Walterdale Theatre Associates presents
Waiting for the Parade
By: John Murrell
Onstage: April 15 – 25, 2026
Director: Monica Roberts
Stage Manager: Sydney Paterson
Production Manager: Mike Harding
Audition Location: Walterdale Theatre
Audition Dates: December 7 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm and December 8 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.
Callbacks: TBD
Key Dates:
First read through: December 22, 2025
First Rehearsal: January 12, 2026
Play Synopsis
Waiting for the Parade is a drama in 24 scenes. It is set during the Second World War and depicts life on the Canadian home front. Five very different women find themselves brought together to wait and to work for their men, during a time of political and personal uncertainty.
Audition Sign Up Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F45A9AC2BA7F49-60305581-waiting
Casting Requirements
Characters will be asked to perform:
simulated tobacco use,
short fight scene,
piano playing,
singing acapella
Characters
Margaret is a mother of two young men. Margaret moves through life with deliberate care, guided by principles that have stood the test of time. They believe in doing things “the right way”—even if it takes longer. They may resist change at first, not out of stubbornness, but because they value continuity and tradition. There’s a method to their approach—rooted in patience, pride, and purpose.
Catherine is magnetic, animated, and impossible to ignore. The moment they enter a room, the energy shifts. Laughter gets louder, music feels brighter, and people naturally gravitate toward them like moths to a flame. Their stories are vivid, their jokes land effortlessly. Their confidence is contagious, their enthusiasm unfiltered, and their presence unforgettable.
Eve is a mixture of youthfulness and principle – lives by a clear internal compass, guided more by values than convenience. Integrity isn’t just a word to them—it’s a way of being. They make decisions based on what’s right, not what’s easy, popular, or profitable. Their standards are high, champion causes, or imagine systems where everyone thrives. In conversation, they’re passionate and sincere. Their eyes light up when talking about change, justice, or innovation.
Janet thrives on structure, deadlines, and achievement, often setting high standards not just for themselves but for everyone around them. They’re competitive, ambitious, and often impatient with inefficiency. Janet naturally takes the lead, pushing for results and keeping momentum alive. But their intensity is matched by a deep sense of responsibility and pride in their work. They’re the kind of person who turns pressure into performance and sees obstacles as challenges to conquer.
Marta is a mixture of persistence and independence walks through life with quiet confidence and a strong sense of self. They are comfortable standing alone if it means staying true to what they believe. Emotionally, they’re grounded. They don’t seek constant validation, and they’re not easily swayed by others’ opinions. Their relationships are built on mutual respect, not dependency. They’re the kind of person who supports others generously, but never expects anyone to carry them.
Audition Requirements:
Please arrive with one of the following:
2 minute (max) contemporary theatre monologue (we can provide one from the show, if needed)
be prepared to cold read scenes for a variety of characters – scripts will be provided.
Sing Happy birthday, O Canada or another popular tune unaccompanied.
Please bring the following to the Audition:
availability between January 12 to April 25, 2026; and
headshot and resume, if you have one
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE:
Monday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings.
Any rehearsal conflicts must be noted at the time of the audition.
Tech week: April 4, 2026
Performance dates: April 15 to 25, 2026.
The Walterdale Theatre is also committed to inclusive casting. Artists who are members of under-represented communities are greatly encouraged to audition.
Walterdale Theatre is a volunteer organization and cannot engage Equity performers.
