Independent Sydney theatre company Sport for Jove has called for the ACT's finest dogs to audition for a role in a stage production of John Steinbeck's 1937 novella Of Mice and Men.

Stage manager Shell McKenzie said Steinbeck's book described an old sheep dog that was not given a name, although any breed would be considered as long as it was obedient and placid.

"The dog described is virtually on its death bed, it's an old, sweet dog that has been with its owner Candy for about 15 years," she said.

"The dog must not be easily scared as it will be walking on to a dirt stage with dirt in the air and an entire audience looking at them."

The producer's casting guide didn't stop a few excitable pups turning up to the rehearsals, which required a basic sit-and-stay test along with a walk across the Canberra Theatre stage.

Ms McKenzie said the company was not seeking additional stage talent from Canberra as the dog would be replacing another canine used for the Sydney shows.

"Our other dog was a little too authentic in that she probably wouldn't have survived the journey down to Canberra, but she was a gorgeous dog," she said. "We didn't really want to put that much strain on her."

Ms McKenzie said the production company was well prepared for the August 6-8 shows and looking forward to the performance.

"We've already finished our season in Sydney so the show is in a really strong place and we're excited to bring it to a stage in Canberra that is four times the size of our last one," she said.

The Steinbeck adaption, set in rural California during the Great Depression, tells of loneliness, friendship and survival.

Director Iain Sinclair, who also established the Elbow Theatre Company in Canberra, said Steinbeck's novella had a profound impact on him as a young teenager.

"Revisiting this dearly loved childhood text now I'm struck by its adultness," he said.

"It is true: The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry, as we get older we feel this in deeper and darker ways."