Auditions for “The Mousetrap”
Posted on May 24, 2024 in General News
We are excited to announce that we will be holding auditions for our first Mainstage production of the 2024/2025 year: The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie!
Director Daniel Hall invites all those interested in a role to join us for auditions at Shuswap Theatre. Everyone is invited, no previous acting experience required! You only need to attend one of the audition days.
Sunday, June 23 @ 12:00 – 3:00pm
Monday, June 24 @ 7:00 – 9:00pm
Tuesday, June 25 @ 7:00 – 9:00pm
If you wish to audition, but are unable to make any of the dates, or have further questions, please send an email to Daniel at dlhall57@gmail.com
Audition Info
How to prepare
– Read the script, if possible. (https://northcoastreptheatreschool.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/The-Mousetrap-script.pdf). Note which character(s) you would like to audition for.
– Brush up on your British Accent (not mandatory but encouraged)
– identify and list any current conflicts during the rehearsal schedule (are you away on a weekend trip, have a sport you play every Tuesday at 6pm, work schedules that run into the evening, etc). If we know, we can work around them. With only 8 characters in the show, conflicts will be considered carefully.
What to bring
– Fill out this audition form and bring it with you. We will have extra copies available for you just in case.
– Be prepared to have a headshot taken (or bring one with you if you prefer)
– Enthusiasm!
The audition will be a series of cold readings. Sides will be available the evening of the auditions. You may be asked to act with another performer. Don’t worry, it will be a lot of fun!
SHOW INFORMATION
Rehearsals will run from September 5 through November 7, including a mandatory tech weekend.
Show dates are November 8 through 24th.
Current Proposed Rehearsal Schedule
Rehearsals: Begin September 5th – November 7th
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday nights typically 7:00 – 10:00
Sunday – 12:00 – 4:00
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
Mollie Ralston (to play late 20s). The pleasant, young owner of Monkswell Manor. She has “an ingenuous air,” which is to say she comes off as innocent and often unsuspecting.
Giles Ralston (to play late 20s). Husband of Mollie, whom he loves. He may appear arrogant, but he’s really just overprotective of his new wife.
Christopher Wren (to play 20s). A bit flighty and somewhat neurotic. Is both quirky and vulnerable. And a little mysterious.
Mrs. Boyle (to play 60s or 70s). Retired, ancient, grumpy, unpleasant. If there’s a kind bone in her body, she hides it well.
Major Metcalf (to play middle-aged). Typical retired British military officer. Underneath his gruffness . . . is more gruffness.
Miss Casewell (to play mid-20s). Somewhat masculine in demeanor. She keeps her cards close to the vest and remains aloof . . . and a little mysterious.
Mr. Paravicini (to play middle-aged). A man of unknown origin and age, he is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma . . . with an indeterminate accent. He’s a little mysterious.
Detective Sergeant Trotter (to play mid-20s). Determined to get to the bottom of things, he is dogged in his pursuit of the truth.
Play Synopsis
Agatha Christie’s iconic play, “The Mousetrap,” is a thrilling murder mystery that unfolds within the confines of Monkswell Manor, a guesthouse newly opened by Mollie and Giles Ralston. As snow blankets the countryside, a group of seemingly unrelated characters is snowed in together, setting the stage for a gripping tale of suspense.
The tension mounts when the news of a nearby murder breaks, indicating that the culprit may be seeking refuge at Monkswell Manor. Adding to the intrigue, a mysterious traveler arrives unexpectedly, further isolating the guests and raising suspicions among them.
Among the eclectic group are Christopher Wren, an eccentric and nervous young man; Mrs. Boyle, a critical and demanding guest; Major Metcalf, a reserved and enigmatic figure; Miss Casewell, a guarded and independent woman; Mr. Paravicini, a peculiar and jovial foreigner; and Detective Sergeant Trotter, an investigator determined to uncover the truth behind the recent murder and prevent another.
Tensions rise as secrets and suspicions surface among the guests, each harboring their own pasts and motives. Mysterious occurrences and cryptic clues further complicate the situation, leaving the audience guessing about the identity of the murderer.
As the characters’ backgrounds and connections unfold, red herrings and twists keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The suspenseful atmosphere, coupled with clever dialogue and unexpected revelations, builds to a thrilling climax that unveils the true identity of the murderer.