Casting Call For Play "Murder on the Orient Express"
Open auditions for Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express". Looking for actors. ONLY LOCAL TALENT WILL BE CONSIDERED. Please see the breakdown below. About the project: Ken Ludwig's clever adaptation of the Agatha Christie classic boasts all the glamour, intrigue and suspense of Dame Agatha's celebrated novel, with a healthy dose of humor to quicken the pace. The year is 1934. Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. The luxurious train is surprisingly full for the time of the year, but by the morning it is one passenger fewer. An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed eight times, his door locked from the inside. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer – in case he or she decides to strike again. Rate: This is a non-paid performing opportunity. Additional info: PRODUCTION DATES: September 8th - 24th, 2023 Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. Sundays at 2 p.m. TECH WEEK: Sun. September 3rd - Thu. September 7th, 2023 Performers and some production volunteers MUST be available for all tech week rehearsals and all performances. There are no exceptions! Rehearsals: There will be approximately 20 rehearsals for this production, plus tech week and performances. The exact rehearsal schedule is to be determined, but rehearsals are usually 1-3 weekday nights per week, from approximately 7 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. There is the possibility of some Sunday evening rehearsals and some weekend daytime rehearsals. The rehearsal schedule intensifies as opening night draws closer. Tech week rehearsals can run later into the evening. No experience is necessary. All roles are open. All are welcome and encouraged to audition, regardless of prior experience, ethnicity, disability or identity. PERFORMERS - WHAT TO PREPARE: The cast has a wide range of accents. Please review the monologues and accent resources for this play attached. Come prepared with monologues for two characters of interest. You will be auditioning with the character’s accent. The accent doesn’t have to be perfect, but the closer the better. When applying, please include your information.
10 roles
A famous Belgian detective; a "big" personality; authoritative, witty, charismatic, and slightly pompous; driven to find the answers, good or bad, with a strong moral sense; very aware of his ability and his well-deserved reputation, but regularly attempting to be humble in his genius. French Accent.
A Belgian man of good humor; playful, proud, generous; a predilection for grandeur; a whirlwind of energy; must be an excellent comedian. French Accent.
An English beauty; a governess, capable yet romantic; a sadness around her eyes and a hardness about her person. English Accent. Please note this character has a kissing scene.
Tightly wound, edgy and nervous; he seems to always be on the verge of falling apart or coming unwound. American Accent.
One actor will play two roles: Michel: a good-looking Frenchman, about 40, a quiet, almost grave sense of humor; unfailingly polite; Head Waiter: a Turkish waiter, snooty, smooth; must have great comic timing. Michel has a French accent and Marcel a Turkish accent.
A Russian dowager; very formal, a sweeping, impressive presence; imperial, impatient. Russian accent.
Inherently odd, and very devout Swedish woman; a frightened, sheeplike quality; must be an excellent comedienne with an impeccable Swedish accent. Swedish accent.
Brilliantly beautiful, like something out of a fairytale; impeccably put together, with a warmth that wins over everyone she meets; her delicacy belies a steely edge; she is no wilting flower; Hungarian accent.
An outspoken and flamboyant American from the Midwest; jovial, domineering, deliciously nosy and brash; unapologetic; must be an excellent comedienne. Prepare to sing “Alexander’s RagTime Band” acapella. American Accent.
Normally one actor plays two roles, but we may cast two people. Samuel Ratchett: (35-50) American businessman, evil at heart and frightening, brusque, unforgiving, stern demeanor; pushy, domineering. American accent. Colonel Arbuthnot: (30-40) Scotsman, handsome, very matter of fact, occasionally tender; must have great comic timing.Scottish Accent. Has a kissing scene.