AUDITION NOTICE
The Game’s Afoot (or Holmes for the Holidays)
By Ken Ludwig
Winner of the 2012 Edgar® Award for Best Play from The Mystery Writers of America!
Directed by Anne Taetzsch Fitzgerald
Produced by John K. Craft
PERFORMANCE DATES: November 3, 4, 5 and 10, 11, 12, 2017
Calling all comedians! We are delivering a fast-paced, high-energy show that will result in sidesplitting laughter for every audience. Be a part of the merriment for the holidays.
AUDITION DETAILS: Saturday, August 5, 2017, 9am-12pm
Location: ShenanArts, 300 Churchville Ave, Staunton, VA. 24401
www.shenanarts.org
- Please arrive 15 minutes early to sign in and complete the audition form.
- Actors should be prepared to read from different scenes in the play.
- This is an ensemble; actors are not required to stay for the entire length of the audition but any time you can give will allow us more opportunities to hear/see you read scenes with others.
Questions: Contact annetaetzsch@gmail.com
REHEARSALS: With few exceptions, Sundays (4-6pm), Wednesdays and Thursdays (6:30-9pm)
Rehearsals begin on August 20th.
**Due to the pacing and physical nature of this comedy, actors will need to be off book by October 1st. **
SYNOPSIS
It is December 1936 and Broadway star William Gillette, admired the world over for his leading role in the play Sherlock Holmes, has invited his fellow cast-members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. But when one of the guests is stabbed to death, the festivities in this isolated house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. Then it’s up to Gillette himself, as he assumes the persona of his beloved Holmes, to track down the killer before the next victim appears. The danger and hilarity are non-stop in this glittering whodunit set during the Christmas holidays.
CASTING
WILLIAM GILLETTE – MALE – 35 TO 50 YRS OLD
A dynamic and charming stage actor (based on a real man). Has made a fortune from his stage adaptation of Sherlock Holmes, whom he also plays. Recently shot in the arm in a bizarre incident, Gillette is determined to bring his Sherlockian skills to bear on solving the case. Must have great comedic timing.
MARTHA GILLETTE – FEMALE – 65 TO 79 YRS OLD
Gillette’s dotty mother, elegant though a bit foggy, Martha never shies away from a fight. Always willing to lob a criticism when necessary, all the same, Martha is loyal to Gillette and his gang of theatrical misfits. Must have great comedic timing.
MADGE GEISEL – FEMALE – 35 TO 45 YRS OLD
Wry and outspoken (think Rosalind Russell), Madge, like her husband Felix, is a lifelong theatrical. Is game for anything, but back her into a corner and she will come out swinging. Must have great comedic timing.
FELIX GEISEL – MALE – 35 TO 45 YRS OLD
The Company’s character actor, Felix is histrionic and arch (think Lionel Barrymore). A true theatrical that has given his life to the stage, Felix is Gillette’s best friend and occasional sidekick. Married to Madge. Actor must have great comic timing and be physically strong.
AGGIE WHEELER – FEMALE – 23 TO 27 YRS OLD
Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, Aggie is the innocent of the company. Good-natured and kind, Aggie has had tragedy in her past, though she seems to have dealt with it well, and even moved on. Recently married to Simon, they make a charming and wonderful couple. Actress needs to have a dark side.
SIMON BRIGHT – MALE – 23 TO 30 YRS OLD
The inexperienced member of the company, Simon is an enthusiastic young man, eager to please and find success. A bit naive, Simon can occasionally be overly sensitive. Recently married to Aggie, they make a charming and wonderful couple.
DARIA CHASE – FEMALE – 37 TO 47 YRS OLD
Glamorous and gorgeous, Daria is the theatre critic we all love to hate. Biting and utterly charming, you can’t help but like Daria, despite the terrible things she says and writes. A wonderful sense of humor goes a long way towards endearing Daria to the audience. The actress must have wonderful comic timing and be a skilled physical comedian.
INSPECTOR HARRIET GORING --FEMALE – 40 TO 59 YRS OLD
English and eccentric, completely one of a kind. By turns, witty and incisive, suddenly lost and dim, she is disarming in her inability to be defined. Always off the mark, and yet never far from the truth, somehow she always gets her man. Wonderful opportunity for a character actress; must have great comic timing.
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Technical Director/Set Design: Tom Kernan
Costume Design: Vickie Craft
Hair and Makeup Design: Reece Middleton
Lighting Design: Laura Craft
Sound Design: Alejandro Rosa
Set Realization: Greg Beam
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