Auditions at Carteret Community Theatre

Character List and Breakdowns

The Cornley Polytechnic Dramatic Society presents ‘Murder At Haversham Manor’, and everything that could go wrong does.

This is a fast-paced, physically demanding and amazingly funny show.  We are looking for physically adept performers with great comic timing who can remain anchored to the scene while it falls apart and they fall down; and, who can, when things go wrong, react –often at the same time–as their character in ‘Murder’, as the Cornley actor playing that character (who maybe missed a few too many rehearsals) and as part of the ‘Murder’ ensemble some of whom can see the train wreck coming and some of whom remain oblivious or too comfortable in their own ego to either notice or care.

Most roles require varying amounts of crawling, climbing, lifting, running, prop juggling and yes, falling. There is also a sword fight and some hand-to-hand combat

If you’re familiar with the show, please know that at all times, performer and crew safety will be prioritized.  Part of that safety margin will come as the result of frequent rehearsal of the most physically challenging parts of the script.

Except for Annie and Trevor, British accents are required for all characters.

Being in this show will possibly be the most fun you’ve ever had on stage.

 Character Descriptions:

CHRIS, Cornley director and portraying Inspector Carter in “The Murder at Haversham Manor,” faces the biggest night of his career.  Rigid and tightly wound, he is determined to succeed even as everything around him falls apart. No doubt deeply in character backstage, he is unlikely to know how bad the show has gone before his entrance, but he’ll catch up quickly.  How he manages to carry on as ‘Director’ and ‘Inspector’ is one of the great joys of this role.  Ideally not physically arresting in appearance. 

Age range 30-60

Physically demanding

Comfortable on the 7′ platform

 JONATHAN, portraying Charles Haversham in ‘Murder ’, believes himself suave and charming with a strong physical presence, and he may well be.  The actor should have fun finding the balance where his belief meets reality (even while playing a dead man) and how that affects his performance as things go wrong.  His ill-timed entrances with a gun can be one of the highlights of the show.

Physically demanding

Comfortable on the platform

May require a controlled fall from height

Age range 30-60

 ROBERT as Thomas Colleymoore in ‘Murder’ aspires to greatness, employing what he is sure is a Burton-esque stage presence. He has never met a line he could not overread.   He is embroiled in a leadership rivalry with Chris, yet is unconcerned about the chaos that may cause off stage and maybe not above using it on stage.

Physically demanding

Arresting vocals

Comfortable on the 7′ platform

Age range 30-60+

 DENNIS portraying Perkins the butler in ‘Murder’ is new to the stage and likely unfit for it.  He struggles with lines and pronunciation and seems unable to recognize whether people are laughing with him or at him.  He’s drawn to Cornley in the hope of making friends but his inability to match his fellow actors’ modest abilities and immodest egos would seem to doom that.

Somewhat physically demanding

Comfortable on the 7′ platform

Age range 30-50

 SANDRA, taking the stage as Florence Colleymoore in ‘Murder ’, has always secured lead roles– sometimes just by showing up.  She is vain and possesses a huge ego, remaining convinced of her unmatched talent within the company. But it is a talent that is definitely not up to dealing with things when they ‘go wrong’.  Desperately hanging on to her fast-receding ingénue status, as things fall apart, she is left to rely on her ambition and ego to make it through the scene.  The actor in this role will have fun figuring out where\when and how to reveal her insecurities to keep the audience sympathetic.

Very physical role.

Actor will appear in less than full costume with some sort of underwear revealed.

Actor needs to be comfortable being in an enclosed box for up to 5 minutes.

Age range 20-40

 MAX steps into his first roles as Cecil Haversham and Arthur the Gardener in ‘ Murder’ with no prior acting experience. He initially attempts to follow directions with little understanding of them.  Over time, after he discovers the power of getting a laugh, however unexpected or deserved, it leads him to directly engage with the audience, and eventually Max finds that having to play a character in ‘Murder’ is a bit of a bother.

Age range 20-40

 TREVOR, the lighting and sound operator for ‘Murder ’, unexpectedly finds himself in the spotlight. As a tech, he’s bored, entertains a strong dislike of actors, is easily distracted, and is only barely competent.  But when suddenly required to act, briefly taking on the role of Florence, he quickly finds himself in way over his head with no way out. 

Physically demanding

Age range 20-60

 ANNIE, as the Cornleys’ stage manager for ‘Murder ’, is a challenging role.  Initially working behind the scenes trying to solve an unlimited supply of problems, she is unexpectedly and unwillingly brought on stage as Florence with book in hand. Unlike Trevor, she adapts and finds her true calling and, in a brilliant turn, is determined that no one will take it away from her.

Very physical role.

Age range 20-40