Auditions for Witness for the Prosecution by Agatha Christie

Synopsis:
Leonard Vole stands accused of murdering a rich widow. The stakes are high with shocking witness testimony, impassioned outbursts from the dock, and a young man’s fight to escape the hangman’s noose. Generally regarded as one of Christie’s most accomplished plays, this suspenseful thriller keeps audiences guessing until the very end.

Directed by: Alan Barnett
Performance Information:
Performances will be at the Bowie Playhouse, November 22 - December 15, 2024 (excluding Thanksgiving weekend)

Audition Dates/Times:
September 9, 2024 - 7 PM - 9 PM
September 10, 2024 - 7 PM - 9 PM
Callback (if needed) - September 12, 2024 - 7 PM

Audition Location:
Grace Lutheran Church, 2503 Belair Drive, Bowie, MD, 20715

Available Roles:
8 male and 3 female actors, 1 gender neutral
Director will consider cross gender casting for some roles, and some
actors will play more than one role. Accents are very important, and there will be accent and dialect coaching for all, led. Coach will also supply materials to help you learn your accent. We expect to use four or five different accents. Romaine must be able do two accents: German and Cockney.


* Sir Wilfed Robarts (Male; early 50s-60s)
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A respected senior barrister and main defense attorney. Well regarded for his sound judgment and reasoning, very matter-of-fact and rational, without being rude or impolite. Upper class British accent.
* Greta / The Other Woman  (Female; 20s)
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The secretary/typist for Sir Wilfred. Very sure of herself and her opinions, but not particularly attentive to details. Working class accent. Same actress will play The Other Woman - Confident, unabashed, and ingenuous. Totally besotted by
Leonard Vole. Working class accent.

* Mr. Carter/ Clegg (Male; Mid 30s-40s) 
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The junior solicitor/clerk for Sir Wilfred. Likeable, diligent, up- and-coming law clerk who is eager to please. Same actor will play Clegg, an assistant in the forensic laboratory at New Scotland Yard. RP accent
* Leonard Vole (Male; Mid 30s-40s)
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A very likeable young man who is friendly and engaging, and is genuinely perplexed by the situation that he finds himself in. Working class British accent.
*Sir John Mayhew (Male; 50s)
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Vole’s solicitor. Shrewd and rather dry and precise, he is well respected in legal circles for his diligence and commitment to his clients. Upper class British accent.
*Inspector Hearn (Male; 50s)
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The police officer who provides most of the prosecution evidence. Rather humorless and officious, and proud of serving the law. Working class British accent.
*Romaine (Female; 30s-40s)
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The foreign-born wife of Leonard Vole. Very passionate and serious and seemingly vulnerable because of her difficultly understanding English. Requires both a German accent as well as a Cockney accent.
*Mr. Myers (Male; 50s-60s)
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The Queen’s Counsel, a starchy, self-confident, unlikeable, and self-important prosecuting attorney for the Crown. Upper class British accent.
*Janet McKenzie (Female; 40s-50s) 
-The spinsterly housekeeper who attended to the murder victim. She is opinionated, but caring, and makes no secret of whom she likes or dislikes. Scottish accent.
*Judge Wainwright (Male, 50+)
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The presiding judge in the trial of Leonard Vole. Upper class British accent.
*Clerk of the Court/ Court Usher/ Warder (Gender neutral, any age)
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These three roles will be combined into one. RP accent
*Dr Wyatt / Detective (Male, any age)
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A police surgeon. The same actor will play Detective. RP accent

Audition Information:

Cold readings from the script will be requested. No advance preparation is necessary, but a smile never hurts. 
Auditionees should plan to be there for at least an hour and ready to have a good time!

Please bring a head shot and resume (if available) and all conflicts you may have between auditions and the end of the performance schedule.
NO conflicts are accepted during tech week of November 16-21, 2024.

For any questions regarding auditions, please contact the director, Alan Barnett at  asb0656@gmail.com

Rehearsals will be held in Bowie, MD up to 3 times a week starting in September.