Website URL Clayton Community Theatre
Clayton Community Theatre announces open auditions for Who Killed Aunt Caroline?, by Grant Richards, Directed by Ken Clark.
Auditions: By appointment Sunday, November 17, 2024 from 2:00 – 5:30 pm and Monday, November 18, 2024 from 6:00 – 8:30
Callbacks: Thursday, November 21 at 7pm ONLY IF NEEDED
Performances: March 6, 7, 8, 9 and 13, 14, 15, 16, 2025. Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30, Sundays at 2:00
See the website (https://www.placeseveryone.org/auditions) for full details, the link to sign up for an appointment, the audition form, and the audition sides.
ABOUT THE SHOW
Act One: The play opens in the living room of the Endicott home, where Mrs. Eleanor Endicott is giving a piano lesson to Una, a young girl who struggles with her music. The scene establishes the financial difficulties of the Endicott family, particularly through Ricky, Mrs. Endicott’s son, who expresses concern about affording college. The act introduces the key characters and sets the stage for the central conflict when David Thompson arrives, hinting at a significant discussion about his relationship with Agnes, Mrs. Endicott’s daughter. The conversation shifts to the mysterious and wealthy Aunt Caroline, who becomes a focal point as her presence (or absence) looms over the family’s troubles.
Act Two: Set two days after the first act, the characters grapple with the fallout of Aunt Caroline’s sudden death. The family members and others connected to Aunt Caroline become suspects in her murder, as tensions rise and secrets are revealed. The act focuses on uncovering motives and possible alibis, with each character showing varying degrees of suspicion and concern. The mystery deepens as the characters reflect on their relationships with Aunt Caroline and what her death could mean for them, both emotionally and financially.
Act Three: The final act takes place the same night as Act Two and brings the mystery to its climax. The true murderer of Aunt Caroline is revealed through a series of confrontations and confessions. The characters are forced to confront the consequences of their actions and the impact of Aunt Caroline’s death on their lives. The play concludes with a resolution that ties up the loose ends of the mystery, providing closure for the characters and the audience.
AUDITION INFORMATION
Clayton Community Theatre and the Who Killed Aunt Caroline production team is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourage all interested to audition.
Location: Washington University South Campus Theatre (the old CBC High School building), 6501 Clayton Rd, Clayton MO 63117. (Park in the lot to the west of the building off Clayton Road; enter at the glass doors.)
What to Prepare: The audition will consist of readings from the script. Sides will be emailed to you after you reserve your audition slot in Signup Genius. You will also need to complete the Audition Form, including your resume of onstage experience and a list of all potential conflicts for all days during the rehearsal window. If you want to audition but your schedule conflicts with the audition schedule, you need specific accommodations to audition, or you have a show-specific question, please contact the director Ken Clark at CCT.WKAC@gmail.com, using the subject line “Audition Request.” Include the reason for your request, and your contact information.
REHEARSAL / SCHEDULING INFORMATION
Rehearsals will be held at Clayton Community Theatre location. Read-Through will be held on Thursday, January 16 at 6:30pm. The current rehearsal plan is Sunday’s from 2-6pm, and Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30-9:30pm. On Tuesday and Thursdays we will work scenes with school age cast members first so that they can be released by 8pm, when possible.
Conflicts will not necessarily eliminate you from being cast. However, excessive additional conflicts after being cast may result in a role being recast. Please do not audition if you are not available for all rehearsals during tech week and all performances.
Everyone who auditions will receive a complimentary ticket to any CCT production this season!
Characters:
Eleanor Endicott, Mid-40’s: A kind-hearted and patient woman, Mrs. Endicott is a piano teacher struggling to make ends meet for her family. Despite their financial difficulties, she is determined to provide the best for her children, especially Ricky, whom she hopes will go to college. She is practical and nurturing, though she harbors a quiet resentment toward her wealthy sister-in-law, Aunt Caroline, who has withheld financial help from the family.
Agnes Endicott, Eldest daughter, Age: 24: A responsible and sensible young woman in her mid-twenties, working at the local library to help support her family. She is romantically involved with David Thompson, and their relationship is a central plot point in the play. Agnes is deeply concerned with maintaining her family’s dignity and is often the voice of reason among her siblings.
Beryl Endicott, Age: 15: A typical teenage girl, balancing the challenges of adolescence with the demands of her family’s situation. She is somewhat rebellious and has a keen sense of independence, often clashing with her mother and siblings. Beryl’s character adds a youthful, energetic dynamic to the household.
Cicely Endicott, Age: 10: At 10 years old, Cicely is the youngest of the Endicott children. She is sweet-natured and innocent, often unaware of the full extent of the family’s financial woes. Her naivety brings a lightness to the otherwise tense household, and she serves as a reminder of the family’s need to protect and nurture its youngest members. She loves to roller skates – and does so in the show.
Aunt Caroline, Age: 50’s: A wealthy, domineering sister-in-law of Mrs. Endicott. In her 50’s, she is the female version of Scrooge. She is as mean-spirited and controlling, and her wealth has caused a rift in the family. Her death serves as the central mystery of the play, with each character having a potential motive for wanting her out of the picture.
Miss Mabbitt, Age: 40-60: Aunt Caroline’s frail and timid companion and speaks in a soft, sweet voice. Though she seems gentle and harmless, her close relationship with Aunt Caroline places her under suspicion after the murder. Miss Mabbitt is an enigmatic figure, whose true feelings about Aunt Caroline are slowly revealed.
Louise MacLain, Age: 20-30: Is a cultured young woman, roughly the same age as Agnes. She carries herself with confidence. She teaches chemistry and is connected to the younger characters and serves as a secondary figure in the story, though her role becomes more significant as the story unfolds.
Una Hagaman, Age: 10-15: A young girl who is taking piano lessons from Mrs. Endicott. She is depicted as somewhat awkward and lacking musical talent, often struggling through her lessons. Despite her difficulties, she is earnest and tries her best to meet the expectations placed upon her. Ideally, the individual cast will actual play the piano during her lesson with Mrs. Endicott.
Ricky, Age: 17: Ricky, short for Richard, is a bright and ambitious 17-year-old with aspirations of becoming a doctor. He is passionate about his studies and works hard in his makeshift laboratory at home. Despite his youth, Ricky is acutely aware of the family’s financial struggles and feels a strong sense of responsibility to contribute, though he sometimes exhibits a sharp, sarcastic sense of humor.
Dan Donovan, Age: 17: Dan is Ricky’s friend and a fellow high school student. He is less academically inclined than Ricky but is loyal and supportive. Dan’s character provides a contrast to Ricky’s serious demeanor, bringing a more relaxed and carefree energy to their friendship.
Dave Thompson, Age: early 20’s: David is a clean-cut, earnest young man in his early twenties who works as a reporter for the local newspaper. He is Agnes’ fiancé and is deeply in love with her. David represents the hope for a brighter future, both for Agnes and for the Endicott family, though his involvement in the mystery complicates his relationship with the family.
Lieutenant Clayton, Age: 25-30: A young, pleasant homicide detective who is methodical in his investigation of Aunt Caroline’s murder. He takes his work seriously and is focused on uncovering the truth. (Age: 25-30)