About The Arsonists
Synopsis
The Arsonists (also known as The Fire Raisers, or The Firebugs) was written in 1953 by Swiss playwright and author, Max Frisch.
The play is a black comedy, set in a town that has come under attack from arsonists, who disguise themselves as door-to-door salesmen (or hawkers). The Arsonists are able to talk their way into homes, taking up residence in people’s attics. They then plot to destroy the house, enlisting the unwitting assistance of the residents.
April 9 - 18
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Main Hall, Ballarat Performing Arts Community
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Genre: Drama
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Playwright: Max Frisch
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Director: Barry Kay
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Running Time: 90 minutes
Performances
- Friday 9 April 7.00pm
- Saturday 10 April 7.00pm
- Sunday 11 April 2.00pm
- Thursday 15 April 7.00pm
- Friday 16 April 7.00pm
- Saturday 17 April 7.00pm
- Sunday 18 April 2.00pm

Auditions
Auditions will be Sunday, November 29th from 10:00am until 3:00pm and Monday, November 30th from 6:00pm until 9:00pm.
Self tapes will be accepted, and must be forwarded to
Children's auditions will be held in a group setting. Please book a spot in the children's audition on Sunday at 2:15pm or Monday at 6:00pm.
Please ensure you read the audition pack before booking, as it includes information on performance dates and rehearsals that are required for all cast.
Performance Venue
Ballarat Performing Arts Centre.
Read about the venue here.
501 - 503 Neill Street, Soldiers Hill, 3350

About the Director
Barry Kay
Barry is a graduate from the Victorian College of Arts, Drama School (1986-88) where he majored in acting. He has worked as a professional actor, playwright, director, artistic director, voice-over artist, singer and teacher with various institutions and theatre companies across Victoria, NSW & Tasmania. From 1998 until 2023 he worked at Sovereign Hill, specialising in costumed historical interpretation and museum theatre. His role at Sovereign Hill included researching, writing, directing and performing in a range of theatre events, from street theatre, to melodrama, to naturalism, to pantomime, roving interpretation, and more. He was the first president of IMTAL (the International Museum Theatre Alliance) for the Asia-Pacific region from 2011-12. Since leaving Sovereign Hill, Barry has been pursuing further writing and acting opportunities. Most recently, he played the roles of Klaus & Monsieur Frankenstein in The Wanderers Theatre production of Frankenstein at the Ballarat Mining Exchange.
