The Play That Goes Wrong

On the Opera House stage January 19 – February 4, 2024

Director – Gil Sebastian

Assistant Director – Lenore Sebastian

Stage Managers – Melissa Dahlberg and Chris Taloff

Auditions: Sunday, October 8 and Monday, October 9, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Callbacks: Tuesday, October 10, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Audition Location: Woodland Opera House Theatre, 340 Second Street. 

To sign up for an audition go to https://app.initlive.com/web-admin/app/...

Rehearsals: Begin Wednesday, November 1, 2023 and will be held Sundays through Thursdays from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. These times may be variable as tech rehearsals approach. Possible extended Sunday rehearsals beginning in January.

Tech: Sunday, January 14, 2024. TBD.

Dress Rehearsals: Monday, January 15 through Thursday, January 18, 2024.

Performances: Friday, January 19 through February 4, 2024. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

The Woodland Opera House is proud to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for those auditioning.

- Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. You may be called upon to do some physical movement, which may include falling on the floor, so dress comfortably and appropriately.
- Due to the technical aspects of the show and safety issues, conflicts will affect casting. Please present all known conflicts when auditioning. We will be as flexible with conflicts as possible, as we know emergencies arise. We will do what we can to work around the holidays. No conflicts will be allowed after January 8, 2024.
- Actors who are cast must be able to memorize their lines early on, as rehearsal time must be devoted to movement and set negotiation without scripts in hand.

Synopsis

- Welcome to opening night of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society’s newest production, “The Murder at Haversham Manor,” where things are 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 their final curtain call, with hilarious consequences.

Character Breakdown

All actors have physically demanding roles in the play as written. Actors may be asked to climb or dangle from set pieces and perform stage combat. Some characters will be carried or dragged, and some actors will carry or drag other actors through windows and across the stage.
All actors must attempt a stage-British accent in the auditions.

Chris/Inspector Carter (25 – 50): Chris is the head of the Drama Society as well as the director of “The Murder at Haversham Manor.” Chris wants nothing more than for the play to go well, even though he knows that’s not very likely. He attempts to take control as Inspector Carter, but it turns out to be both nerve-wracking and exciting. 

Robert/Thomas Colleymore (22-50): Thomas is Charles’s best school friend and Florence’s overprotective and sometimes jealous brother. Must have dominant stage presence and vocal power. One of the most physically demanding roles in the show.

Jonathan/Charles Haversham (22- 50): Charles is very wealthy, very popular, and very well-connected. Also a very physically demanding role, even in death. 

Max/Cecil Haversham/Arthur The Gardener: (22- 50) Charles’ jealous younger brother. He has learned his lines and does exactly what he’s told, but has zero connection with other actors, until he breaks the 4th wall and engages with the audience. Childlike and naïve. Doubles as the Gardener (small but funny role). 

Sandra/Florence Colleymore: (25 – 50) Florence is Charles’s excitable and unfaithful fiancé. She is marrying Charles for his money and stature. Vain and possesses a huge ego. Must be comfortable appearing onstage in her underwear for most of the show. A physically demanding role. 

Annie The Stage Manager: (25 – 50) She is excellent at her job, but isn’t given the best resources with which to succeed. She unwillingly gets pulled into the play, out of her comfort zone, but quickly (and voraciously) adapts.

Dennis/Perkins: (25 – 50) Charles’ trusty butler. Slightly oblivious, but understands when he gets things wrong. Must be energetic and have excellent diction.

Trevor: (25 – 60) He is the burned-out lighting and sound director for Polytechnic. He is well aware of the company’s struggles and pitfalls, but is in for a surprise when he gets pulled further into the production than he had planned.