Emerald Pig Theatrical Society is auditioning for the first show of the 2026/27 season – “Siberian Summer”
The play written by Paul Van Dyck, and directed by Hazel Eason – who also directed the local group’s productions of “Suburban Standoff” and “Buying the Moose” – is about three retired lifelong friends, and one directionless adult son, who embark on a bucket-list journey aboard the Trans-Siberian Railway from St. Petersburg to Beijing.
As the trip unfolds, the tight quarters combined with an endless flow of vodka, and a blunt Russian tour guide, create the backdrop for a heartwarming comedy about shedding emotional baggage, rediscovering independence, and finding the fierce courage to start living at any age.
“This is such a fun show, I’ve loved this script since I read it two years ago but it was too involved to tackle for my first go as a director,” said Eason online.
“Now that I’m SUPER seasoned I’m ready to put all the pieces together for one epic on-stage journey,” she added.
There are five roles that need filling.
Deborah is a retired nurse/teacher who has a sharp tongue and a quick wit. The character is sarcastic and a little mean, who, in the end, is a devoted friend and mother who would probably kill for those she cares about. The character is Jewish, Hebrew, a mother to her adult son Peter, and a divorcee.
Louise is a retired teacher and the brains of the group. She also has an edge and a lack of sentimentality, but she has more self-awareness and is able to better manipulate social situations. Louise also has an unabashed wild side – she had, or still has, a very active sex life – and is a social alcoholic (or maybe just a regular alcoholic). She is French Canadian and never married.
Beatrice is a retired nurse and full of wonder, although she is often confused and muddled by the world around her. But, she faces the world with love and optimism and full of innocence. She is British and a widow.
Peter is the adult son of Deborah and should be played by someone between the ages of 30-40 years old. He is lost, although he has aspirations of greatness. He suffers from Peter Pan syndrome, making him lethargic and self-centred. Despite this, he’s got a sweetness and charm that makes us hope he’ll find his way. Peter has a BA in English but no job and spends his days playing video games. The character burps on command – burping on command would be an asset but can be achieved with SFX – and he also shares two to three kisses with Sonya.
Finally, Sonya is a young Russian tour guide between the ages of 25-35 years old. She is very serious and practical, but also very sincere and passionate. She has great control over how and when she shows her passion and her delivery is witty but dry. She is very intelligent and an amazing storyteller, and there is no question that she is able to be the leader of this group. The character speaks in a Russian accent throughout and shares two to three kisses with Peter.
All characters will sing briefly a mash-up of folk songs, as an ensemble, with a backing track. At the audition, actors should be prepared to sing part of a song of their choosing, acapella, or Happy Birthday.
“We’re not looking for Celine Dion, but you should be able to carry a tune,” said the theatre group online.
All characters, except Sonya, will also remove outer layers of clothing in preparation to swim. Under garments can be very modest, but the act of undressing will occur.
Auditions are by appointment on:
• Sunday Aug. 9, at Heritage Hall, 12460 Harris Road in Pitt Meadows;
• and Monday Aug. 10, at the South Bonson Community Centre, 10932 Barnston View Road in Pitt Meadows.
Callbacks will be at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 11, by invitation only, at a location yet to be determined.
Rehearsals begin Sunday, Aug. 16, and take place Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings.
Run Dates are Thursday through Sunday from November 5 to 15.
For more information go to: https://www.emeraldpig.ca/