“The 39 Steps” Open Casting Call
THE 39 STEPS
Denver Center for the Performing Arts (Denver, CO)
LORT D Contract – $1050/wk
Singleton Theatre (Formerly The Ricketson)
DCPA Artistic Director: Chris Coleman
Playwright: Patrick Barlow, based on the novel by John Buchan and the movie by Alfred Hitchcock
Director: Meredith McDonough
Dramaturg: Kimberly Colburn
Denver Casting: Grady Soapes, CSA – DCPA Director of Casting
NYC Casting: Bass/Valle Casting
Casting Director: Gama Valle & Harriet Bass
Audition dates: (in person by appointment only)
Tuesday, January 17th, 2023
Wednesday, January 18th, 2023
Production dates:
FIRST REHEARSAL: March 14th, 2023
FIRST PREVIEW: April 14th, 2023
OPENING: April 21st, 2023
CLOSING: June 18th, 2023
ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS: (preferred)
Please, submit an electronic photo/resume, for the opportunity to be invited to audition in person. The Bass/Valle Casting team will review all self-submissions.
PHYSICAL SUBMISSIONS:
Not accepted at the time.
NOTES:
All performers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as defined by the CDC, with a first booster (if eligible) by first rehearsal as a condition of employment. Vaccination requirements are subject to change according to CDC guidance.
The Denver Center intends to lead all decisions from selecting each play to the final bow, with empathy and respect. We acknowledge that race, gender, ethnicity and physical abilities of the actors on stage have meaning and we want to be mindful of that throughout our practices. Our casting process will be led with thoughtfulness and appreciation of the artists we encounter and any level of discrimination will not be tolerated. We do not want to assume that the space you are entering or have entered is fully inclusive of your needs, but instead want to create an environment and expand our conditions that allows for your multi-faceted personhood to thrive and feel welcome.
Bass/Valle Casting encourages people of all races, ages, ethnicities, abilities and gender identities to apply.
SYNOPSIS:
Combine a film masterpiece by Alfred Hitchcock with a juicy spy novel and add a large splash of Monty Python humor. The result? A fast-paced whodunit with four versatile actors portraying more than 50 roles!
London, 1935. The rather dull Richard Hannay encounters a woman who claims to be a spy. When she is suddenly murdered, Richard finds himself the focus of a nationwide manhunt led by a mysterious organization called “The 39 Steps.” This film noir gem is a hilarious comedy full of dazzling, inventive stagecraft and virtuoso performances that will have you rolling in the aisles until the death-defying, climatic finale.
A fresh take on the classic adventure-comedy, The 39 Steps is theatre at its best… an absurd, delightful journey that can only be brought to life on stage.
SEEKING:
**This production will not be understudied**
RICHARD HANNAY: (he/him, mid 30’s – to late 40’s, any race or ethnicity, commanding standard-British dialect) He is an inadvertent revolutionary and an everyman capable of using his great wit to outsmart with determination, cunning and vulnerability. One half of the leading duo full of Hitchcock-esque dashing, charismatic charm and mystery. NOTE: Must have great physical endurance and superb comic timing. Looking for a team player bringing creative flair and ideas to the rehearsal room.
ANNABELLA SCHMIDT/PAMELA/MARGARET: (she/her, 30’s – 40’s, any race or ethnicity, Scottish accent required) One half of the leading duo who possess extraordinary physical, emotional and comedic flexibility. ANNABELLA: a neurotic spy on the run from a pair who end up murdering her in a dramatic death. Sexy, desperate and mysterious – she knows she is marked. German accent required. PAMELA: a quintessential Hitchcock-esque leading lady, smart, quick-witted, powerful and dashing. English accent required. MARGARET: a small town Scottish maid married to an abusive farmer; she is please-and-be-helpful, has big dreams, and has the strength to risk the consequences from her husband in following her heart. NOTE: Looking for a team player bringing creative flair and ideas to the rehearsal room.
CLOWNS (any gender identity, 30’s – 50’s, any race or ethnicity, must be able to provide multiple dialects, whether actual or created) Two extremely versatile character actors. The clowns expertly execute 100+ roles ranging from High London to country people from Scotland with near Herculean athleticism and exceptional comedic timing. NOTE: Looking for a team player, highly skilled in improv to generate ideas with wild imagination in the rehearsal room.
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