Audition Information:
Audition Dates: Thursday, Aug. 10th from 3:15-5:00pm
You must sign up for an audition time by using the sign up button above.
Make sure you obtain an audition sheet from Mr. Alvarez prior to your audition
Callback: Friday, August 11th (by invitation only) from 3:15-5:00pm
Performance Dates: November 2nd and 3rd (School performances TBA)
Audition Location: West Point’s Theatre Room (1125)
Audition Process & Instructions
For auditions, (YOU CAN AUDITION SOLO OR WITH A PARTNER) take a any monologue (you can use one of the provided ones at the end of this page, a monologue from a play, or make one up), song, speech from a movie, or talent you have. But add a twist! During the audition, something unexpected and disastrous will happen that disrupts the performance.
You decide what happens. Your task is to continue the scene while incorporating and responding to these unexpected mishaps, but make sure to always maintain character. Finish the task. Keep letting it go wrong!
This is about the physical comedy and showing a special skill. Let the "GOES WRONG" be the focus. Have it well rehearsed. Keep it SAFE and school appropriate. But, most importantly be Creative and use your imagination! “The Play That Goes Worng” is a big comedy, so make strong choices. You want to make the people at your audition laugh!
Disaster examples:
Dropped script and your lines get mixed, missed lines, Phone keeps changing songs, can only speak in gibberish, can't stop laughing. Your knees turn to jello. Your character's tragedy is our comedy.
Character ideas:
“Over-act” it. This could involve melodramatic or exaggerated gestures and/or vocal choices, but try not to make it too ‘abstract.’
“Under-act” it. Your choices could be flat, stiff, nervous, etc. Enjoy being bad.
Memorization is not required but is encouraged.
*During your audition you may be asked to read more a monologue from this packet, it is a good idea read each monologue at least twice once.
Rehearsal Information
Rehearsals are generally held Monday through Friday evenings from 3:10 pm to 5:00 pm. Additional Saturday morning rehearsals may be added depending on the need. Participating in a West Point Theatre Company production is a serious commitment, and rehearsal attendance is very important.
We understand that you are volunteering your time, and we will do our best to accommodate your schedule. Please make sure to list all your known conflicts on your audition form. If cast in the show, please notify your stage manager of any new conflicts that come up. You will only be called to rehearsal when you are needed. If you miss more than four unexcused rehearsals, you will be dropped from the production.
The first rehearsal will be Monday, August 14th.
Tech Week: October 23rd, 2022 – November 1st, 2022
Tech week is the final weeks of the rehearsal process where all of the technical elements of the show are put in place. An actor may NOT miss a rehearsal during tech week.
Last Reminder
Casting is subjective and entirely based on someone else's opinion. Sometimes casting decisions are influenced by factors beyond your control. It's important to understand that you may not get cast in every role you desire, and there might be times when you won't get cast at all. If you are not cast in this show, remember to celebrate the fact that you gave it your best shot. Rejection doesn't define your talent or worth.
If this particular production isn't the right fit for you, we encourage you to consider auditioning for future shows. Your dedication and passion for theater are valuable assets, and we hope to see you at the next audition. Keep pursuing your dreams, and remember that every audition is a learning experience that helps you grow as a performer.
Audition Dates: Thursday, Aug. 10th from 3:15-5:00pm
You must sign up for an audition time by using the sign up button above.
Make sure you obtain an audition sheet from Mr. Alvarez prior to your audition
Callback: Friday, August 11th (by invitation only) from 3:15-5:00pm
Performance Dates: November 2nd and 3rd (School performances TBA)
Audition Location: West Point’s Theatre Room (1125)
Audition Process & Instructions
For auditions, (YOU CAN AUDITION SOLO OR WITH A PARTNER) take a any monologue (you can use one of the provided ones at the end of this page, a monologue from a play, or make one up), song, speech from a movie, or talent you have. But add a twist! During the audition, something unexpected and disastrous will happen that disrupts the performance.
You decide what happens. Your task is to continue the scene while incorporating and responding to these unexpected mishaps, but make sure to always maintain character. Finish the task. Keep letting it go wrong!
This is about the physical comedy and showing a special skill. Let the "GOES WRONG" be the focus. Have it well rehearsed. Keep it SAFE and school appropriate. But, most importantly be Creative and use your imagination! “The Play That Goes Worng” is a big comedy, so make strong choices. You want to make the people at your audition laugh!
Disaster examples:
Dropped script and your lines get mixed, missed lines, Phone keeps changing songs, can only speak in gibberish, can't stop laughing. Your knees turn to jello. Your character's tragedy is our comedy.
Character ideas:
“Over-act” it. This could involve melodramatic or exaggerated gestures and/or vocal choices, but try not to make it too ‘abstract.’
“Under-act” it. Your choices could be flat, stiff, nervous, etc. Enjoy being bad.
Memorization is not required but is encouraged.
*During your audition you may be asked to read more a monologue from this packet, it is a good idea read each monologue at least twice once.
Rehearsal Information
Rehearsals are generally held Monday through Friday evenings from 3:10 pm to 5:00 pm. Additional Saturday morning rehearsals may be added depending on the need. Participating in a West Point Theatre Company production is a serious commitment, and rehearsal attendance is very important.
We understand that you are volunteering your time, and we will do our best to accommodate your schedule. Please make sure to list all your known conflicts on your audition form. If cast in the show, please notify your stage manager of any new conflicts that come up. You will only be called to rehearsal when you are needed. If you miss more than four unexcused rehearsals, you will be dropped from the production.
The first rehearsal will be Monday, August 14th.
Tech Week: October 23rd, 2022 – November 1st, 2022
Tech week is the final weeks of the rehearsal process where all of the technical elements of the show are put in place. An actor may NOT miss a rehearsal during tech week.
Last Reminder
Casting is subjective and entirely based on someone else's opinion. Sometimes casting decisions are influenced by factors beyond your control. It's important to understand that you may not get cast in every role you desire, and there might be times when you won't get cast at all. If you are not cast in this show, remember to celebrate the fact that you gave it your best shot. Rejection doesn't define your talent or worth.
If this particular production isn't the right fit for you, we encourage you to consider auditioning for future shows. Your dedication and passion for theater are valuable assets, and we hope to see you at the next audition. Keep pursuing your dreams, and remember that every audition is a learning experience that helps you grow as a performer.
Play Synopsis
Welcome to opening night of the Cornley 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!
Character Breakdown
ANNIE - 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 and grows. (F)
TREVOR (OR TAYLOR) - the company's lighting and sound operator. He/she simply wants to get on with the show. They doesn’t like actors. They are easily distracted and does many things he/she shouldn’t, including talking to the audience. When things go really sideways, they are forced to act in the play. (M/F)
CHRIS - the head of the drama society, the director of the play-within-a-play Murder at Haversham Manor and plays the esteemed Inspector Carter. This is the biggest day of his life. He/she is rigid and uptight. The experience of performing the show is both nerve-wracking and exciting. His/her pain is evident and every time someone laughs, the pain deepens. (M/F)
JONATHAN - plays Charles Haversham. He is a bit bland personality-wise but sees himself as a James Bond-type. Excited and having fun. He technically has to drive the show. He cares about the play, but it’s mostly just for fun for him. The role of Charles Haversham is a very physically demanding role. (M)
ROBERT (OR RACHEL) - plays Thomas (or Mary) Colleymoore. He/she is not a parody of a bad actor, just unaware of others around him. He/she does not feel bad when things go wrong and never learns from his/her mistakes. There’s a power struggle between Robert and Chris to be president of the Cornley Poly Drama Society (a position that matters a great deal to Robert/Rachel). (M/F)
DENNIS (OR DENISE) - plays Perkins. He/she has no real desire to be involved in the theatre; he/she just wants friends. He/she believes if they do well in the show, they will be more successful socially. Laughter from the audience is agony and a personal tragedy for him/her. They are slightly oblivious, but understands when he gets things wrong. (M/F)
MAX - plays Cecil Haversham and Arthur the Gardner. He has never been onstage before. He learned his lines 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. His mistakes are fundamental. He doesn’t think anything through. (M)
SANDRA - plays Florence Colleymoore. She is vain and has a huge ego. She wants to be loved. She has ambitions to go to Hollywood and will hurt anyone standing in the way of what she wants, but is smart enough to stay on the good side of someone who can help her (like the director). The stakes are high for her. Very physical role (F)
STAGE CREW (6-8) - the Cornley Drama Society Stage Crew. They try their best to “fix” things that go wrong (M/F)
PLEASE NOTE: This is a physically demanding show. Most roles will require varying amounts of crawling, climbing, lifting, running, and/or falling.
Welcome to opening night of the Cornley 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!
Character Breakdown
ANNIE - 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 and grows. (F)
TREVOR (OR TAYLOR) - the company's lighting and sound operator. He/she simply wants to get on with the show. They doesn’t like actors. They are easily distracted and does many things he/she shouldn’t, including talking to the audience. When things go really sideways, they are forced to act in the play. (M/F)
CHRIS - the head of the drama society, the director of the play-within-a-play Murder at Haversham Manor and plays the esteemed Inspector Carter. This is the biggest day of his life. He/she is rigid and uptight. The experience of performing the show is both nerve-wracking and exciting. His/her pain is evident and every time someone laughs, the pain deepens. (M/F)
JONATHAN - plays Charles Haversham. He is a bit bland personality-wise but sees himself as a James Bond-type. Excited and having fun. He technically has to drive the show. He cares about the play, but it’s mostly just for fun for him. The role of Charles Haversham is a very physically demanding role. (M)
ROBERT (OR RACHEL) - plays Thomas (or Mary) Colleymoore. He/she is not a parody of a bad actor, just unaware of others around him. He/she does not feel bad when things go wrong and never learns from his/her mistakes. There’s a power struggle between Robert and Chris to be president of the Cornley Poly Drama Society (a position that matters a great deal to Robert/Rachel). (M/F)
DENNIS (OR DENISE) - plays Perkins. He/she has no real desire to be involved in the theatre; he/she just wants friends. He/she believes if they do well in the show, they will be more successful socially. Laughter from the audience is agony and a personal tragedy for him/her. They are slightly oblivious, but understands when he gets things wrong. (M/F)
MAX - plays Cecil Haversham and Arthur the Gardner. He has never been onstage before. He learned his lines 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. His mistakes are fundamental. He doesn’t think anything through. (M)
SANDRA - plays Florence Colleymoore. She is vain and has a huge ego. She wants to be loved. She has ambitions to go to Hollywood and will hurt anyone standing in the way of what she wants, but is smart enough to stay on the good side of someone who can help her (like the director). The stakes are high for her. Very physical role (F)
STAGE CREW (6-8) - the Cornley Drama Society Stage Crew. They try their best to “fix” things that go wrong (M/F)
PLEASE NOTE: This is a physically demanding show. Most roles will require varying amounts of crawling, climbing, lifting, running, and/or falling.
Optional Monologues:
TREVOR/TAYLOR:
(Trevor/Taylor address the audience.) Okay, welcome to The Murder at Haversham Manor. Can I kindly request that all your cell phones and other electronic devices are switched off and please note that photography of any kind is strictly prohibited. Also if anyone finds a Duran Duran" CD box set any- where in the auditorium, that is a personal item and I want that back. Please drop it at my tech box at the end of the show. Enjoy the performance. (House and stage lights go down.)
(On his/her radio but broadcast to the whole theatre.) Alright, can we prepare for lights up on Act One, note for the cast Winston is still missing, we need to find him before the guard dog scene. We need him back in his cage as soon as possible. What's Annie doing onstage? Get her off so Chris can do his/her stupid speech-oop!
CHRIS:
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and... welcome to the Cornley Drama Society's presentation of The Murder at Haversham Manor. Please allow me to introduce myself; I am Chris (Chris short for Christine if female.), the director, and I would like to personally welcome you to what will be my directorial debut and my first production as head of the drama society.
Firstly, I would like to apologize to those of you involved in our little box office mix-up. I do hope the six hundred and seventeen (Change house size as appropriate.) of you affected will enjoy our little murder mystery just as much as you would have enjoyed Hamilton.
We are particularly excited to present this play because, for the first time in the society's history, we've managed to find a play that fits the number of society members perfectly. If we're honest a lack of members has sometimes hampered past productions, such as last year's Chekhov play... Two Sisters. Last Christmas The Lion and the Wardrobe. Or indeed our summer musical, Cat.
Of course, this will be the first time the society has been able to stage a play of this scale and we are thrilled. It's no secret we usually have to contend with a small budget, as was evident in our recent production of Road Dahl's classic James and the Peach. Of course during the run of that particular show the peach we had went off, and we were forced to present a hastily devised alternative entitled James! Where's Your Peach?
Anyway, on to the main event, which I am confident will be our best show yet! So, ladies and gentlemen, without any further ado, please put your hands together--for Susie H. K. Brideswell's thrilling whodunit- The Murder at Haversham Manor.
Max
Soon we will run away my love, but we must be careful. We mustn’t arouse suspicion.
I have no doubt in my mind, that Charles was killed by your brother Thomas Colleymore.
Isn’t it obvious? He- (Max goes to sit falls) Argh! He was always bitter and possessive when it came to you!
(Throughout the following dialogue, Max begins miming his speech in a panic)
He couldn’t stand the idea of his best friend marrying his sister. He saw you together at tonight’s engagement party and it drove him half mad he snapped and killed Charles! I have no doubt in my mind he would try and kill us as well, just like he killed Charles!
TREVOR/TAYLOR:
(Trevor/Taylor address the audience.) Okay, welcome to The Murder at Haversham Manor. Can I kindly request that all your cell phones and other electronic devices are switched off and please note that photography of any kind is strictly prohibited. Also if anyone finds a Duran Duran" CD box set any- where in the auditorium, that is a personal item and I want that back. Please drop it at my tech box at the end of the show. Enjoy the performance. (House and stage lights go down.)
(On his/her radio but broadcast to the whole theatre.) Alright, can we prepare for lights up on Act One, note for the cast Winston is still missing, we need to find him before the guard dog scene. We need him back in his cage as soon as possible. What's Annie doing onstage? Get her off so Chris can do his/her stupid speech-oop!
CHRIS:
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and... welcome to the Cornley Drama Society's presentation of The Murder at Haversham Manor. Please allow me to introduce myself; I am Chris (Chris short for Christine if female.), the director, and I would like to personally welcome you to what will be my directorial debut and my first production as head of the drama society.
Firstly, I would like to apologize to those of you involved in our little box office mix-up. I do hope the six hundred and seventeen (Change house size as appropriate.) of you affected will enjoy our little murder mystery just as much as you would have enjoyed Hamilton.
We are particularly excited to present this play because, for the first time in the society's history, we've managed to find a play that fits the number of society members perfectly. If we're honest a lack of members has sometimes hampered past productions, such as last year's Chekhov play... Two Sisters. Last Christmas The Lion and the Wardrobe. Or indeed our summer musical, Cat.
Of course, this will be the first time the society has been able to stage a play of this scale and we are thrilled. It's no secret we usually have to contend with a small budget, as was evident in our recent production of Road Dahl's classic James and the Peach. Of course during the run of that particular show the peach we had went off, and we were forced to present a hastily devised alternative entitled James! Where's Your Peach?
Anyway, on to the main event, which I am confident will be our best show yet! So, ladies and gentlemen, without any further ado, please put your hands together--for Susie H. K. Brideswell's thrilling whodunit- The Murder at Haversham Manor.
Max
Soon we will run away my love, but we must be careful. We mustn’t arouse suspicion.
I have no doubt in my mind, that Charles was killed by your brother Thomas Colleymore.
Isn’t it obvious? He- (Max goes to sit falls) Argh! He was always bitter and possessive when it came to you!
(Throughout the following dialogue, Max begins miming his speech in a panic)
He couldn’t stand the idea of his best friend marrying his sister. He saw you together at tonight’s engagement party and it drove him half mad he snapped and killed Charles! I have no doubt in my mind he would try and kill us as well, just like he killed Charles!