Casting Teen Performers for "Murder by the Book" Play
Auditions for "Murder by the Book". Eight cast members ages 15 and older are needed, all levels of experience are welcome. Please see the details below. ONLY LOCAL TALENT WILL BE ACCEPTED. Additional info: This is a play within a play, so – with the exception of one part – everyone plays at least 2 roles. Performers of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, gender identities and expressions, and performers living with disabilities are encouraged to audition. In addition to the main roles, there are a few opportunities for cameo appearances for folks who may wish to get involved without taking on a larger commitment. Auditionees are asked to prepare a one to three minute character-driven comedic monologue. Once cast, rehearsals will begin in late September and run through early November, with three rehearsals each week, two weekday evenings and one weekend afternoon. If interested, please apply.
23 roles
Our hero. Librarian and reluctant stage manager turned reluctant sleuth. Sometimes it seems like she’s the only sane one in the bunch.
Challenger. Reformer. The janitor of the library. She’s harsh and intimidating. Plays the role of Wendy Sheckle -The nerdish ingénue & cliché screamer.
The victim. Incredibly wealthy and sooo out of touch with ordinary people. Plus she’s a terrible actor. Plays the role of Sally Guilder – former mean girl and also victim in the play within the play.
Fool. Aspiring playwright. She writes shoddy self-published novels. Maybe she never read a book in her life. Plays the role of Linda Pence- AKA Mrs. P, a drunk who calls others on their nonsense.
Gold digger. Vain. Charmer & flatterer. He comes from lost wealth. Plays the role of Walter Thruppence- The lawyer who becomes the sleuth of the play within the play…but might also be the murderer!
Cop (Officer Farthing). He is debilitatingly shy except when on the community theatre stage. He is the town’s best actor. Plays the role of Kirk Florin – a party animal
Caregiver/peacemaker. Retired teacher. Pollyanna. Making tea and rubbing shoulders. Reads aloud to the kids every Saturday. Plays the role of Rocky Bender- The hippie from a couple grades above Sally at school. He’s the psychic.
A bit of a villain. Chair ‘man’ of the board of the library. She is so conservative; she doesn’t believe in changing the title to chairperson or woman. She’s the director of the play within the play, but has to step in and take the role of Sally.