THE GAME’S AFOOT
by Ken Ludwig
Directed by Laura W. Andruski
Produced by Rachel Migone and Noel Schoonover
Audition Dates
Monday June 22, 2006, 7:00 pm-10:00 pm
Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 7:00 pm-10:00 pm
Callbacks, if necessary, Thursday, June 25, 2026, 7:00 pm-10:00 pm
Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. Check in between 7-7:30 p.m. Plan to remain at auditions until 10 p.m. Auditions begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. (No new arrivals will be seen after 8:30 p.m.)
Location
East Rockville Historic Pump House
401 S. Horners Ln.
Rockville, MD 20850
(residential street parking)
ABOUT THE SHOW:
It is December 1936, and Broadway star William Gillette, admired the world over for his leading role in the play “Sherlock Holmes”, has invited his fellow cast members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. But when one of the guests is stabbed to death, the festivities in this isolated house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. It is then up to Gillette himself, as he assumes the persona of his beloved Holmes, to track down the killer before the next victim appears. The danger and hilarity are non-stop in this whodunit by Ken Ludwig (Lend Me a Tenor, Moon Over Buffalo), set during the Christmas holidays.
CONTENT WARNING: This production contains flashing lights including thunder and lightning effects, gunshot sounds, minor profanity, violence, and a dash of murder, of course. Parental discretion is advised.
Roles and Casting Opportunities
Age ranges are only suggestions. Audition for the roles that interest YOU!
(3) MALE-IDENTIFYING ROLES:
William Gillette / Sherlock (must be able to play late 30s – 50s): Male. A dynamic and charming stage actor (based on a real person). Has made a fortune from his stage adaptation of Sherlock Holmes, whom he also plays. Recently shot in the arm in a bizarre incident, Gillette is determined to bring his Sherlockian skills to bear on solving the case. Must have great comic chops and stage combat skills required. A dashing leading man and ardent lover of all that the glorious game of life has to offer. Passionate about his interests, which include the theatrical arts, mystery, and of course Sherlock Holmes. Described by Ludwig as, “a strikingly handsome man…good humored, full of irony and life. A sort of modern-day Ulysses.” Stage combat required.
Felix Geisel / Moriarty (must be able to play 30s-45): The company’s character actor, Felix is histrionic (overly dramatic), a true theatrical who has given his life to the stage. Felix is Gillette’s best friend and occasional sidekick. Married to Madge. A devoted character actor who relishes his craft but is not immune to the occasional bout of jealousy. Described by Ludwig as, “histrionic and arch in a Lionel Barrymore/Sir Toby Belch sort of way.” Actor must have great comic chops and be physically strong – literally must be able to move a “dead” woman by himself. Stage combat required / Madge slaps this character.
Simon Bright/Zerlinksy (20s-30s): The “mangenue” of the company, Simon is an enthusiastic young man, eager to please and find success. A bit gullible, Simon can occasionally be overly sensitive. Recently married to Aggie, they make a charming and wonderful couple. Ability to play an instrument is a plus as ukulele is noted in script, but NOT required. A witty jokester who finds humor in nearly everything. Described by Ludwig as, “sweet and enthusiastic.” Stage combat required.
(5) FEMALE-IDENTIFYING ROLES:
Inspector Harriet Goring (40+): English and eccentric, completely one of a kind. By turns, witty and incisive, suddenly lost and dim, she is disarming in her inability to be defined. Always off the mark, and yet never far from the truth, somehow, she always gets her man. Wonderful opportunity for a character actress; must have great comic chops and stage combat skills required. A police inspector who once dreamed of being an actress, and who is still an avid theatre fan. Described by Ludwig as, “British, eccentric, and one of a kind. One minute, she seems wry and clever; the next minute she’s off into a world of her own. She gets things wrong without even knowing it; yet she also seems just the sort of person who can find out when you’re lying. That makes her formidable.” Wonderful opportunity for a character actress; must have great comic chops. British accent and stage combat required.
Martha Gillette (60+): Gillette’s dotty mother, elegant though a bit foggy, Martha never shies away from a fight. Always willing to lob a criticism when necessary, all the same, Martha is loyal to Gillette and his gang of theatrical misfits. Nouveau riche, which is to say, she lives a lavish and glamorous lifestyle; but lacks the class normally associated therewith. Described by Ludwig as, “somewhat vague and dithering.” Must have great comic chops.
Madge Geisel / Marian (30s-40s): Wry and outspoken (think Rosalind Russell), Madge, like her husband Felix, is a lifelong theatrical. She is game for anything, but back her into a corner and she will come out swinging. A witty and energetic character actress. She has an edge to her, and a sharp tongue, but her affection is genuine. Described by Ludwig as, “flamboyant and wry in a Rosalind Russell smart-mouthed-gal-about-town sort of way.” Must have great comic chops. Stage combat required.
Aggie Wheeler / Alice (20s-30s): Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, Aggie is the ingénue of the company. Good-natured and kind, Aggie has had tragedy in her past, though she seems to have dealt with it well, and even moved on. Recently married to Simon, they make a charming and wonderful couple. A genuine and sensitive young actress who is often swept away by the goings on around her. Described by Ludwig as, “a real product of her age…beautiful, bright- eyed, and full of spunk.” This character has a dark side. Stage combat required – she is “choked” by a male.
Daria Chase (30s-50s): Glamorous and gorgeous, Daria is the theatre critic we all love to hate. Biting, bitchy, and utterly charming, you can’t help but like Daria, despite the terrible things she says and writes. A wonderful sense of humor goes a long way towards endearing Daria to the audience. Very self-confident and aware of her own power and charm. Described by Ludwig as, “one of those people you can’t take your eyes off; and despite all her showbiz cattiness, you can’t help liking her – or at least admiring. She has a sense of humor and has invented herself from the ground up, which is no mean feat.” With a quirky side, she believes in the afterlife as she performs a séance in the show. Must have wonderful comic timing and be a skilled physical comedian as she is dragged around stage a lot by others. Daria must scream several times.
Production Schedule
Rehearsals: Rehearsals will begin July 13th. Weekday rehearsals (3 days per week) run Monday-Thursday evenings, 7-10 p.m., while weekend rehearsals typically take place on Saturday or Sunday from 1-4 p.m. Rehearsal times are subject to change and we request that you thoroughly indicate all weekday, weekend, and holiday conflicts on your Conflict Calendar.
Load-in and Tech Rehearsals: Load-in is Sunday, September 20, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tech rehearsals are Tuesday through Thursday evening 6-11 p.m. Brush-up rehearsal on Thursday, October 1st will be held between performance weekends at the discretion of the directing and stage management teams.
Performances: September 25 – October 4; 6 performances. Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm, Sunday at 2:00 pm. All performances at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville, MD 20851.
Click Here for the Audition Form and Conflict Calendar.
Please download, fill out and BRING your form and any attachments (headshot/resume) to the audition. For those unable, we will have additional paper forms available at auditions.
For any additional questions, please contact the production team at
[email protected] using the subject line “Special Audition Request” or “Audition Question.” Include the reason for your request and your contact information.
Our Commitment to Equitable & Accessible Theatre Practices: Rockville Little Theatre is an all-volunteer organization. All roles are open and no roles have been pre-cast. RLT is committed to creating an artistic environment where diverse voices are promoted, supported, and celebrated. The production team is committed to casting individuals of all ages, backgrounds, identities, body types, and abilities.
Production Team
| DIRECTOR | Laura W. Andruski |
| CO-PRODUCERS | Rachel Migone & Noel Schoonover |
| ASSISTANT DIRECTOR STAGE MANAGER | Aaron Skolnik |
| SET DESIGNER | Jeff Asjes |
| SET CONSTRUCTION | William Kolodrubetz |
| SCENIC ARTIST | Katherine Rogers |
| SOUND DESIGNER | Sarah Katz |
| LIGHT DESIGNER | Stephen Deming |
| COSTUME DESIGNERS | Becky Bucci Jennifer Morrisey |