Production Company: Seabass Theatre

Content Warnings: Strong language; depictions of severe mental health conditions (referred to in the script as ‘bipolar depression with delusional episodes’, anxiety, and complicated grief after a child bereavement); depicted recreational and medical drug use; depicted aftermath of a suicide attempt; implied electroconvulsive therapy; strobe lighting effects; haze effects.

Venue/Dates of Show: Bidding O'Reilly weeks 3 + 5

Deadline: Saturday WK7 @ 23:59

Audition Type: Both

Description: Dad's an architect; Mom rushes to pack lunches and pour cereal; their daughter and son are bright, wise-cracking teens, appearing to be a typical American family. And yet their lives are anything but normal, because the mother has been battling manic depression for 16 years. next to normal takes audiences into the minds and hearts of each character, presenting their family's story with love, sympathy and heart. 

This deeply moving piece of theatre provides a wonderful opportunity for performers to explore dramatic material and showcase vocal talents with an energetic pop/rock score. next to normal is an emotional powerhouse that addresses such issues as grieving a loss, ethics in modern psychiatry, and suburban life.

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
DIANA
Delusional, bipolar, and depressed. The sexiness of her yesterdays has only recently begun to soften. She is determined to make her family perfect but is tortured by a death in the family.

GABE
Diana & Dan's son. Dashing, athletic, and bright. He is a playful man and everything a mother could imagine.

DAN
Diana's husband. He is handsome and genuine. Though a constant in Diana's tumultuous life, he has grown tired and weary of her antics.

NATALIE
Diana & Dan's troubled daughter. An accomplished pianist and hardworking student, her struggles are exacerbated by her mother's behavior. She greatly admires Henry.

HENRY
Natalie's classmate. The all-around musician, philosopher, and slacker. He has an intoxicating capacity for sympathy and romance.

DR MADDEN / DR FINE
Diana's handsome psychiatrist. Quite assured in his practice and considered somewhat of a rock star.

CONCLUSION 
Seabass Theatre is an inclusive company, and we encourage everyone to apply, especially Freshers and people from backgrounds usually underrepresented in Oxford Drama. In light of current events, we would like to emphasise our commitment to diversity and inclusion and actively encourage LGBTQ+, BAME, disabled, and state-school educated creatives to apply to this crew call. There is no minimum experience level.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to email us at seabasstheatre@gmail.com.

Link to Audition Pack:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wPhQzuz1RZwEtNdzswqggSa_jvpc0N31?usp=sharing