SHOW SUMMARY

One plucky community theater is about to produce a show called Murder Most Foul, a new “murder mystery play” with the same title as an Agatha Christie novel but with no relation whatsoever. The director/theater manager, Gerry, thought producing the play was a good idea since the inexperienced playwright has agreed to let the company perform the show for no charge. Gerry, however, had no idea what disasters awaited her: the show is hilariously amateur, the “murder mystery” plot doesn’t really have a murder, and to top it off the playwright keeps changing the story and script only two days from its premiere! It doesn’t help that the cast is disgruntled, and the playwright accidentally deletes the entire sound effect board. All of the disasters come to fruition in Act III when the company performs the actual show with hilarious mishaps at every turn. Play On! is a hilarious love letter to community theater.

“Play On!” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

AUDITION PROCESS

• Actors will enter as groups of 4 and will spend approximately 1 hour doing cold reads with fellow auditioners.

• Complete our audition application (PDF) (COMING SOON!) in advance and bring it with you to the audition. Be sure to note all conflicts with rehearsals, tech week and performances.

Aurora Community Theatre strives to provide quality shows for our audiences and a rewarding experience for our performers through team spirit and mutual respect. We ask that you respect your fellow actors and the production team. Any age, race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, body type, abilities, or other identities are encouraged to audition and will be considered equally in character casting, unless directly specified by the playwright as integral to their story. Age/age ranges, genders, and descriptions, if listed, are recommendations by the script but are flexible to interpretation. No roles for this production have been precast unless otherwise stated in marketing announcements regarding the auditions.

All persons appearing onstage or working on ACT production, especially with children in the cast, may be subject to a background check.

Aurora Community Theatre is a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization. All actors are strictly volunteers. No AEA contract(s) currently.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

Aggie Manville – a stage manager and prompter – any age

Geraldine/Gerry Dunbar – a director – over 30 years old

Louise/Louie Perry – an overworked sound, light, and sound technician – any age

Phyllis/Phil Montague – a somewhat eccentric novice playwright – between 42 and 57

Henry Benish (Lord Dudley) – Leading man – mid 50’s

Polly Benish (Lady Margaret) – A “diva” somewhat concerned and teased about her weight – mid 50’s

Marla “Smitty” Smith (Doris the maid) – pretty but awkward – quite young

Saul Watson (Dr. Rex Forbes – the villain) – 45-50 years old

Billy Carewe (Stephen Sellers) – future leading man – looks 25-35

Violet Imbry (Diana Lassiter- an Ingénue) – looks 25-35