The Play That Goes Wrong - Auditions

About the Show

From Mischief, Broadway masters of comedy, comes the smash hit farce. Welcome to opening night of the Cornley University Drama Society’s newest production, The Murder at Haversham Manor, where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous. This 1920s whodunit has everything you never wanted in a show—an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines). Nevertheless, the accident-prone thespians battle against all odds to make it through to their final curtain call, with hilarious consequences! Part Monty Python, part Sherlock Holmes, this Olivier Award–winning comedy is a global phenomenon that’s guaranteed to  leave you aching with laughter!

About Auditions

1. Given a prompt, those auditioning will be asked to work in small groups, creating short “scenes” in the style of the play.

2. Those auditioning will also be asked to read from the script multiple times. Participants will have a chance to rehearse with their partners before presenting.

3. There is no need to prepare anything before auditions. However, if you wish to prepare material, select a piece that is in the same style as the play.

4. You do not have to sign up for a time slot.

Rehearsals

1. Rehearsals will be Monday through Thursday, beginning Monday, August 25. Start times will be either 6:30 or 7:00 pm depending on the needs of the cast. As we get close to production, an additional Sunday may be added.

2. The play is very much an ensemble piece so regular attendance is vital. When completing the conflicts form, be sure to be thorough.

3. The nature of the production requires rehearsing the technical elements much sooner than most productions.

4. Cast members will be required to learn their lines early. Because of the physical nature of the show, the off-book deadline will be around mid-September.

Miscellaneous Information

1. In this play, the set is one of the main characters with everything “going wrong” in a very safe, controlled way. Those working backstage are VITAL to the production’s success.

2. Actors need to be comfortable "improvising" action and dialogue.

Prepare in Advance

1. Fill out the audition form.

2. Print and fill out the conflict calendar.

Note: Auditions for this production are recommended for those aged 18 and older. This age guideline ensures performers can fully engage with the material and roles available in this show.

Thank you for understanding.

Character Descriptions

Note: All roles are for adults, with some flexible casting.

CHRIS BEAN/INSPECTOR CARTER: He is the head of the theater company and director of the play-within-a-play Murder at Haversham Manor.

JONATHON HARRIS/CHARLES HAVERSHAM: A member of the company. He plays Charles the deceased. This is a very physical role.

ROBERT GROVE/THOMAS COLLEYMOORE: A member of the company, he plays Thomas, Charles’ old school friend. Robert and Chris are in a power struggle to be president of the drama society. Thinks of himself as a Richard Burton type.

MAX BENNETT/CECIL HAVERSHAM/ARTHUR THE GARDENER: A brand-new member of the company and has never been on stage before.

SANDRA WILKINSON/FLORENCE COLLEYMOORE: She is a member of the company and plays Charles’ fiancée and Thomas’ sister. She is vain with a huge ego. This is a very physical role.

DENNIS TYDE/PERKINS: A member of the company who plays Perkins, Charles’ butler.

ANNIE TWILLOIL/ STAGE MANAGER: She is the company’s stage manager. She is secretly the best actor. Initially annoyed when she has to step in for an indisposed actor but is on board to save the show. She decides to fight for her chance to showcase her talent.

TREVOR WATSON/LIGHTING AND SOUND OPERATOR: This can be played by a male or female. They aren’t particularly fond of actors, and they frequently do things they shouldn’t, including engaging with the audience. When things go really wrong, they are forced to act in the play.

STAGE CREW/SWING: Up to four roles of working both backstage and on stage when needed with script in hand.