AUDITION NOTICE 
Open Call

Pygmalion, by George Bernard Shaw

Directed by Larry Westlake

Audition Dates: Sunday November 23, from 1pm,  and Monday November 24, 2025, from 7pm.

Audition Location: Emerald Isle Seniors Society, 2454 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, ON, M4C 1K9 (near Main subway station, or Danforth GO station).

Rehearsals: Begin early December 2025, tentatively on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings.

Performances: From February 19 to March 7, 2026, Thursdays through Sundays, at the Alumnae Theatre (Berkeley St). 

Callbacks: If callbacks are needed they will be on Tuesday November 24, from 7pm.

Synopsis:

A sharp and witty classic about transformation and identity, Pygmalion follows Professor Henry Higgins as he bets he can turn Eliza Doolittle, a poor flower girl, into a refined lady by teaching her to speak “proper” English. As Eliza’s confidence grows, she challenges the class and gender assumptions of her teacher—and discovers her own independence in the process.

List of Characters:

• HENRY HIGGINS
• ELIZA DOOLITTLE
• ALFRED P. DOOLITTLE
• COLONEL PICKERING
• MRS. HIGGINS
• MRS. PEARCE
• MRS. EYNSFORD-HILL
• CLARA EYNSFORD-HILL
• FREDDY EINSFORD-HILL
• ARCADI NEPOMMUCK
• BYSTANDER 1
• BYSTANDER 2
• BYSTANDER 3
• BYSTANDER 4

The following group will be considered ENSEMBLE and could be combined with the above roles.

• THE CONSTABLE
• MRS. HIGGINS’ MAID
• FOOTMAN
• A WAITER
• COVENT GARDEN WORKERS
• GUESTS AT EMBASSY BALL
• VARIOUS STAFF FOR HIGGINS AND HIS MOTHER

Description:

This is a period piece, set in the early 1900's. Actors will be expected to learn physical attitudes and postures related to class, social etiquette and costume. English accents will not be required at the auditions, but actors should acquire at minimum a suggestion of an accent during rehearsal and for performance. Some actors will double in the production, playing more than one role. Because of that doubling, there may be some flexibility as to age and gender.

Application Deadline: Friday November 21, 2025, 11.59pm.

Book Audition: Send an email to [email protected] and  include the following:

• Name
• Character(s) for whom you wish to audition
• Theatrical resume
• A recent headshot
• Preferred audition date
• Contact number

Preparation:

• Please prepare a 1-2-minute comedic monologue for the initial audition.
• Please bring a copy of your resume and a headshot to the audition.
• You may be asked to do a cold read so please read the play before your audition.

Script: A copy of Pygmalion can be requested via email once an audition is booked. 

Please note: The Toronto Irish Players (TIP) is a non-profit, non-equity community theatre group. We do not pay actors for performances nor do we cast ACTRA/Equity members. If cast, we require that you join our group. Membership fees of $25 are due at the first rehearsal and can be paid online.