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Director & Choreographer: Sophie Houseman Rehearsal and Pit Pianist: John Novak Lighting Designer & Engineer: Jimmy Ehrig Howes-Garofalo Costume Coordinator: Spencer Efing-VanValkenburg Prop Coordinator: Samantha Ploetz Performance Dates: November 6-8, 2026 Audition Dates: August 24 and August 28 at 6:00 PM Callback Dates: August 30, 2026 at 6:00 PM Not all auditionees will be required to attend callbacks. Additional material and instructions for callbacks will be provided following the initial auditions. Location: Dance Studio - Main St. 56 Theater RSVP BELOW REQUIREMENTS Please prepare a 32-bar musical theatre cut in the style of The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Please do not prepare a song from the show. Auditions will begin with a dance call, followed by individual vocal auditions. Please bring appropriate footwear and clothing that allows you to move comfortably. Because The Mystery of Edwin Drood includes multiple possible endings and several alternate character outcomes, this will be a complex rehearsal process. Cast members should expect a substantial rehearsal commitment and be prepared to learn material that may not be performed every night. Due to the overlapping rehearsal and production demands, performers may not be cast in both The Mystery of Edwin Drood and The Miracle Worker. |
SPECIFICS AND CASTING APPROACH
This production will approach The Mystery of Edwin Drood through a fresh, contemporary lens. We are not looking for imitations of a stereotypical English music hall performance style. Instead, performers should bring bold, original character interpretations that feel immediate, specific, and relevant to a modern audience. The full production concept will be introduced after casting. The production operates as a show within a show. Each performer portrays both a member of the theatrical company and a character within the mystery.
Casting will be based primarily on acting ability, character interpretation, storytelling, and audience connection. Strong, healthy vocals are necessary for the score, but we are more interested in compelling actors who can communicate the material than in vocal perfection for its own sake.
Unless specifically required by the script, characters are not restricted by gender, age, race, or traditional casting conventions. The qualities listed below describe the energy and dramatic function of each role rather than a required physical type. Helena and Neville Landless will not be presented through the characters’ traditional cultural framing. There is therefore no race-specific casting requirement for either role.
This will be a movement-heavy production. Movement will support the production’s central concept and storytelling, but performers do not need to be technically trained dancers unless otherwise specified. We are seeking actors who are willing to commit physically, make bold choices, and work collaboratively.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
The Chairman / Mayor Thomas Sapsea
Character baritone, low alto, or mezzo; strong diction and comic delivery.
The commanding host of the evening and the audience’s guide through the mystery. Charismatic, quick-witted, and comfortable speaking directly to an audience. The Chairman must control the pace of the production, respond confidently to unexpected moments, and make the audience feel essential to the event. Also portrays Mayor Sapsea, a pompous and self-important public figure.
Miss Alice Nutting / Edwin Drood
Mezzo-soprano or alto with a strong upper range.
A celebrated member of the theatrical company portraying Edwin Drood. Edwin is confident, charming, adventurous, and engaged to Rosa Bud, but may not fully understand the complications within their relationship. Edwin’s disappearance drives the central mystery.
Mr. Clive Paget / John Jasper
High baritone or dramatic tenor; rich tone with strong upper range.
A polished leading performer portraying John Jasper, Edwin’s uncle and Rosa’s music teacher. Jasper maintains a controlled and respectable exterior while concealing obsession, instability, and potentially dangerous impulses.
Miss Deirdre Peregrine / Rosa Bud
Contemporary soprano or high mezzo; clear upper register with a strong belt.
A leading company member portraying Rosa Bud. Rosa is Edwin’s intended bride, but she is more perceptive, intelligent, and independent than those around her may assume. She must navigate unwanted attention, danger, and the expectations placed upon her.
Miss Angela Prysock / Princess Puffer
Alto or low mezzo; warm, grounded tone.
A seasoned performer portraying Princess Puffer, the sharp and mysterious proprietor of an opium den. Puffer appears hardened and theatrical but possesses considerable intelligence, emotional depth, and information that may alter the course of the mystery.
Mr. Victor Grinstead / Neville Landless
Warm baritone, baritenor.
A bold company member portraying Neville Landless, Helena’s twin. Neville is an outsider whose intensity, pride, and temper quickly place him under suspicion. Beneath that volatility is someone attempting to protect their dignity and establish a place within an unfamiliar community. Neville will not be portrayed through the role’s traditional cultural framing, and there is no race-specific casting requirement.
Miss Janet Conover / Helena Landless
Mezzo-soprano or alto; strong mid-range.
A distinctive company performer portraying Helena Landless, Neville’s twin. Helena is intelligent, composed, observant, and fiercely protective. She frequently understands more than she reveals and should possess an immediate sense of strength and mystery. Helena will not be portrayed through the role’s traditional cultural framing, and there is no race-specific casting requirement.
Mr. Cedric Moncrieffe / Reverend Crisparkle
Flexible mid-to-upper range; warm, clear tone.
A respected company member portraying Reverend Crisparkle, a compassionate clergyman who becomes Neville’s mentor. Crisparkle is principled and sincere but may also possess pride, theatricality, or a degree of self-importance.
Mr. Philip Bax / Bazzard
Flexible mid-range voice; strong storytelling delivery.
An underappreciated company member portraying Bazzard, a clerk who longs for a more important role in both the mystery and the theatrical company. Bazzard may initially appear awkward or overlooked but is eager for an opportunity to step forward.
Mr. Nick Cricker / Durdles
Grounded low-to-mid range; strong character sound.
An eccentric company performer portraying Durdles, a stonemason with extensive knowledge of Cloisterham Cathedral and its crypts. Durdles is earthy, unpredictable, peculiar, and potentially more perceptive than first appearances suggest.
Master Nick Cricker / Deputy
Flexible high voice, light tenor, mezzo, or treble quality.
A spirited member of the company portraying Deputy, Durdles’ mischievous and energetic assistant. Deputy is playful, observant, disruptive, and constantly aware of the activity unfolding nearby.
Ensemble / Members of the Company
All vocal types; strong harmony skills preferred.
The ensemble creates the world of the production while portraying members of the theatrical company, townspeople, servants, performers, dancers, and other featured characters. These tracks require rapid character transformations and complete commitment to every moment onstage. Ensemble performers will be central to the production’s concept, atmosphere, and storytelling.
This production will approach The Mystery of Edwin Drood through a fresh, contemporary lens. We are not looking for imitations of a stereotypical English music hall performance style. Instead, performers should bring bold, original character interpretations that feel immediate, specific, and relevant to a modern audience. The full production concept will be introduced after casting. The production operates as a show within a show. Each performer portrays both a member of the theatrical company and a character within the mystery.
Casting will be based primarily on acting ability, character interpretation, storytelling, and audience connection. Strong, healthy vocals are necessary for the score, but we are more interested in compelling actors who can communicate the material than in vocal perfection for its own sake.
Unless specifically required by the script, characters are not restricted by gender, age, race, or traditional casting conventions. The qualities listed below describe the energy and dramatic function of each role rather than a required physical type. Helena and Neville Landless will not be presented through the characters’ traditional cultural framing. There is therefore no race-specific casting requirement for either role.
This will be a movement-heavy production. Movement will support the production’s central concept and storytelling, but performers do not need to be technically trained dancers unless otherwise specified. We are seeking actors who are willing to commit physically, make bold choices, and work collaboratively.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
The Chairman / Mayor Thomas Sapsea
Character baritone, low alto, or mezzo; strong diction and comic delivery.
The commanding host of the evening and the audience’s guide through the mystery. Charismatic, quick-witted, and comfortable speaking directly to an audience. The Chairman must control the pace of the production, respond confidently to unexpected moments, and make the audience feel essential to the event. Also portrays Mayor Sapsea, a pompous and self-important public figure.
Miss Alice Nutting / Edwin Drood
Mezzo-soprano or alto with a strong upper range.
A celebrated member of the theatrical company portraying Edwin Drood. Edwin is confident, charming, adventurous, and engaged to Rosa Bud, but may not fully understand the complications within their relationship. Edwin’s disappearance drives the central mystery.
Mr. Clive Paget / John Jasper
High baritone or dramatic tenor; rich tone with strong upper range.
A polished leading performer portraying John Jasper, Edwin’s uncle and Rosa’s music teacher. Jasper maintains a controlled and respectable exterior while concealing obsession, instability, and potentially dangerous impulses.
Miss Deirdre Peregrine / Rosa Bud
Contemporary soprano or high mezzo; clear upper register with a strong belt.
A leading company member portraying Rosa Bud. Rosa is Edwin’s intended bride, but she is more perceptive, intelligent, and independent than those around her may assume. She must navigate unwanted attention, danger, and the expectations placed upon her.
Miss Angela Prysock / Princess Puffer
Alto or low mezzo; warm, grounded tone.
A seasoned performer portraying Princess Puffer, the sharp and mysterious proprietor of an opium den. Puffer appears hardened and theatrical but possesses considerable intelligence, emotional depth, and information that may alter the course of the mystery.
Mr. Victor Grinstead / Neville Landless
Warm baritone, baritenor.
A bold company member portraying Neville Landless, Helena’s twin. Neville is an outsider whose intensity, pride, and temper quickly place him under suspicion. Beneath that volatility is someone attempting to protect their dignity and establish a place within an unfamiliar community. Neville will not be portrayed through the role’s traditional cultural framing, and there is no race-specific casting requirement.
Miss Janet Conover / Helena Landless
Mezzo-soprano or alto; strong mid-range.
A distinctive company performer portraying Helena Landless, Neville’s twin. Helena is intelligent, composed, observant, and fiercely protective. She frequently understands more than she reveals and should possess an immediate sense of strength and mystery. Helena will not be portrayed through the role’s traditional cultural framing, and there is no race-specific casting requirement.
Mr. Cedric Moncrieffe / Reverend Crisparkle
Flexible mid-to-upper range; warm, clear tone.
A respected company member portraying Reverend Crisparkle, a compassionate clergyman who becomes Neville’s mentor. Crisparkle is principled and sincere but may also possess pride, theatricality, or a degree of self-importance.
Mr. Philip Bax / Bazzard
Flexible mid-range voice; strong storytelling delivery.
An underappreciated company member portraying Bazzard, a clerk who longs for a more important role in both the mystery and the theatrical company. Bazzard may initially appear awkward or overlooked but is eager for an opportunity to step forward.
Mr. Nick Cricker / Durdles
Grounded low-to-mid range; strong character sound.
An eccentric company performer portraying Durdles, a stonemason with extensive knowledge of Cloisterham Cathedral and its crypts. Durdles is earthy, unpredictable, peculiar, and potentially more perceptive than first appearances suggest.
Master Nick Cricker / Deputy
Flexible high voice, light tenor, mezzo, or treble quality.
A spirited member of the company portraying Deputy, Durdles’ mischievous and energetic assistant. Deputy is playful, observant, disruptive, and constantly aware of the activity unfolding nearby.
Ensemble / Members of the Company
All vocal types; strong harmony skills preferred.
The ensemble creates the world of the production while portraying members of the theatrical company, townspeople, servants, performers, dancers, and other featured characters. These tracks require rapid character transformations and complete commitment to every moment onstage. Ensemble performers will be central to the production’s concept, atmosphere, and storytelling.
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