We hope you get it.

AUDITION DATES: August 20 @ 7:00 pm, August 21 @ 4:00 pm

AUDITION LOCATION: Biloxi Little Theatre

PRODUCTION DATES: November 4-6 & 10-13, 2022

DIRECTOR: Cuttino Alexander

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

Cold readings from the script. Those auditioning may be asked to participate in improv and/or movement activities. It is vital to believe in the characters performing the play-within-the-play, as that is where the heartbreaking and sidesplitting comedy comes from. We are looking for truthful, funny, physically adept performers who can commit to the style of the play and fully inhabit the characters.

The accent required for many characters in this show is Received Pronunciation (RP) British English. Those auditioning are encouraged to demonstrate this accent.

THE SHOW

Cornley Drama Society presents Murder At Haversham Manor, and everything that could go wrong, does.

ROLES TO BE FILLED

NOTE: GENDER CASTING IS FLEXIBLE FOR CERTAIN ROLES; ALL RACES AND ETHNICITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO AUDITION.

CHRIS (INSPECTOR CARTER) is the director of the play-within-a-play Murder at Haversham Manor and plays the esteemed Inspector Carter. This is the biggest day of his life. He is rigid and uptight. The experience of performing the show is both nerve-wracking and exciting. His pain is evident and every time someone laughs, the pain deepens. RP accent. Flexible casting.

ROBERT (THOMAS COLEYMORE) wants to be Richard Burton, as evidenced by his presentational style. But he’s not a parody of a bad actor, just unaware of others around him. He does not feel bad when things go wrong and never learns from his mistakes. There’s a power struggle between Robert and Chris to be president of the Cornley Drama Society (a position that matters a great deal to Robert). Must have RP accent and real vocal power. Flexible casting.

DENNIS (PERKINS) has no real desire to be involved in the theatre; he just wants friends. He believes if he does well in the show, he’ll be more successful socially. Laughter from the audience is agony and a personal tragedy for him. He’s slightly oblivious, but understands when he gets things wrong. RP accent. Flexible casting.

JONATHAN (CHARLES HAVERSHAM) is a bit bland personality-wise but sees himself as a James Bond-type. Excited and having fun. He technically has to drive the show. He cares about the play, but it’s mostly just for fun for him. The role of Charles Haversham is very physically demanding. RP accent.

MAX (CECIL HAVERSHAM/ARTHUR) has never been onstage before. He learned his lines and does exactly what he’s told to do. He has zero connection with any of the actors, but when he gets a laugh, he breaks the fourth wall and engages with the audience. Childlike and naïve. His mistakes are fundamental. He doesn’t think anything through. RP accent.

SANDRA (FLORENCE COLEYMORE) is vain and has a huge ego. She wants to be loved. She has ambitions to go to Hollywood and will hurt anyone standing in the way of what she wants, but is smart enough to stay on the good side of someone who can help her (like the director). The stakes are high for her. Very physical role. RP accent.

ANNIE is the company’s stage manager. She has the biggest journey of any character. She’s initially terrified of acting, but is willing to kill for it by the end of the play. Her terror turns to joy and then to fury. She starts small but grows and grows. American accent.

TREVOR is the play’s curmudgeonly lighting and sound operator. He simply wants to get on with the show. He doesn’t like actors. He is easily distracted and does many things he shouldn’t, including talking to the audience. When things go really sideways, he is forced to act in the play. American accent.

STAGE CREW MEMBERS will appear on stage at various points in the play. They will also interact with the audience during preshow and intermission, creating an immersive experience. Seeking actors with talents for improv and quick thinking, with precision and focus backstage.