Audition Announcement

Audition Announcement

Drama critic Mortimer Brewster’s engagement announcement is upended when he discovers a corpse in his elderly aunts’ window seat. Mortimer rushes to tell Abby and Martha before they stumble upon the body themselves, only to learn that the two old women aren’t just aware of the dead man in their parlor, they killed him! Between his aunts’ penchant for poisoning wine, a brother who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt, and another brother using plastic surgery to hide from the police—not to mention Mortimer’s own hesitancy about marriage—it’ll be a miracle if Mortimer makes it to his wedding. Arsenic and Old Lace is a classic black comedy about the only thing more deadly than poison: family.


WHERE

Bob Clapp Theatre at Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton



WHEN

Two chances to audition in person will be offered on the following days:

  • Friday, Aug 22 at 6pm
  • Saturday, Aug 23 at 2pm


CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

Click each to view detailed descriptions

Male Roles:

Mortimer Brewster
(Male, 30-50 years old or able to play age)

The nephew of Abby and Martha, and brother to Teddy and Jonathan. A very likable drama critic, Mortimer is engaged to Elaine Harper. He is a good-hearted cynic whose world is about to be turned upside down. This is a physical role, requiring the actor to completely “let go.” Mortimer drives the show; from the discovery of the first body, he must be electrified and maintain that energy throughout. Physical comedy, perfect timing in dialogue delivery, a likable presence, and agility in navigating rapidly changing scene circumstances are absolutely necessary.

Teddy Brewster
(40-60 years old or able to play age)

A very likable, kindhearted brother to Mortimer and Jonathan, and nephew of Abby and Martha. Teddy believes he is the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. This physical role demands extreme dedication and energy, particularly when charging up stairs and yelling “CHARGE!”

Jonathan Brewster
(40-60 years old or able to play age)

The nephew of Abby and Martha Brewster, and brother to Teddy and Mortimer. Jonathan is a psychopath with numerous murders to his credit and no scruples. He is creepy, loves his murderous “business,” and has an incredibly short temper. Dr. Einstein has altered Jonathan’s face three times, with his current appearance resembling Boris Karloff (a topic he is sensitive about). This role requires some physical work.

Dr. Einstein
(45-55 years old or able to play age)

A German plastic surgeon, complete with accent, and Jonathan’s mousey, submissive right-hand man. Einstein should be portrayed as a good person whose life has gone awry, inspiring audience sympathy. With a somewhat ratty appearance, his face bears the benevolent smirk of a man living in a pleasant haze of alcohol.

The Reverend Dr. Harper
(50-70 years old or able to play age)

Makes a cameo appearance only in the opening scene. He is Elaine Harper’s father, a doctor of divinity, and the minister of the church next door to the Brewster house. The Brewster sisters have seen many ministers come and go but are particularly fond of Dr. Harper, and vice versa. The actor should exude polish, refinement, and mild-mannered sensitivity. He is not in favor of Mortimer and Elaine’s relationship.

Officer Brophy
(25-45 years old or able to play age)

The first police officer introduced in the show, a thoroughly likable fellow making his rounds collecting Christmas toys for the needy. This cameo role requires some physical work.

Officer Klein
(25-45 years old or able to play age)

A flatfoot Brooklyn officer who makes his rounds with Officer Brophy, also collecting Christmas toys. This is a cameo role.

Officer O’Hara
(any age)

A quintessential Irish-American police officer: full of life, good-natured, and played broadly. He is on very good terms with the Aunts. O’Hara is an aspiring playwright who plainly displays nagging, persistent ambition once he discovers Mortimer is a famous dramatic critic. Well-intentioned, O’Hara doesn’t mean to come across as annoying as he does. This is a cameo role.

Mr. Gibbs
(55-80 years old or able to play age)

An elderly gentleman who wishes to rent a room from the Brewster sisters and nearly falls victim to their “charity.” He is initially gruff but quickly warms up upon being offered a treat he hasn’t had since childhood. This is a cameo role.

Lieutenant Rooney
(50s years old or able to play age)

The commanding officer at the local police precinct. Early in the show, the audience understands the caliber of men he manages, leading to his minimal patience for blunders and mistakes. He runs a tight ship, is loud, decisive, and clearly in charge of every situation. This is a cameo role.

Mr. Witherspoon
(50-60s years old or able to play age)

The mild-mannered and kind superintendent of Happy Dale Sanitarium. This is a cameo role.

Female Roles:

Abby Brewster
(Female, 50-70 years old or able to play age)

A charming lady, embodying Victorian grace. She and her sister Martha appear to be the epitome of polite society from a bygone era, yet they poison elderly gentlemen as an act of charity. More dominant and slightly older than Martha, Abby is happy, healthy, lucid, and spry. She is the aunt to Teddy, Jonathan, and Mortimer.

Martha Brewster
(Female, 50-70 years old or able to play age)

A very sweet but more submissive than Abby. Despite this, she is a strong woman. She and Abby have lived together for many years, establishing a firm dynamic. Martha consistently wears a high collar and is also the aunt to Teddy, Jonathan, and Mortimer.

Elaine Harper
(Female, 25-40 years old or able to play age)

An attractive young woman, the daughter of Rev. Dr. Harper, and Mortimer’s fiancée. She possesses a surprising worldliness for a minister’s daughter, showing herself to be wily, sassy, and sharp. Actors auditioning for this role must demonstrate genuine zest and spunk, along with versatile emotional range, as Elaine transitions from casual happiness to bliss, then to twisted confusion, stark fear, godsend relief, and finally back to casual happiness.


WHAT TO PREPARE

Please come prepared with a one-minute monologue of your choice. Monologues should ideally showcase your comedic timing and ability to portray distinct characters. You will also participate in cold readings from the script, potentially with partners. This will allow us to see how you interact and develop characters on the fly.

We can’t wait to see you there and discover our Mortimer, Abby, Martha, or Teddy!

For any questions, please contact 541.215.9917 or email contact@collegecommunitytheatre.com


VIDEO AUDITIONS

To submit a video audition:

  1. Submit a Registration form
  2. Record yourself:
    • State your name and the role you’re auditioning for.
    • Deliver your monologue ~1-2 mins
    • Tell us a story about one of the following: ~2 mins
    • i) the strangest day you’ve ever had
      ii) a mystery that you solved
      iii) your favorite quirky relative
  3. Upload your video to YouTube, mark it unlisted.
  4. Email the link to your unlisted YouTube video to: Contact@collegecommunitytheatre.com

Your entire audition video should be 3-5 minutes.