Upcoming Auditions

PROFESSIONAL HOLIDAY SHOW

A Sherlock Carol

by Mark Shanahan

Auditions:
Sunday, October 25, 2-4 p.m. or 6-8 p.m.
Monday, October 26, 6-8 p.m.

Rehearsals:
Rehearsals begin on the evening of Monday, November 2. Some accommodation can be made, but cast members should be available for rehearsals Sunday through Friday evenings 7-10 p.m.

Performances:
Friday, December 11, 7:30 p.m. (opening)
Saturday, December 12, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 13, 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 17, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, December 18, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 19, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 20, 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 26, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 27, 4:00 p.m. (closing)

Director: Colleen Kelly
Producing Artistic Director: Jeremy West

This is a paid performance opportunity.

Register to audition

A Sherlock Carol

Moriarty is dead, to begin with. And Sherlock Holmes is a haunted man. But, when a grown-up Tiny Tim asks Holmes to investigate the death of Ebenezer Scrooge, the Great Detective must use his gifts to solve a Dickens of a Christmas mystery! Six actors take on the beloved characters of Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens in this heartwarming and highly theatrical holiday treat for all ages!

Combining aspects of two classics of Victorian literature, and uniting them in a joyful mug of holiday cheer, Mark Shanahan’s play is festive feast for the senses. Beloved figures from childhood collide in unexpected and heartwarming ways, making a mystery with enough warmth to get you through the winter!

Audition Tips

  • Read the character list. All roles are open.

  • Audition sides will be provided at the audition.

  • Sherlock Holmes and Ebenezer Scrooge (reformed Ebenezer…) should be grounded in their classic type, but this play leaves room for stepping in and out of that type.

  • Actor 1, Actor 2, Actor 3, and Actor 4 play multiple roles, so consider ways to distinguish one character from another and be willing to play with several ideas.

  • The play is fast moving and quickly changes locations and plot lines. Don’t rush through your lines at auditions, but do bring a forward presence and energy to your audition.

  • A Sherlock Carol is an ensemble play, so, in addition to reading from the script, auditions will also include a few exercises to explore listening, giving focus, and taking focus.

  • Unless needed, the play will be cast without holding callbacks.

  • Casting will be announced through email by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28.

Characters

  • The World’s Foremost Consulting Detective, in decline

  • Formerly a miser. One Christmas, Scrooge transformed into as good a man as the good old city ever knew. (Also is noted as A GHOSTLY VOICE.)

  • DR. TIMOTHY CRATCHIT. Tiny Tim, all grown up. Now, a doctor at St. Bernard’s Hospital for Children. He speaks with a more refined accent than his sister.

    MR. TOPPER. The manager of the Cosmopolitan Hotel. A bit older, a bit pompous. Easily irritated. Supposedly, a friend of Fred, Scrooge’s nephew.

    RALPH FEZZIWIG. A nervous, wiry young man. Misfit member of a proud family. Engaged to Fannie.

    CONSTABLE BRADSTREET. A seemingly upstanding member of Scotland Yard.

  • EMMA WIGGINS. A good-spirited and brave 13-year-old, she is a former Baker Street Irregular.

    FAN “FANNIE” GARDNER. Scrooge’s grandniece. A refined young woman, she works backstage at the theatre in the Cosmopolitan Hotel. Engaged to Ralph Fezziwig.

    INSPECTOR LESTRADE. Blustery, easily confounded member of Scotland Yard. He has grudging respect for Holmes.

    MRS. WINDIGATE. A Scottish tavern-keeper and member of the Goose Club. Giggly, a whirlwind.

  • DR. WATSON. Sherlock Holmes’ best and most loyal friend. The Boswell to Holmes’ Johnson.

    MRS. DILBER. Mr. Scrooge’s housekeeper of over 30 years. An emotional creature with a connection to the spiritual realm.

    HENRY BURKE. An Irish candlemaker, an old friend of Mr. Scrooge.

    OLD JOE BRACKENRIDGE. The owner of Old Joe’s in Covent Garden. Gruff, a born salesman.

  • CAROLER. A cheerful person in the street.

    ELDERLY WOMAN. A London lady.

    THE COUNTESS OF MORCAR. An American old love of Holmes who also goes by Irene Adler.

    MARTHA CRATCHIT. Tough and a bit lower-class than her brother. She is as smart and observant as any detective she might happen to meet.

    MARY MORSTAN. Watson’s elegant and brave wife.

    ABIGAIL “ABBY” FEZZIWIG. Runs a business fattening geese for market. She is no-nonsense and direct. A proud member of the hardworking Fezziwig family.