Welcome to open auditions at the NoName Theatre Helsinki (Hietaniemenkatu 7B) on Saturday 15 March 2025 at 12–14:30. (Please note that you should register in advance in order to participate.)
Catherine Loves You is a brand-new play written and directed by Tony Herman.
This three-act play is set in a Victorian-era harbor town in England, exploring one woman’s struggle against the secret forces that have shaped her life. Catherine, a young woman left behind when her husband leaves on a long sea voyage, finds herself caught between the expectations imposed by her overbearing mother, Gloria, and the wisdom of her maternal-like figure, auntie Elsa. As Catherine navigates her loneliness she is drawn into the world of Luisa, a fiercely independent woman who challenges Catherine’s deeply ingrained beliefs about love, power, and self-worth. Through her new friendships with Luisa, Liza, and Josie, Catherine begins to finally see beyond the role she has always played. But questioning everything she once held true will come at a cost.
As Catherine's butterfly-like transformation unfolds she is led to a cryptic fortune teller, Sibylle, who offers not just a glimpse into her future but a choice that could alter her fate entirely. In a ritual-like ceremony, Catherine faces the most profound revelation of all. A moment that will determine whether she remains the woman she thought she should be or turns into the person she is meant to become. What she learns in that electric moment may not just change her life, it may change her very destiny.
ACTING ROLES
There are a range of roles available for women aged 18–70:
Catherine – A 19-year-old woman struggling with self-identity and societal expectations. She begins as reserved and introspective, but her journey leads her to question everything she thought she knew. The protagonist, present in every scene and has multiple monologues. A complex, emotionally demanding role that requires range and depth.
Gloria – Catherine’s mother, a woman in her 40s. Strong-willed and critical, she loves her daughter fiercely and wants to shape Catherine into a woman of strength, but her methods are not ideal. Gloria is a force of nature—her words cut deep, and her presence can be suffocating. A significant role with intense emotional confrontations and many lines to memorize.
Elsa – A woman in her 60s who is like a mother to Catherine. Warm, wise, and nurturing, she offers Catherine the type of support and encouragement she doesn’t receive from her mother. While kind and understanding, she also challenges Catherine to grow. A role that requires tenderness with a moderate amount of dialogue.
Luisa – Elsa’s 21-year-old niece. She is a free spirit who introduces Catherine to a different way of thinking. She is the type to walk into a room and immediately draw attention—bold, opinionated, and unafraid to challenge the status quo. She exudes confidence, but is there more to her than meets the eye? A major role with fast-paced dialogue, perfect for an actress who can command the stage.
Liza – A friend of Luisa’s in her early 20s. Initially composed and traditional, she finds herself in an emotional turmoil that shakes her world. A role with a transformation arc and moments of raw vulnerability. Moderate dialogue, but emotionally impactful scenes.
Josie – Best friends with Liza, also in her early 20s. More emotionally dependent than she lets on, Josie carries an internal conflict that emerges as the play progresses. A role for an actress who can shift between humor and despair. Moderate dialogue with an emotional climax.
Diana – Josie’s mother, in her 50s. A fiercely independent woman with radical views on gender roles and power. A dominant presence that commands attention in every scene, delivering long, fiery speeches that challenge those around her. Diana is as intimidating as she is curious—a role for an actress who can embody both intellect and authority. A large role with many monologues and heavy dialogue.
Sibylle – A mysterious fortune teller in her 60s. At first glance, she seems like nothing more than an eccentric old woman with a flair for theatrics. But the more Sibylle speaks, the more it becomes clear—she isn’t all smoke and mirrors. Is she a wise seer, a manipulative figure, or something else entirely? A captivating role, requiring an actress who can deliver lines with an air of mystery. A moderate-to-large role with significant dialogue, especially in pivotal scenes.
BACKSTAGE CREW
If you’re interested in tech operation, stage management or other backstage tasks, please contact the producer (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
AVAILABILITY
You need to be available for final rehearsals and performances in the period 26 May–13 June 2025. Rehearsals and performance dates will start asap after casting. The exact dates and times will be scheduled after casting on the basis of availability (within reason).
HOW TO PREPARE
At the auditions, you'll perform some short scenes from the plays in twos or threes. The scenes will be chosen on the basis of both your own role prefs and your general suitability for the roles. The scenes and script will be sent to registered participants in advance – so it's a good idea not to register at the last minute!
YOU SHOULD REGISTER IN ADVANCE
You should be prepared to attend from 12–14:30 on Saturday 15 March 2025, although the session may end earlier.
DATE CONFLICT?
If you cannot attend then, please fill out the form anyway asap, and we'll see if we can find an alternative time.
AUDITON FORM
Please fill out THIS FORM by 6 pm on Friday 14 March. (If you register after the deadline, you will still be able to attend, but you may not receive any preparatory information.)
CONTACT
Please email the producer (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) if you have any general queries or scheduling issues.
PAYMENTS
Please note that the Finn-Brit Players is an amateur theatre company and this is not paid work but an opportunity for actors to practice their hobby. If cast, you will have to be a member of the society to participate in the production. Annual membership (February 2025–February 2026) = 50€ standard and 25€ concessions.