Get Ready for The Original Amazing Race: Audition for Around the World in 80 Days!

Nathan Schulz
16 hours ago
3 min read

As many of you know, funding independent theatre can be quite challenging. Instead of waiting for grants, I’ve dedicated my energy and experience to support Tugun Theatre Company—serving the vibrant Gold Coast Theatre community.

While I have ambitious projects in mind that may go beyond Tugun’s target audience, I am currently unable to produce site-specific independent theatre due to financial constraints and the rising cost of living. Therefore, I’ve decided to focus on using my skills and creativity for Tugun Theatre. My goal is to help fill seats and create opportunities for creative artists to work together and bring live theatre to life.

Following the success of my recent productions at Tugun Theatre, The Haunting (2024) and Boeing, Boeing (2025), I am thrilled that the company has chosen to bring Around the World in 80 Days to life for the Tugun and Gold Coast community.

It has always been one of my favorite Jules Verne favorite stories, and I can’t wait to collaborate with other and see it unfold on stage—complete with an elephant!

So, mark your calendars for January 31st 3pm (Qld time) for a 3:30pm start, for the opportunity to audition for the original Amazing Race!

Laura Eason's adaptation of Around the World in 80 Days has received significant acclaim, including seven nominations for the 2008 Jefferson Awards for Best Adaptation and Best Production. This vibrant version has enjoyed successful runs in the US and UK, including a sold-out performance at the New Vic Theatre in London in 2017, followed by a 17-city tour. Now, I am excited to bring this acclaimed adaptation to Tugun and Gold Coast audiences, infusing it with my own creative flair for an unforgettable theatrical experience.

Roles Available

I’m looking for passionate performers to fill these exciting roles:

1. Phileas Fogg: The calm and confident English gentleman on a determined quest. This character requires a strong presence and can be portrayed physically, inviting actors of all gender identities to audition.

2. Passepartout: Fogg’s loyal and clever French servant, characterized by youthful energy and adaptability, providing comedic relief. A female actor can also play this role, which offers an opportunity for dance or acrobatic skills. French accents will be helpful but not mandatory for the auditions. Please not this is also demanding role.

3. Inspector Fix: A determined detective who believes Fogg is a criminal. Fix is clever and provides comedic humor through his interactions.

4. Princess Aouda: A beautiful and brave Indian princess integral to Fogg’s journey. We encourage actors from diverse backgrounds to audition for this role in order to provide a fresh interpretation while honoring the story’s cultural context.

For this production, I envision a playful approach, treating it as one big drama game reminiscent of the activities I enjoyed with my students when teaching, such as the “10 Seconds to Make” challenge. There will be suitcases, trolleys, and various props for use throughout the performance.

Ensemble Players 1-5 will play approximately 125 roles between them, doubling as stage crew to create the illusions of travel through live sound effects and props as Phileas Fogg and his companions race around the world—all within 10 to 30-second time frames to keep the scenes moving quickly. Each ensemble cast member will have both speaking and non-speaking parts as background characters, enhancing the immersive experience.

Get Involved!

This production promises to be both fun and challenging! I encourage everyone interested in auditioning to click below for the attached PDF for further details about rehearsals and contact information. Or visit https://www.tuguntheatre.org/audition to register for the auditions