OPEN AUDITIONS
Monday, February 5 at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 6 at 6:30 p.m.
PRE-AUDITION WORKSHOP: Sunday, February 4 at 6:30 p.m. (optional)
CALLBACKS: February 7 REHEARSALS: February 9 – March 20
PERFORMANCES: March 21 – April 7
DIRECTOR: Lawrence Lesher
STAGE MANAGER: Ginny Riley
ABOUT THE SHOW: Sherlock Holmes is on the case! The legendary sleuth and his trusty sidekick Watson seek to solve the mystery of the Baskerville family curse before a new heir is doomed to die. In this dizzy delight starring the iconic detective duo, our intrepid investigators and masterminds of mayhem prowl the desolate moors of Devonshire, chasing a howling hellhound with a nose for trouble. The truth is anything but elementary in this witty and wildly imaginative whirlwind of a whodunit, where five actors play 40+ characters. Based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic The Hound of the Baskervilles, Tony Award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig transforms the tale into a fresh and fast-paced comedy. Marvelously madcap, a murder-mystery-comedy this much fun should be a crime!
ROLES AVAILABLE
NOTE: Two actors play Holmes and Watson, while the rest of the cast plays the remaining 40 characters.
Sherlock Holmes: Male. “Over the top,” as exhibited in most interpretations of Holmes, whether from 1939 or 2020. Deadly serious about and absolutely loves what he does. Always seems like he is constantly wired on caffeine. Holmes has to have “a leading man look” – calm, stoic, in control, but ready for action if needed.
John Watson: Male. Sherlock’s steadfast, loyal companion. Hardly ever “over the top,” but when he is, it’s always fun to watch. Behavior wonderfully contrasts with Holmes. Watson is dedicated, but naive. A strong contrast to Holmes, proper British with a bit of gruff “harrumphs” thrown in. (Watch Nigel Bruce from 1939.) Watson is also the narrator of the story to the audience.
Actor One: Male. The main role is Doctor Mortimer, but he also plays 13 other characters, including the mystery man with the black beard, Lucy the hard-of-hearing wife, the butterfly-chasing Mr. Stapleton, the Castilian desk clerk, Barrymore the hunchback, and Milker the young London Street urchin. A bit quirky. Plays a villain at times, both male and female characters. Several accents: Castilian, British, Cockney, etc.
Actor Two: Male. The main role is Sir Henry Baskerville, the Texan who inherits Baskerville. Strong Texas accent and attitude, guns ready. He also plays eight other roles, both male and female characters, such as his uncle, the late Sir Charles Baskerville; Daisy the chambermaid, the evil Sir Hugo Baskerville (several hundred years old), and Inspector Lestrade. A little slow on the uptake.
Actor Three: Female. The main role is the matronly Mrs. Hudson, but she also plays 13 other characters, including the helpless maiden, the old shepherdess, the heavily accented German maid, Cartwright the London street urchin, and the sweet and lovely young Miss Stapleton, whom Sir Henry falls immediately in love with. Several accents: German, Cockney, and others.
PRE-AUDITION WORKSHOP: There will be a free, optional, pre-audition workshop on Sunday, February 4 at 6:30 p.m. Led by Baskerville director Lawrence Lesher, this practical workshop is ideal for both newcomers and experienced performers to meet the show’s creative team, learn about the audition process, and practice their monologues.
RSVP:
Sign Up for the FREE Pre Audition Workshop HERE
AUDITIONS & CALLBACKS
Auditions will be held on Monday, February 5 at 6:30 p.m. and Tuesday, February 6 at 6:30 p.m. It is only necessary to attend one night of auditions. Please prepare a one-minute monologue.
For those who are called back, callbacks will be held on Wednesday, February 7 at 6:30 p.m.
Reserve an Audition Time Slot HERE
You may check out a copy of the script from the box office for one week with a $10 refundable deposit. Please call ahead to make sure a script is in stock. Scripts checked out the week before auditions must be returned by 2 p.m. on Friday, February 2.
No experience is necessary. Newcomers and theatre veterans alike are welcome and encouraged to audition. If you are unable to attend the scheduled auditions, please contact the Theatre at (352) 236-2274 about making a separate appointment. Be prepared at auditions to list any conflicts with the rehearsal schedule.
If you need any specific accommodations to audition, please contact Craig James, Director of Guest Services and Operations, at (352) 236-2274, ext. 102, or cjames@ocalacivictheatre.com to make your request. Examples of accommodations made in the past are a wheelchair-accessible audition space, large-print materials, prompters in the audition room, volunteers to help fill out forms, and auditions by appointment.
REHEARSALS & PERFORMANCES: Rehearsals will begin with a table read of the script on Friday, February 9 at 6:30 p.m. Beginning Sunday, February 11, rehearsals will be held Sunday through Thursday from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tech rehearsals are March 14-16, with an all-day tech rehearsal on Saturday, March 16. Dress rehearsals are March 18-20. There will be 15 public performances, Thursdays through Sundays, March 21 – April 7 at Ocala Civic Theatre.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN CASTING
As we strive to make choices that reflect the best of our community, showcasing the incredible talent and rich diversity, there is always more to learn and more to do. As members of this community, we prioritize our continuous education, reflection, and action. Ocala Civic Theatre is committed to casting diverse artists who reflect the demographics of our city and our society. We encourage you to audition for the role(s) you are attracted to. Please read the character descriptions and requirements and choose the role(s) you are best suited for – roles that best reflect your talents and your natural vocal range. We want you to have the strongest audition and the best experience possible!
OCT POLICY: All cast and crew ages 16+ will be subject to a background check. This is required for shows with anyone age 15 or younger in the cast.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR: Lawrence Lesher is an Army brat who has lived in, acted in, toured, and/or directed in all 50 states and about 40 countries. He now lives a charmed life in diverse Queens. At OCT he has directed Around the World in 80 Days, I Hate Hamlet, and Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. Select other credits include Unnecessary Farce, The Liar, and Tom Jones at Florida Southern College; The 39 Steps, Boeing Boeing, and Misery at Millbrook Playhouse in Pennsylvania; Stones In His Pockets and Rounding Third at San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre in California; and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Theatre Winter Haven. Thanks to Greg and the OCT community for the chance to return! www.lawrencelesher.com
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