Show Description
Cornley Drama Society presents the opening night of their newest production “Murder at Haversham Manor”, where things are going from bad to utterly disastrous. Nevertheless, the accident-prone thespians battle against all odds to make it through to their final curtain call.
Casting
Performers ages 18 and up are welcome to audition. It is vital to believe in the characters who are performing the play-within-the-play, as that is from where the heartbreaking comedy comes. With that in mind, we are looking for actors with a keen ability and understanding of comedy. This show entails a lot of very physical comedy. Age ranges for characters are flexible (18+) and will depend upon groupings and parings found through auditions. Roles are open and available to anyone regardless of race, ethnicity, or body type.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a physically demanding show. Most roles will require varying amounts of crawling, climbing, lifting, running, and/or falling.
Auditions
Sunday, December 3 @ 6:30pm Monday, December 4 @ 6:30pm
Callbacks (if needed) Wednesday, December 5
Please be prepared to: – Perform some physical activities/games. Some activities will be from the script. – Read provided selections from the script – Be prepared to fill out a conflict sheet at auditions
Rehearsals
Depending on cast schedules, we will have a cast meeting and possibly a few rehearsals in December. Rehearsals will begin January 2nd and will usually run M-F. If possible, we may trade a weeknight rehearsal for a weekend for some scenes involving a smaller number of cast members. No absences will be accepted during tech week or performances. Please make sure you can fully commit to the rehearsal period and performance schedule before auditioning. You must be willing to make the show a priority.
Performances February 15, 16, 22, 23, 24 @ 7:30pm
February 17 @ 2:00pm
RP Accent is the accent traditionally regarded as the standard prestigious form of spoken British English. Not a Cockney accent.
Performers Needed.
Chris (plays the esteemed Inspector Carter) Chris is the director of the play-within-a-play, Murder at Haversham Manor. His Inspector Carter is a decent actor but a bit melodramatic. He does his best to keep the show on track while gritting his teeth at the ineptness. RP accent.
Sandra (Plays Florence Colleymore, the fiancé’ of the deceased who is having a secret affair with his brother). She is the company’s leading lady; a bit of a diva who thinks she’s more talented than she really is. (Note: The actor cast in this role will need to be comfortable being in an enclosed box for up to 5 minutes and prepared to take on a VERY demanding physical role- RP accent.
Robert (Plays Thomas Colleymore, best friend of Charles and Florence’s brother) Ernest & optimistic. He’s not a parody of a bad actor, just unaware of others around him. He does not feel bad when things go wrong and never learns from his mistakes. Must have RP accent and real vocal power.
Dennis (Plays Perkins the Butler) Dennis has no real desire to be involved in the theatre; he just wants friends. Possibly the worst actor in the play within a play troupe. He’s slightly oblivious but understands when he gets things wrong. RP accent.
Max(Plays Cecil Haversham/Arthur the Gardner in ACTII) Max has never been onstage before. He learned his lines perfectly and does exactly what he’s told to do. He has zero connection with any of the actors, but when he gets a laugh, he breaks the fourth wall and engages with the audience. Childlike and naïve. He is like a kid in a candy shop! RP accent.
Jonathan/(Charles Haversham-deceased) He’s been cast as a corpse but has trouble playing dead. Don’t worry - he has some lines as the play progresses. Sees himself as a James Bond-type. The role of Charles Haversham is a physically demanding role. RP accent
Annie is the company’s stage manager. She has the biggest journey of any character. She’s initially terrified by acting but is willing to kill for it by the end of the play. Her terror turns to joy, and then to fury. She starts small but grows
Trevor is the plays cranky lighting and sound operator. He doesn’t understand actors. He is easily distracted and does many things he shouldn’t including talking to the audience. He doesn’t know the “rules” of theatre. Note: The actor cast in this role will need to be comfortable being in an enclosed box for up to 5 minutes.
Stage Crew, the Cornley stage crew
Directors -Rebecca & Bruce Fry
Send questions to shawneelittletheatre@