Auditions
Audition Instructions
Auditions will consist of a memorized monologue from the included monologue selections. Accent/dialect work is important in this show, and we want to see your best attempt at the correct accent for each character. Perfection isn’t needed, we just want to see how well you can attempt it. You may be asked to perform the scene with and without the accents, so we can judge acting ability.
Your ability to do the accent is more important than whether or not you look like a stereotypical Russian/Scotsman/Belgian, etc. Actors of all ethnicities are encouraged to attend.
Regarding ages
Some age flexibility is possible, with the following exceptions:
- Michel must be believably old enough to have an adult child.
- Helen Hubbard must be believably old enough to have an adult child in their mid-late 20’s.
Actors may want to demonstrate playing older characters with voice and physicality during their audition for these characters.
About the Play
Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks somewhere in the forests of Yugoslavia. The luxurious train is surprisingly full for the time of the year, but by the morning, it is one passenger fewer.
An American lies dead in his compartment, stabbed a dozen times, his door locked from the inside. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, detective Hercule Poirot must identify the murderer – before he or she decides to strike again.
If you’re used to stodgy adaptations of Agatha Christie mysteries, with a lot of monologues and extensive exposition, this is not one of those adaptations. In a script that reads like it ought to be a film, Ken Ludwig
has distilled one of Christie’s most famous stories down to an exciting, fast-paced story full of memorable characters — all confined within one of the most challenging sets we’ve attempted in years.
Dark secrets, justice, revenge, hidden agendas, gray morality, and common purpose bring together a cast of diverse characters of wildly varying backgrounds, as Christie’s most famous detective ponders the answer to the question: what is more important? What is right or what is lawful?
Important Dates
Auditions - December 6th & 7th 2022 at 3:00 pm in the Theatre Classroom 1315 (please arrive early for check-in)
Callbacks - Invitation by the director on December 8th at 3:00 pm in the Theatre Classroom.
Rehearsal Period - December 9th through February 3rd from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.
Technical Rehearsals - February 6th through February 10th from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm Monday through Friday.
Dress Rehearsals - February 13th through February 22nd from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm Monday through Friday.
Performances - February 23, 24, 25, 27 2023 @ 7:00 pm in the CHHS Auditorium. Call time 5:00 pm.
Characters
HERCULE POIROT
Male presenting, 40-65, Belgian accent, any ethnicity
Iconic character. Agatha Christie’s most famous detective. Poirot is fastidious, thorough, a touch ridiculous, and incredibly observant and intelligent. He is both arrogant and humble to fault. He is an observer of people, astute at analyzing why people behave as they do, and firmly believes that most crimes can be solved primarily
by observation, psychology, and thinking them through. He values intelligence and the rule of law above all else.
MONSIEUR BOUC
Male presenting, 40-65, Belgian accent, any ethnicity
The owner of Wagon Lit, Orient Express. Bouc is a middle-aged man with a youthful vigor and attitude. Gregarious, honest and forthright, he puts his friends and customers above profit, although he is concerned about his company's image. He is not a match for Poirot in intelligence, however.
MARY DEBENHAM
Female presenting, mid 20s-30s, English (standard) accent, any ethnicity
A governess. Anxious, but also cool and determined, Mary has a certain sadness about her, as well as many secrets. She is carrying on a secret affair with Colonel Arburthnot. Must be comfortable kissing on stage.
COLONEL ARBUTHNOT
Male presenting, 30s, Scottish accent, any ethnicity
A military man of the old fashioned type, possibly old-money, and used to being obeyed without question. He is strong, charismatic, but also problematic in some of his personal views. Has a temper. Must be comfortable kissing on stage.
HECTOR MCQUEEN
Male presenting, 23-35, American accent (any), any ethnicity
Personal assistant and secretary to Samuel Ratchett, McQueen is a nervous character with a stutter that appears when he is especially anxious. Seems rather new to his profession. Talks a bit too much.
MICHEL
Male presenting, 40s, French accent, any ethnicity
Competent and organized, Michel is the conductor for the first class carriages of the Orient Express. Handles himself well in a crisis, and is very good at his job.
PRINCESS DRAGOMIROFF
Female presenting, 60s-70s, Russian accent, any ethnicity
Displaced Russian nobility. The Princess is a battleship: determined, arrogant, and accustomed to getting her way. She travels a great deal, and holds very decided opinions.
GRETA OHLSSON
Female presenting, 30s, Swedish* accent, any ethnicity.
A Catholic missionary and baby nurse, currently serving as a companion to Princess Dragomiroff. She would like to help small children in Africa. Deeply devout. This character may be funny, but should not be played as a caricature for laughs.
COUNTESS ANDRENYI
Female presenting, 25-35, Hungarian accent, any ethnicity
In addition to being married to a count (and thus, nobility), she also is a doctor. Beautiful, educated, charming, and intelligent enough to match wits with Poirot. Must also be able to do an American accent.
HELEN HUBBARD
Female presenting, 45-60, American accent (any, possibly Wisconsin?),any ethnicity
Not exactly what she seems, Hubbard comes across as a gregarious, loud, obnoxious American busybody who has been married multiple times. Must be able to sing and do a little dancing. Should also be able to pull off a cooler, more calculated version of this character with a very standard or even cultured American accent.
SAMUEL RATCHETT
Male presenting, 35-50, American accent (mobster - possibly Brooklyn or Chicago style)
A dangerous and unlikable man, full of entitlement, with a hairtrigger temper. Must have a forceful personality, and come across as someone not to be trusted or crossed. As the murder victim, this actor may be required to remain on stage and still for an extended period of time. Efforts will be made to ensure comfort.