Auditions began last night at the Mayfair Theatre and Epiphany Productions managing director Chris Fennessy (37) said he was disappointed only 30 people had registered to audition for the show's 18 roles. Normally, twice as many people would audition, he said.
"It's quite a big thing to get on stage and take your kit off in front of 400 people. But it's all part of acting.
"The problem is, compared to other cities around the world, Dunedin is a little more conservative in regard to nudity. It's not just Dunedin; it's all of New Zealand.''
Despite the disappointing turnout, Mr Fennessy said he was confident good local actors would be found to play the lead roles, despite many of them asking if they would have to be completely naked.
"I have to tell them, it's not the half monty. It won't be a family show for young children to go to.'' Yet the show was not just about getting your gear off, he said.
"The Full Monty follows a group of men made redundant by the closing of a local steel mill and leads the audience through a journey that celebrates the renewal of self-esteem and triumph over adversity in the most heart-warming way.
"Nudity is just a small part of it".
If things got desperate, and there was a shortage of Dunedin actors to fill all the roles, Mr Fennessy said he would not rule out the possibility of appearing in the show himself.
The former Dunedin-born and bred professional operatic star has performed lead roles at theatres in New Zealand, Australia and London's West End.
Thirteen performances of The Full Monty will be held at the Mayfair Theatre in South Dunedin between October 30 and November 15.
Mr Fennessy said it would be the first major production for Epiphany Productions and if it went well, he would tour the show across the country in 2009.
"It's exciting but scary. There's quite a bit riding on it.''
