The Mystery of Edwin Drood, the triple-crown Tony Award winning musical, is a who-dunnit where the audience picks the ending! This backstage musical follows the hijinks of a Victorian acting troupe (of varying talents) putting on the unfinished last work of Charles Dickens (The Mystery of Edwin Drood) in a British Music Hall. Actors ham it up and improvise their performances to gain the audience’s favor, since, at the end of the evening, the last third of the musical will unfold according to the audience vote! This is a show for actors who enjoy ad libbing and improvisation, for sure. For fans of The Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, The Phantom of the Opera, and The Play That Goes Wrong, Drood will be right up your alley!
Auditions will consist of singing and dancing; callbacks will consist of performing prepared vocal selections from the show and cold readings from the script. We are looking for actors 16+ (this is not an appropriate show for children to take part in). We are looking for a diverse cast (no upper age cut off), dancers, singers, and comedians! We need the best British accents (of all kinds) that you can muster!
Link to the audition form. (REQUIRED to fill out BEFORE you audition.)
Link to Sign Up Genius slots. (REQUIRED.)
Warning: This show contains adult language, humor, and situations.
Auditions will consist of singing and dancing; callbacks will consist of performing prepared vocal selections from the show and cold readings from the script. We are looking for actors 16+ (this is not an appropriate show for children to take part in). We are looking for a diverse cast (no upper age cut off), dancers, singers, and comedians! We need the best British accents (of all kinds) that you can muster!
Link to the audition form. (REQUIRED to fill out BEFORE you audition.)
Link to Sign Up Genius slots. (REQUIRED.)
Warning: This show contains adult language, humor, and situations.
Vocal Audition:
May 18th, The Holly Mainstage
(See Sign Up Genius for slots.) Please prepare a short (30-45 second) song for your vocal audition with pre-recorded music (we will provide Bluetooth speakers). We prefer that you sing a song from the show. Please sign up for a slot for the audition (see link above). (Slots will not conflict with dance auditions.) *If no slots are available or you have trouble signing up, please contact Stephanie Garrett at waterpigglet@gmail.com.
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Dance Audition:
May 18th, The Holly Annex, 1-4 p.m.
To take part in the dance audition, you’ll need to go to the Holly Annex at 1:00 p.m. Please dress for movement (feel free to wear dance clothes for the entire audition process). Character or jazz shoes are appropriate for this audition. You will learn a short dance combination and then perform in groups. We are looking for a range of dance ability, including ballet, modern, and general musical theater styles. There are roles for featured dancers in this show!
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Video Audition:
If you can make it to an in-person audition, please do. It is highly recommended. However, if you cannot be there in-person on May 18th, you may submit a song audition video to waterpigglet@gmail.com NO LATER THAN May 17th. Audition videos received after May 24th (Friday) will not be considered. If you are called back on Sunday, we will need to see you in-person to consider you for a main role. Video auditioners must also fill out AUDITION FORMS (see link above).
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If you are called back, we will see you after 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 19th at the Mainstage.
Rehearsal Calendar
Rehearsals will be on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6-9 p.m. and Saturday afternoons from 1-4 p.m. (These times may be adjusted after the auditions and throughout the process.) PLEASE NOTE: We have a longer-than usual rehearsal time, June through September, in order to learn this challenging material and to be able to accommodate summer vacations and multiple holiday weekends, so please be very clear about your availability -- without fear! -- on the audition schedule. Actors will be called to rehearsal only when needed. We will have Labor Day weekend off.
Performances are Sept. 27-29 (Fri-Sun), Oct. 4-6, and Oct. 11-13. Friday and Saturday performances start at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays start at 2 p.m. ***You must be able to make ALL performances and ALL Tech Week rehearsals to be cast in the show.
If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Garrett at waterpigglet@gmail.com.
Performances are Sept. 27-29 (Fri-Sun), Oct. 4-6, and Oct. 11-13. Friday and Saturday performances start at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays start at 2 p.m. ***You must be able to make ALL performances and ALL Tech Week rehearsals to be cast in the show.
If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Garrett at waterpigglet@gmail.com.
Character Breakdown
Chairman/Mayor Thomas Sapsea: The leader of the music hall troupe at the Theater Royale. The Chairperson carries the majority of the dialogue and must be quick with a joke and able to improvise. He is in charge of keeping the pace of the show moving. Any age over 40ish (at least in appearance). Baritone (D#3 – F#4 ). Must have very good memorization skills and an excellent British accent.
Clive Paget/John Jasper: The Royale’s male lead, devilishly attractive, and he knows it. In Drood, he is the antagonist, Choirmaster of Cloisterham Cathedral, and uncle of Edwin Drood, and typical cartoon villain. His character is in love with Rosa Bud. Often portrayed as a Jekyll and Hyde type. 35-50ish. Bari-tenor (A2 – A4) with legitimate vocal chops.
Alice Nutting/Edwin Drood: Prima donna and London’s leading male impersonator, charming but has a lot of ego. Must command the stage. Scene stealer. As Edwin Drood, she is an attractive, arrogant young man engaged to Rosa Bud. 25-45ish. Mezzo (B3 – E5). Strong voice is needed.
Deirdre Peregrine/Rosa Bud: The not-so-innocent Royale soprano who specializes in ingenue roles, Deirdre portrays Rosa Bud, the love interest of Drood; she is (in appearance) an apparently fragile “woman-child.” 18-35ish. True soprano (A3 – B5), with a high B natural that can’t be avoided. Legit voice is needed.
Angela Prysock/Princess Puffer: Angela has been a favorite of London audiences forever, a staple of the stage. As the mysterious Princess Puffer, a brothel mistress and opium den owner, she easily takes over any scene she’s in. Over 40 (must be believably older than Rosa). Serious low alto (F3 – D5) – must have a big chest voice and lots of rapport with the audience. Lower-class British accent is a must.
Janet Conover/Helena Landless: Janet is a long-standing member of the acting troupe, asked to play the mysterious Helena Landless who hails from a mysterious foreign colony (possibly India). Janet is a comedy actress and expert in accents and these two talents often come out in her portrayal of the “womanly” Helena. 25-50ish. Mezzo (G3 – D5 [optional E5]). Strong singer.
Victor Grinstead/Neville Landless: Victor is enjoying his premier performance with the Music Hall Royale (perhaps a little too much!). His character, Neville, is Helena’s twin brother and is very passionate! Victor is an actor of great talent (read: melodramatic), which tends to come out in his portrayal of Neville. 25-50ish. Bari-tenor (C3 – G4), strong singer.
Cedric Moncrieffe/Reverend Crisparkle: This troupe member is clearly the specialist in playing kindly parental figures and portrays the vicar in this show, who, in spite of his kind demeanor, is also a bit of a lurker with secrets. Must be believably old enough to be Rosa’s father. Baritone (C3 – G4), strong ensemble singer. Ideally, a very good upper-class British accent.
Phillip Bax/Bazzard: Devotee of the theatre, the everlasting understudy who finally gets his moment as Bazzard, Mayor Sapsea’s assistant and an aspiring playwright. May have quite a major part if the evening turns out that way, as he is typically the most popular audience choice for detective, and so the ability to endear himself to the audience is a must. Any age. Bari-tenor (A2 – Eb4 [opt G4 or Bb4]). Lots of range here in terms of accent.
Nick Cricker, Sr./Durdles: “Clown Prince of the Royale '' who makes the most of every line and plays the drunkard sexton, Durdles (quite convincingly). Nick is a very physical actor with great comedic skills. Needs be believable as Nick Jr.’s father. Baritone or Tenor (B2 – F4) – ensemble singer, although comedic skills are more important here than vocal ability. Lower-class or regional accent is a must.
Nick Cricker, Jr./Deputy: Young enough to be believable as Cricker, Sr.’s son, having his debut on stage. As the Deputy, he is lowest in the pecking order and very funny -- a true Dickensian waif/grotesque. (Same accent as father.)
Wendy and Beatrice: Drawn from the dance company, these characters are contemporaries of Rosa Bud. (C4-D5) Must be able to sing chorally (hold a part). Must be able to dance.
Mr. Thomas Purcell: (The real orchestra conductor -- this role has already been cast).
Mr./Ms. James or Jemima Throttle, Stage Manager: A speaking-only role, male or female, who helps to keep the Chairperson on track throughout the play.
Male Ensemble: In appearance, males of varying ages (16+), with serious dance ability and some singing ability. They take on multiple roles and lines as the male dance corps of the company, men of the town, servants, and clients of Princess Puffer. Their named roles are:
Mr. Alan Eliot/Client of Puffer
Mr. Christopher Lyon/Client of Puffer
Mr. Medford Moss/Satyr Dancer -- Featured dancer.
Mr. Nicholas Michael/Horace
Mr. Montague Pruitt/Shade of Jasper
Mr. Harry Sayle/Shade of Drood
Female Ensemble: In appearance, females of varying ages (16+), with serious dance ability and some singing ability. They take on multiple roles and lines as the female dance corps (ballet is a plus!) and women of the town. Lots of opportunities for dance solos. Their named roles are:
Miss Violet Balfour/Maid
Miss Sarah Cook/Succubus
Miss Florence “Flo” Gill/ Beatrice (Girl at Boarding School)/Succubus -- sings in Moonfall Quartet, is a fun chorus girl.
Miss Gwendolen Pynn/Succubus/Maid
Miss Isabel Yearsley/Wendy (Girl at Boarding School)/Succubus -- sings in Moonfall Quartet
Clive Paget/John Jasper: The Royale’s male lead, devilishly attractive, and he knows it. In Drood, he is the antagonist, Choirmaster of Cloisterham Cathedral, and uncle of Edwin Drood, and typical cartoon villain. His character is in love with Rosa Bud. Often portrayed as a Jekyll and Hyde type. 35-50ish. Bari-tenor (A2 – A4) with legitimate vocal chops.
Alice Nutting/Edwin Drood: Prima donna and London’s leading male impersonator, charming but has a lot of ego. Must command the stage. Scene stealer. As Edwin Drood, she is an attractive, arrogant young man engaged to Rosa Bud. 25-45ish. Mezzo (B3 – E5). Strong voice is needed.
Deirdre Peregrine/Rosa Bud: The not-so-innocent Royale soprano who specializes in ingenue roles, Deirdre portrays Rosa Bud, the love interest of Drood; she is (in appearance) an apparently fragile “woman-child.” 18-35ish. True soprano (A3 – B5), with a high B natural that can’t be avoided. Legit voice is needed.
Angela Prysock/Princess Puffer: Angela has been a favorite of London audiences forever, a staple of the stage. As the mysterious Princess Puffer, a brothel mistress and opium den owner, she easily takes over any scene she’s in. Over 40 (must be believably older than Rosa). Serious low alto (F3 – D5) – must have a big chest voice and lots of rapport with the audience. Lower-class British accent is a must.
Janet Conover/Helena Landless: Janet is a long-standing member of the acting troupe, asked to play the mysterious Helena Landless who hails from a mysterious foreign colony (possibly India). Janet is a comedy actress and expert in accents and these two talents often come out in her portrayal of the “womanly” Helena. 25-50ish. Mezzo (G3 – D5 [optional E5]). Strong singer.
Victor Grinstead/Neville Landless: Victor is enjoying his premier performance with the Music Hall Royale (perhaps a little too much!). His character, Neville, is Helena’s twin brother and is very passionate! Victor is an actor of great talent (read: melodramatic), which tends to come out in his portrayal of Neville. 25-50ish. Bari-tenor (C3 – G4), strong singer.
Cedric Moncrieffe/Reverend Crisparkle: This troupe member is clearly the specialist in playing kindly parental figures and portrays the vicar in this show, who, in spite of his kind demeanor, is also a bit of a lurker with secrets. Must be believably old enough to be Rosa’s father. Baritone (C3 – G4), strong ensemble singer. Ideally, a very good upper-class British accent.
Phillip Bax/Bazzard: Devotee of the theatre, the everlasting understudy who finally gets his moment as Bazzard, Mayor Sapsea’s assistant and an aspiring playwright. May have quite a major part if the evening turns out that way, as he is typically the most popular audience choice for detective, and so the ability to endear himself to the audience is a must. Any age. Bari-tenor (A2 – Eb4 [opt G4 or Bb4]). Lots of range here in terms of accent.
Nick Cricker, Sr./Durdles: “Clown Prince of the Royale '' who makes the most of every line and plays the drunkard sexton, Durdles (quite convincingly). Nick is a very physical actor with great comedic skills. Needs be believable as Nick Jr.’s father. Baritone or Tenor (B2 – F4) – ensemble singer, although comedic skills are more important here than vocal ability. Lower-class or regional accent is a must.
Nick Cricker, Jr./Deputy: Young enough to be believable as Cricker, Sr.’s son, having his debut on stage. As the Deputy, he is lowest in the pecking order and very funny -- a true Dickensian waif/grotesque. (Same accent as father.)
Wendy and Beatrice: Drawn from the dance company, these characters are contemporaries of Rosa Bud. (C4-D5) Must be able to sing chorally (hold a part). Must be able to dance.
Mr. Thomas Purcell: (The real orchestra conductor -- this role has already been cast).
Mr./Ms. James or Jemima Throttle, Stage Manager: A speaking-only role, male or female, who helps to keep the Chairperson on track throughout the play.
Male Ensemble: In appearance, males of varying ages (16+), with serious dance ability and some singing ability. They take on multiple roles and lines as the male dance corps of the company, men of the town, servants, and clients of Princess Puffer. Their named roles are:
Mr. Alan Eliot/Client of Puffer
Mr. Christopher Lyon/Client of Puffer
Mr. Medford Moss/Satyr Dancer -- Featured dancer.
Mr. Nicholas Michael/Horace
Mr. Montague Pruitt/Shade of Jasper
Mr. Harry Sayle/Shade of Drood
Female Ensemble: In appearance, females of varying ages (16+), with serious dance ability and some singing ability. They take on multiple roles and lines as the female dance corps (ballet is a plus!) and women of the town. Lots of opportunities for dance solos. Their named roles are:
Miss Violet Balfour/Maid
Miss Sarah Cook/Succubus
Miss Florence “Flo” Gill/ Beatrice (Girl at Boarding School)/Succubus -- sings in Moonfall Quartet, is a fun chorus girl.
Miss Gwendolen Pynn/Succubus/Maid
Miss Isabel Yearsley/Wendy (Girl at Boarding School)/Succubus -- sings in Moonfall Quartet