Casting for Detention
DETENTION explores the unexpected encounter between Sima and Dan; two teens from very different worlds brought together by accident. The play portrays the challenges and complexities of friendship forged under pressure. It challenges what it means to stand up—or stay silent—in the face of danger.
BASED ON THE BOOK BY TRISTAN BANCKS
Produced by Monkey Baa Theatre Company
Co-Adapted by Callan Purcell and Kobra Sayyadi
Directed by Randa Sayed
Set Design by Keerthi Subramanyam
Lighting Design by Kate Baldwin
Sound Design by James Brown
ENGAGEMENT DETAILS
Rehearsals: 22nd – 27th September and 20th October – 1st November
Tech: 3rd – 7th November
Opening & Sydney season: 8th – 14th November
Regional NSW tour: 15th – 26th November (possible extension to 29th November)
Artists must be over the age of 18 and under the age of 25 or have turned 25 this year.
Artists must have a full driver’s license.
Artists must be based in Sydney.
Artists must be available for the entire period above.
Artists must have a NSW Working with Children’s Check or willing to obtain one. As Monkey Baa is a Child Safe organisation, artists will be required to undertake online Child Safe training prior to commencement.
Artists will be engaged under the Performers’ Collective Agreement on a Favoured Nation’s deal of $1400/week.
The first week of rehearsal will be a PCA Fixed-Term Agreement. From the second week of rehearsals, artists will be engaged under a PCA Run of Play Agreement.
SEEKING 2 ACTORS TO COMPLETE CAST OF 5
1. DAN WEST (Lead. Male identifying. Playing Age: 13)
The loneliest kid in the world. Unfit and uncoordinated. He takes the world in as a clown does — with wonder, confusion, and awkward charm. Dan has never seen anything outside his small town of Midgenba. Think Ricky Baker (Hunt for the Wilderpeople) meets Dustin Henderson (Stranger Things) / Eli Bell (Boy Swallows Universe).
2. ACTOR 4 (Supporting. Male identifying. Playing Age: 13–14)
Performer will portray multiple roles including:
Thomas – A classmate of Dan’s. Unpredictable and volatile. He’s seen things no child should see. Carries a darkness and explosive edge. Think Stanley (A Streetcar Named Desire) meets Boy (Boy) or Jamie Miller (Adolescence).
Rosco – A pitbull/staffy mix abandoned by the side of a motorway.
PERFORMER CRITERIA
We are seeking bold, collaborative performers who can inhabit emotionally complex and physically demanding roles.
Required Attributes:
Exceptional physical ability – dancers, movers, acrobats, or performers with strong body control are highly encouraged to apply.
Naturalistic acting style – grounded, emotionally honest performances over theatrical or heightened expression.
Experience working with young people – in community, education, or creative settings (a plus but not essential).
Ensemble-focused mindset – must be comfortable working closely with others in collaborative, devised or movement-based work.
No formal acting training or experience necessary.
We strongly encourage applications from performers of all heritages and cultural backgrounds, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, people of colour, and those from immigrant or refugee communities. We welcome performers of all gender identities and expressions, including non-binary, transgender, and gender-diverse individuals. We also value and invite people with diverse lived experiences, including those with disabilities, neurodivergence, and from underrepresented socioeconomic backgrounds.
HOW TO SUBMIT
Submit your application via this form by 12pm on Friday 26th June. The form can be submitted by agents OR artists.
Alternatively, you can email your CV and headshot to Producer, Sonia Dodd – sonia@monkeybaa.com.au
Audition invitations will be sent out by 30th June.
In-person auditions will take place on 8th – 9th July in at Shopfront Arts Co-op in Carlton NSW.
