Theater to Go and Pierrot Productions are set to hold open auditions for The 39 Steps.
The 39 Steps is Patrick Barlow’s two-time Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning comical adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s mystery thriller film from 1935. The leading man, Richard Hannay, meets a mysterious woman at a London music hall. After witnessing her murder, he becomes entangled in solving the murder, proving his innocence, and breaking a spy ring that seems to be attached to the whole affair.
Director Ruth Markoe is looking for three men and one woman for the production.
Markoe is looking for actors experienced with physical comedy and farce. Also, qualified candidates have a good ear and facility with dialects, specifically working-class English, Scottish, posh London and German.
The part of Richard Hannay is played by a 30 to 50-year-old man. Qualified actors have great endurance, superb comic timing and a commanding presence. A standard-British dialect is required, as well as outstanding physical comedic skills.
There is one scripted female role in the show called Annabelle Schmidt/Pamela/Margaret. Qualified actors should be at least 25 years old. The role calls for multiple dialects; the actor plays a paranoid German spy, a lower-class Scottish farmer’s wife and the upper class, British romantic lead of the show. Candidates have excellent comic timing and great versatility.
Markoe is working for two men to play Man/Clown number one and two. The age range is open. These roles call for exceptional physical and verbal comic ability. The actors play multiple characters, male and female, sometimes simultaneously. Must be highly athletic with great endurance and focus, and have a mastery of various English, German, and Scottish dialects. The roles demand physical strength, vocal and physical transformation and delineation, and stamina.
Auditions are scheduled for 7 – 10p.m. Oct. 27 and 28 at Mercer County Community College Communications Building, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. Actors should bring résumés and headshot and prepare a comic monologue.
Actors are set to receive $250 for the run.
Rehearsals are scheduled for three times a week starting late November. The performances are scheduled for Jan. 31 – Feb. 9 at Kelsey Theatre.
For appointments and questions contact pierrotatkelsey@gmail.com.
