Scripps Ranch Theatre
announces auditions for

Death Trap
By Ira Levin

Directed by Jessica John

This is to announce Scripps Ranch Theatre's auditions for Death Trap. Auditions will be held August 16th, with callbacks August 18th. Performances will be from November 12th through December 11th, 2010, on Friday and Saturday evenings, with 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays, plus a matinée on December 11th.

PLAY SUMMARY:
Holds the record for the longest-running comedy thriller on Broadway. Written by the author of Rosemary’s Baby, Deathtrap is an exquisite blend of mystery, thrills and humor. This gripping tale, told with icy skill, will amuse you, confuse you and hold you in its spell up to the final moment.

CAST BREAKDOWN:
SIDNEY BRUHL (Age 40-60) polished and vaguely dashing… Was once a celebrated playwright on the Broadway scene… His recent flops and concurrent writer’s block have chiseled him into a man now defined by a savage hunger for a new hit play and a seeming willingness to go as far as murdering to get it. Revelations will eventually show him to be driven not only for professional resurrection, but also to regain his reputation, secure his fortune (via his wife’s inheritance), and to win the passion of a younger male playwright, Clifford. A sense of humor is a must for this actor, but the part is also a dramatic challenge as it requires an ability to play consistently altering tactics to keep his crimes a secret (from other characters AND from the audience). THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST.
 
CLIFFORD ANDERSON (Age 25-35) a mannerly, good-looking young man who is star-struck by the famous, older playwright, and eagerly intent on making a name for himself with a successful thriller of his own. A member of Sidney’s drama seminar, he seems delighted to collaborate with him on a thriller. Murder doesn’t appear to be on his agenda, but like Sidney, Clifford is driven and has more up his sleeve than meets the eye. (Actor must be comfortable with some homosexual references and innuendos.) Perfectly-paired soul-mates, Sidney and Clifford consummate their relationship by killing each other at the end of the play.
 
MYRA BRUHL (Age 40-60) A match to Sidney, she is sophisticated and upper class… She is incredibly supportive of Sidney’s career and altering moods. Sweet, caring, emotional, nervous, even skittish, she suffers from a heart condition. She married Sidney eleven years earlier, just as his reputation was declining and his string of flops was beginning to grow. She is now his primary financial support.

HELGA TEN DORP (Age 45-70) Wild and gypsy-like, even when wearing a rain poncho. Is in and out of this world. Knows she's a celebrity and buys into the show of her gift. Has a Slavic or European accent. Is disarming and brave when faced with pain and violence. Combines the uncanny powers of psychic divination with the everyday frailties of a dotty old lady.

PORTER MILGRIM (Age 40-60) Suit and tie guy. Professional and personal long-time-friend to Sidney. A blend of New England decorum and obscene vice. By day an upright lawyer, by night he makes dirty phone calls in a fake voice to his friends.

AUDITION DETAILS:
WHEN:     General Auditions: 7:00-10 p.m. Monday, August 16th.
..................Callback Auditions: 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 18th.
Appointments may be made by sending an e-mail to Audition Coordinator, Dani DeCarlo, at auditions@scrippsranchtheatre.org.  Please indicate role(s) of interest. 

The director has asked that you prepare a 2-3 minute monologue of your choice. Call backs consist of sides from the script. (Please be familiar with this script!)

WHERE:      Legler Benbough Theatre, Alliant International University campus, on Avenue of Nations, off Pomerado Road in Scripps Ranch. (Detailed directions to be provided with confirmation of audition appointment).
SPECS:       Please bring a current headshot and resumé.

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE:
Rehearsals will begin in October 2nd. Majority of rehearsals consist of week nights (6:30pm - 10:30pm) and weekend days (1:00pm - 5:00pm).

NOTE: SCRIPPS RANCH THEATRE PAYS STIPENDS TO CAST & CREW.
For further information and directions, go to www.scrippsranchtheatre.org.
Produced by special arrangement with Dramatist Play Service, Inc.