among them as they prepare for her grande finale. The second act unfolds after Carmen’s successful finale, revealing deeper tensions and personal conflicts among the women. In the final act Miss DeLune bids farewell to her close companions, signifying the end of an era. Who ends up with whom? There’s only one way to find out.
AVAILABLE ACTING ROLES
Don’t worry if there’s a role you like but you think your age doesn’t fit. As long as Lottie/Becca act a bit younger than Carmen/Simone/Ruby, and Prudence acts a bit older, then you’re good.
Lottie: the submissive maid, emotionally devoted and childlike. She brushes Carmen’s hair each morning and hums her arias in secret. (F, ~20s)
Becca: a cheeky, morally fluid private nurse hired to manage Carmen’s “exhaustion.” She flirts freely and pokes at Carmen’s uptight shell. (F, ~20s)
Carmen: celebrity mezzo-soprano turned conservative relic, clinging to control and her crumbling stardom. She’s beautiful, bitter, and barbed. It would be plus if you can sing (but not essential). (F, a~30s)
Simone: Carmen’s sultry secretary, sharp-dressed and sharp-tongued, always within reach of a cigarette and Carmen’s private letters. (F, ~30s)
Ruby: a glamorous courtesan from Carmen’s past, who once shared a scandalous summer with the Diva before being paid off to disappear. She’s back now, uninvited. (F, ~30s)
Prudence: a buttoned-up schoolmistress and erstwhile teacher of young Carmen in strict decorum. She holds an unspoken, righteous flame. (F, ~40s)
BACKSTAGE TEAM
We are also looking for people to join our production team:
Tech Operator (lights & sound)
Familiarity with NNT’s lighting and sound systems is an advantage, but training can also be provided. Must be available and present for all the mandatory dates listed below
Front of House
Greeting guests at the door, wielding clipboard and ticking off names, taking payments, coffee & snacks sales, etc.
HOW TO AUDITION
1) Read the sections on “Availability” and “Payments” to ensure that this is the right production for you.
2) Fill out the audition form HERE by Thursday 2 October 2025.
3) Selection will be based on acting out scenes from the script.
4) After registering, you will receive an email with more information about how to prepare.
INTERESTED BUT CAN’T ATTEND?
1) Fill out the audition form HERE and we’ll get back to you with the options.
CONTACT
Please email producer(at)finnbritplayers.com if you have any general queries.
PAYMENTS
Please note that the Finn-Brit Players is an amateur theatre company and this is not paid work but an opportunity for people to practice their hobby. If chosen, you will have to be a member of the society to participate in the production. Annual membership (February 2025–February 2026) is 50€ standard and 25€ concessions.
AVAILABILITY
MANDATORY DATES
6 Jan (Tuesday) – tech setup and rehearsal
9 Jan (Friday) – dress rehearsal
16 Jan (Friday) – performance
17 Jan (Saturday) – performance
18 Jan (Sunday) – backup performance
23 Jan (Friday) – performance
24 Jan (Saturday) – performance
25 Jan (Sunday) – backup performance
ORIENTATION MEETING
Tuesday 7 October @ 18:00 at Café Roasberg, Mikonkatu 13.
REHEARSALS
Rehearsals are every Monday from 13 Oct – 15 Dec 2025 @ 18–21/22, and Friday 10 October. There will be a break over Christmas before rehearsals resume on 6 Jan 2025.
VENUE
The auditions, tech/dress rehearsals and performances will be at the NoName Theatre. Most Monday evening rehearsals will take place at the FinnBrit Language Centre in Fredrikinkatu.