Performers Needed for Two Upcoming Productions
The company is holding auditions for the fall semester plays - "Murder on the Orient Express" and" Steel Magnolias" and looking for actors, please see the details below. About the project: "Murder on the Orient Express" Famous detective Hercule Poirot is called back from Istanbul to London on urgent business. He intends to book a first-class compartment on the Orient Express, run by his former friend and colleague, Monsieur Bouc. The train is surprisingly full, but Bouc manages to secure Poirot a spot in the first-class cabin. While aboard the Orient Express, Poirot meets a host of peculiar characters: an aging Russian princess, her Swedish companion, a Hungarian countess, a Minnesota housewife, a Scottish colonel, an English governess, a French conductor, a disagreeable American businessman, and his anxious secretary. While aboard the train, the angry businessman, Samuel Ratchett, corners Poirot and demands Poirot to investigate a series of ominous letters that have been sent to Ratchett, threatening his life. "Steel Magnolias" Truvy Jones runs a successful beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies in the neighborhood have a standing Saturday appointment. Along with her anxious and eager assistant, Annelle, Truvy styles the hair of many of the women about town: wealthy widow and former first lady of Chinquapin, Clairee Belcher, local curmudgeon Ouiser Boudreaux ("I'm not crazy, I've just been in a bad mood for forty years”), intelligent and compassionate career woman M’Lynn, and her daughter Shelby, the prettiest girl in town. Shelby’s engagement is the talk of the town, but the joy and excitement of her wedding quickly turn to concern as she faces a risky pregnancy and a myriad of health complications. Eventually, when Shelby dies from complications related to her diabetes, M’Lynn has to deal with the most difficult of life’s challenges: the loss of one’s only child. As the women of Chinquapin makes their ways over life’s many hurdles together, they find comfort (and a fair amount of verbal ribbing) in one another. “You have no idea how wonderful you are,” M’Lynn tells the ladies at the end of the play. Truvy responds, with a smile, “Of course we do.” Additional info: Those interested in auditioning for either play should prepare a one-minute monologue and will be given sides at the auditions.
16 roles
Owner of a small town beauty shop. She loves her work, knows everyone’s business and shares it with anyone who will listen. Southern belle who may be a bit vain, but is always warm and caring. She always has advice for you, often in the form of country sayings. "STEEL MAGNOLIAS"
Mother of Shelby, socially prominent and affluent. Over protective at times and worried about her headstrong daughter. Smart, articulate, and compassionate, she suffers a wrenching breakdown over the loss of her child and must be emotionally available. "STEEL MAGNOLIAS"
Shy, works as a hair dresser for Truvy. Nervous about her crumbling marriage, fragile and desperate she gradually finds confidence and maturity with her new job and interest in the local church. Good at heart, sometimes over zealous, lovable and creative. "STEEL MAGNOLIAS"
“prettiest girl in town”, charming, ebullient and free spirited. She speaks her mind, often bringing her into conflict with her mother. She works as a pediatric nurse which increases her resolve to have a baby, in spite of her fragile health as a diabetic. Despite her challenges she remains positive, bright and easy going "STEEL MAGNOLIAS"
Widow of the former Mayor, still adjusting to the loss. Wealthy, distinguished and confident, she is an enthusiastic gossip. Attractive and gregarious, she has a “smart mouth”, a great sense of humor, and is Ouiser’s best friend forever. "STEEL MAGNOLIAS"
Awealthy curmudgeon, acerbic but ultimately loveable. She can be severe, sarcastic and snarky, but the barbs never totally mask the kind and caring woman underneath. A unique personality and with “more money than God”, she is very close to the ladies, especially to Clairee, which is why they can torment and tease each other mercilessly. "STEEL MAGNOLIAS"
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. "MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS"
A Belgian man of good humor; playful, proud, generous; a predilection for grandeur; a whirlwind of energy; must be an excellent comedian. "MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS"
An English beauty; a governess, capable yet romantic; a sadness around her eyes and a hardness about her person. "MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS"
Tightly wound, edgy and nervous; he seems to always be on the verge of falling apart or coming unwound. "MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS"
One actor will play two roles: Michel: a good-looking Frenchman, about 40, a quiet, almost grave sense of humor; unfailingly polite; Marcel: a Turkish waiter, snooty, smooth; must have great comic timing. "MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS"
A Russian dowager; very formal, a sweeping, impressive presence; imperial, impatient. "MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS"
Inherently odd, and very devout Swedish woman; a frightened, sheeplike quality; must be an excellent comedienne with an impeccable Swedish accent. "MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS"
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. "MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS"
An outspoken and flamboyant American from the Midwest; jovial, obnoxious, domineering, deliciously nosy and brash; unapologetic; must be an excellent comedienne. "MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS"
One actor will play two roles. Samuel Ratchett: middle-aged American businessman, evil at heart and frightening, brusque, unforgiving, stern demeanor; pushy, domineering; Colonel Arbuthnot: Scotsman, also middle aged, handsome, very matter of fact, occasionally tender; must have great comic timing. "MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS"
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