VERDICT by Agatha Christie AUDITION NOTICE
VERDICT is not a typical Agatha Christie “who-dun-it?” although it is reputed to be Christie’s favourite among her stage works. A murder is indeed committed, but the act and the perpetrator are clearly seen by the audience. The play moves in short order from “who’ll-do-it?” to “will-they-get-away-with-it?”
The plot revolves around a noted European scholar who settles in post-WW2 London. He supports his household, which includes his embittered invalid wife and her cousin/caregiver, by teaching at a London university. Whatever equilibrium existed between family and friends is rudely upset by the intrusion of a wealthy student seeking private tutoring despite a lack of academic qualifications. The professor’s own principles and morality are soon put to the test when he becomes the recipient of potentially exculpatory evidence.
Casting Requirements
DLT is currently seeking four actors to supplement the cast selected for the pre-COVID production originally scheduled for the Spring of 2020.
3 male and 1 female needed, including
Professor and Mrs. Hendryks (major roles)
2 police detectives (well-crafted cameos)
British and European accents
Age range – 30’s to 50’s
Audition Details
Time: Sunday December 5 @ 7:30 PM and Monday December 6 @ 7:30 PM
Place: Garstin Centre for the Arts/Dundas Little Theatre, 37 Market Street South, Dundas
Production dates: April/May 2020
For further information or a copy of the script, contact the Director, Peter Lloyd at plloyd3@cogeco.ca
All Covid-19 precautions will be observed. Everyone entering the building must have proof of double vaccinations and must wear a mask except when actually auditioning.
Audition
DOUBT AUDITION NOTICE
Monday, October 25, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. at Dundas Little Theatre
Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at 7:30 p.m at Dundas Little Theatre
“Change comes at the moment of Doubt”… so writes John Patrick Shanley in his edifying preface to his Pulitzer Prize-winning play.
And Dundas Little Theatre has elected to choose this most timely piece for this present Pandemic Pause to open their 2021-22 season.
It will be produced by Brenda Ewing and directed by Dia Frid, who both are eagerly anticipating actors who will relish the creative collaboration that is necessary to mount this challenging and thought-provoking play.
A digital copy of the script can be obtained from Brenda Ewing, email brenda.ewing18@gmail.com
CAST OF CHARACTERS
It is important to note that the play takes place in 1964, when racial prejudices and terminology were openly expressed.
While this is not a play about accents, it is helpful to voice the lines according to the suggestions proposed by the playwright. The play takes place in the Bronx, New York.
Sister Aloysius Beauvier (suggested age – over 50). She is watchful, reserved, unsentimental.
Sister James (suggested age – between 25-35). There is a bit of sunshine in her heart, though she’s reserved as well.
Father Brendan Flynn (suggested age – over 40). He is working class, from the Northeast.
Mrs. Muller (suggested age – 35-45). The mother of Donald, the student in question. She is African-American and on red alert.
Audition Preparation
1) Please read the preface of the play and savour the wealth of information that Mr. Shanley communicates to us as to how he wishes his script to be interpreted.
2) Please look at the first monologue on Page 13 that begins “What do you do when you’re not sure” and ends “Amen”. I know that it’s spoken by Father Flynn, but I’d like everyone auditioning – no matter for which role – to know this monologue.
Memorization is up to you. I’m interested in your approach to text and acting choices – and casting this play depends on how we bring out the creative best in each other to best serve this play during a brief rehearsal process. I also think that this first monologue of the play reminds us that the full title of the play is DOUBT – A PARABLE.
In this production, we hope to ensure that the audience never forgets the complete title.
3) You may also be asked to cold-read a scene with another actor.
Performance Dates (all 2022): January 21, 22, 28, 29, 30, February 3, 4, 5, 6. (January 30 and February 6 are matinees.)
Rehearsals will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm. They will begin – in person at Dundas Little Theatre – on Tuesday November 2.
If bad weather ensues, thanks to our ZOOM education, we will not jeopardize our lives by being on the road but remain in the safety of our homes and rehearsals will continue.
There will be a week off for Christmas.
Dundas Little Theatre 