Auditions for:
The Ghost Train
by Arnold Ridley
Audition Dates:
Saturday, November 16, 2024
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sunday, November 17, 2024 (updated time!):
6:30-8:30 pm
Rehearsal Dates: beginning mid-December: Tuesdays & Thursdays from 6-8 PM and Sundays from 3-6 PM
Show Dates: Feb 28-Mar 2; Mar 7-9; 14-15
Synopsis
The Ghost Train is a stage comedy-thriller, written in 1923 by the English actor and playwright Arnold Ridley. The story centers upon the social interaction of a group of railway passengers who have been stranded at a remote rural station overnight, and are increasingly threatened by a latent external force, with a denouement ending. The play ran for over a year in its original sold-out London theatrical run, and is regarded as a modern minor classic. It has been adapted for several movies and radio dramas over the years. The setting: A waiting room of the (dingy, rundown) Railway Station at Clear Vale Junction, Rockland, Maine. Circa 1930.
A note from the Director: I have referred to it as “Agatha Christie meets Scooby Doo”.
Audition Preparation
This is primarily an ensemble show; therefore, you will be asked to read selected sides with other actors in a scene. No monologues needed. Please be prepared to identify any conflicts with rehearsal dates.
You do not need to attend both auditions, but you are welcome to. This would give you the opportunity to read with other actors.
Characters
Richard Winthrop: A somewhat hot-headed man, married to his work and his wife, Elsie, in that order. Age range 30-50.
Elsie Winthrop: A strong-willed woman, wife of Richard Winthrop. She is not happy in her marriage. Age range 30-50.
Charles Murdock: Young newlywed of Peggy, strong and debonaire, protector of Peggy and very much in love. Age range 20-35.
Peggy Murdock: Young newlywed of Charles, hopelessly in love and a bit naïve. It’s their wedding night. Age range 20-30.
Teddie Deakin: An exaggerated, annoying Englishman, age range 30-60.
Saul Hodgkin: The railway station master, age range 40-50, Maine accent required.
Miss Bourne: A severe, spinster type of a woman with a parrot who gets drunk– age range 40-70.
Julia Price: A woman, age range 20-30, must be agile, gets hysterical, jumps on bench, faints.
Herbert Price: Julia’s “uncle”, a man, age range 40-60. Forceful, arrogant. Not who he appears to be.
John Sterling: a man, a “doctor”, age range 40-60. Working with Herbert Price, not who he appears to be.
Jackson: A detective