AUDITIONS FOR “DEATHTRAP” BY IRA LEVIN
August 22-24, 2022
The Westmoreland Players will hold actor auditions for “Deathtrap,” a comedic thriller that had a record-breaking run on Broadway and was made into a movie starring Michael Caine. Rehearsals will take place in September and October and the play will open in early November.
The auditions will take place at the Players Theatre, 16217 Richmond Road (Route 360) in Callao, at 6:30 p.m. on August 22-23, with callbacks, if needed, on August 24. We will attempt to schedule auditions by appointment for any actors unable to attend on these dates. New actors are encouraged to audition! For further information please email DBeckhard@westmorelandplayers.org or call 804/529-9345 and leave a message.
SYNOPSIS: Sidney Bruhl is a famous playwright who hasn’t written a hit play for 18 years when he receives a script from a former student, Clifford Anderson, that’s a guaranteed success. Sidney finds a chance to rise to the top once more, a shot he’d be willing to kill for. When his wife, Myra, suggests the two men could collaborate, Sidney observes that it would be just as easy to murder the young man and steal the script for his own. When Clifford arrives later that evening, no one–not even the visiting psychic–could predict where the dark events of the night will go.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
SIDNEY BRUHL (M, 50+) is polished, witty, sarcastic, and devious. His affections are at best temporary, at worst entirely fake. The part requires some staged physical violence. Sidney is a very large lead role. Sydney will be required to attend almost all rehearsals.
CLIFFORD ANDERSON (M, 20-40) is boyish and physically fit. He is clever and conniving but conceals it with apparent innocence and idealism. The part requires some staged physical violence. Clifford is a lead role. Clifford will be required to attend most rehearsals.
MYRA BRUHL (F, 40+) has been supporting the couple during Sidney’s dry spell. She is innocent, sweet, caring, emotional, nervous and in somewhat frail health as the result of a heart condition. Auditioners for the part of Myra will be asked to scream in terror convincingly. Myra is a major supporting role. Myra will be required to attend approximately half the rehearsals.
HELGA TEN DORP (F, 30+) is a flamboyant Dutch psychic who has become a celebrity by using her gift – which is real, not faked – to solve crimes. Auditioners for the part of Helga will be asked to attempt a Dutch accent (similar to German). Helga is a supporting role. Helga will be required to be present for approximately half the rehearsals.
PORTER/PORTIA MILGRIM (M/F, 30+) is Sidney’s lawyer who also aspires to be a playwright. Milgrim has the serious and controlled demeanor of an estate planning attorney, but harbors an embarrassing secret and is capable of violent reactions when cornered. Milgrim is a supporting role. Milgrim will be required to be present for less than half the rehearsals.
