Murder on the Orient Express Auditions
Saturday, Sept. 6th at 11:00am
West Hall Auditorium – RPI
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Contacts
Directors – for questions about creative direction
Michael Ciaravella, Director (Email: MCiaravella@gmail.com)
Casey Duncan, Asst. Director, General (Email: duncac5@rpi.edu Discord: @legend_of_lonk)
Nikki Walen, Asst. Director, Intimacy (Email: walenn@rpi.edu Discord: @04nikkiw)
Mark Belle-Isle, Asst. Director, Combat (Email: bellem5@rpi.edu Discord: @charoite)
Producers – for questions about technical aspects
Sterling Nowosielski, Producer (Email: nowosz@rpi.edu Discord: @sterlinquini)
Nat Soler, Producer (Email: solern@rpi.edu Discord: @golden_quiznak)
Stage Manager – for questions about scheduling, auditions, or rehearsals
Annaka Freve, Stage Manager (Email: frevea@rpi.edu Discord: @amfreve357)
Audition information
Auditions will take place on September 6th at 11:00am in the RPI West Hal Auditorium. Those who audition will be asked to perform a monologue of their choice (it is highly encouraged that the monologue be in the same style as the show), around one minute in length and preferably memorized (if an actor is auditioning for Hercule Poirot, their monologue is REQUIRED to be memorized). Actors may be asked to do a cold reading of the show with other actors. You will be performing your pre-selected monologues privately, to only the central production members of the show – doors will be closed to other auditioners for privacy. No experience is necessary! Those who plan to audition should fill out this form and this WhenIsGood. Walk-ins are welcome!
For those who would prefer to work in a technical or creative role in this show, please email or send a message via Discord to our co-producers Sterling Nowosielski (nowosz@rpi.edu or @sterlinquini) and/or Nat Soler (solern@rpi.edu or @golden_quiznak).
Show and Casting Information
We will be using Agatha Christie’s straight-play, Murder on the Orient Express. A synopsis for the show can be found here. All characters in the show will be chosen without gender in mind – we encourage those auditioning to break away from traditional gender roles. If you have questions about the creative direction of the show, email or send a message via Discord to our assistant directors Casey Duncan (duncac5@rpi.edu or @legend_of_lonk), Nikki Walen (walenn@rpi.edu or @04nikkiw), and/or Mark Belle-Isle (bellem5@rpi.edu or @charoite).
Time Commitment
Murder on the Orient Express will have performances on November 14th, 15th, 20th, 21st, and 22nd. We ask that actors keep those days open and available. These shows will be at Russell Sage College Little Theater. A ride sheet will be made available for those that need transportation.
The shows will begin at 8pm, but actors will be required to come in sooner for costumes, makeup, etc. Tech week will begin with a full day of rehearsal on Saturday, November 8th and continue with longer rehearsals with full dress and tech into the following week. Rehearsals will begin shortly after auditions in mid-September. There may be a midweek rehearsal in between our two production weekends. Actors should also keep in mind that there may be pop-up events to publicize the show up until the show which may require their attendance. Please be aware that actors are expected to attend each rehearsal that they are called for. If an actor exceeds a certain number of unexcused absences, they will be asked to step down from their role.
Although the specific schedule will not be determined until a cast has been selected, rehearsals will likely be 2 to 4 hours long and 3 days a week. The schedule will be based on actor availability. Every person auditioning should fill out this WhenIsGood to specify availability for rehearsals. Special exceptions can be made for conflicts – those with time constraints should still let us know and we will take it into account.
If you have questions about the way auditions or rehearsals will be run, email or send a message via Discord to our stage manager, Annaka Freve (frevea@rpi.edu or @amfreve357).
| SummaryWhat to do… | ||
| Before auditions❈ Prepare a monologue in the style of the show❈ Fill out sign-up form and WhenIsGood (walk-ins are welcome) | At auditions❈ Fill out provided info sheets❈ Perform prepared monologue❈ May be asked to perform follow-up cold reads❈ Fill out sign-up form and WhenIsGood (if you haven’t yet already) | After auditions❈ Expect to hear back about casting within a week❈ Rehearsals will begin in mid September |
Those who cannot make the audition dates should contact central production for the show (emails and Discords at top of document)