The 39 Steps
Adapted by Patrick Barlow
From the Novel by John Buchan
Directed by John Michael Goodson
Audition Dates: November 29 & 30 @ 7pm
Synopsis
Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have The 39 Steps, a fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theatre! This two-time Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning treat is packed with nonstop laughs, over 150 zany characters (played by a ridiculously talented cast of four), an onstage plane crash, handcuffs, missing fingers, and some good old-fashioned romance! In The 39 Steps, a man with a boring life meets a woman with a thick accent who says she’s a spy. When he takes her home, she is murdered. Soon, a mysterious organization called “The 39 Steps” is hot on the man’s trail in a nationwide manhunt that climaxes in a death-defying finale! A riotous blend of virtuoso performances and wildly inventive stagecraft, The 39 Steps amounts to an unforgettable evening of pure pleasure!
Rehearsals
December 13 – February 3
Performances
February 4 - 19
Available roles:
Richard Hannay – 20’s - 50’s. He/him or they/them - gnc/non-binary/male presenting/male. Male identifying character. Any race or ethnicity. One half of the leading duo of the leading duo who possesses the Hitchcock-esque suave, dashing, debonaire qualities. He is an artistic soul, a rebel, and an everyman capable of unlocking a secret heart filled with will and determination, cunning and vulnerability. Actor must be an adept physical comedian, a great listener and responder, and ensemble member.
Annabella/Pamela/Margaret – 20’s - 50’s. She/her or they/them - non-binary/trans/gnc/femme presenting/female. Female identifying character. Any race or ethnicity. One half of the leading duo who possesses physical, emotional, and comedic prowess. Actor will play all three roles below, with the possibility of stepping into a clown role or two.
• Annabella: a brilliant but marked Russian woman who is on the run from spies and killed at their hand. Russian accent preferred.
• Pamela: a quintessential Hitchcock-esqe leading lady. She is bold, emotionally, and intellectually intelligent, powerful, and fashionable. English accent required.
• Margaret: a small-town farm worker married off to a cruel man; she is eager to see the world, to help Richard out when he stumbles upon her farm and is willing to risk the consequences from her abusive husband in following her heart and gut. Scottish accent required.20-30, played by same actress, love interest, secret agent, Scottish wife, also involved in espionage and intrigue.
Clown #1 & Clown #2 – Any age. They/them, he/him, she/her. Any gender, race, or ethnicity. Non-Binary actors strongly encouraged to submit. Vivacious, debonair, and with substantial authority, the clowns expertly execute 150+ roles with Olympian prowess and skillful comedic timing. Actors shouldn't feel tied to one track as implied by more “traditional” casting, nor to gender identity of any of the clown roles. Versatility with European accents is a plus. Must be able to lift certain set pieces and move adroitly throughout stage and between roles.
What to Prepare:
It is preferable that all actors be physically agile and confident with British dialects among others.
The 39 Steps is a comic mystery based on the 1935 Alfred Hitchcock movie and John Buchan’s novel. The love story is the heart of the play. It would be encouraged to familiarize yourself with the source material before the audition.
Please prepare a 1 min. comic contemporary monologue.
Except where historical significance, age, gender or racial specificity are required by the narrative, all actors will be considered for open roles regardless of gender identity, age or race. While casting decisions are subjective and driven by the vision of the director and the creative team, Civic Theatre is committed to a diverse and inclusive cast, crew and staff whenever possible.
Vaccination Policy:
At this time, we are not accepting auditions from individuals who are not fully vaccinated.
It is the policy of Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre that all Regular Employees, Volunteer Company Members, contractors and adjunct staff at Civic will receive the COVID-19 vaccination, any necessary boosters and any other vaccination deemed to prevent disease that would pose a significant risk to the ongoing operations of the company or the health of patrons, volunteers and staff. Reasonable accommodations may be made, if practical, for sincerely held religious objections or in the event that medical circumstances indicate that vaccination is inadvisable.
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