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Audition: The Birds

AUDITION

The Birds

by Conor McPherson
from a story by Daphne DuMaurier

Directed by Shelby Frye

Show Dates:
October 17-November 2, 2025
Audition Dates:
  • Sunday, September 7th at 7PM
  • Monday, September 8th at 7PM
Daphne du Maurier’s short story, also the basis for Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film, is boldly adapted by Conor McPherson—a gripping, unsettling, and moving look at human relationships in the face of societal collapse. In an isolated house, strangers Nat and Diane take shelter from relentless masses of attacking birds. They find relative sanctuary but not comfort or peace; there’s no electricity, little food, and a nearby neighbor may still be alive and watching them. Another refugee, the young and attractive Julia, arrives with some news of the outside world, but her presence also brings discord. Their survival becomes even more doubtful when paranoia takes hold of the makeshift fortress—an internal threat to match that of the birds outside.

“Deliciously chilling…spring-loaded with tension…claustrophobic, questioning, frightening; and with a twist.” —Irish Independent.

“Never has [McPherson] been more in control…he keeps us on the edge of our seat.” —The Irish Times.

“[THE BIRDS] was a powerful piece of theatre and a reminder to me of just how important that story has become…truly frightening…a night in the theatre that should not be missed.” —Tippi Hedren, star of the 1963 Alfred Hitchcock film, The Birds.

Audition Requirements

  • No monologue is necessary. The audition will consist of cold readings from the script.
  • A headshot and resume are recommended but not required.
  • Please bring a detailed list of conflicts for the next 3 months.

Roles

Available roles: 2 female, 2 male

CONTENT WARNINGS: The Birds contains strong language, situational horror, and references to the threat of sexual assault, although no sexual assault is depicted onstage.

DIANE – late 40s-50s, a divorced writer who spends her time journaling her every thought as the birds attack.

NAT – 40s-50s, a stranger who Diane nurses back to health in their survival shelter.

JULIA – 20s, a young woman who joins Diane and Nat after her own survival group begins to pose risks to her safety.

TIERNEY – 50s, a strange farmer who lives near the other survivors and watches from afar.

This project is being supported in whole or in part, by federal award number 21.027 awarded to the City of Knoxville by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Arts & Culture Alliance