The Game’s Afoot
Performance Dates: February 19 - March 1, 2026
Thur - Fri - Sat at 7:30, Both Sun Matinees at 3pm, One Sat Matinee on 2/28 at 3pm
Written by Ken Ludwig
Directed by Dave Di Pietro
Audition Dates
Sunday, November 30th, 7pm - 9pm
Monday, December 1st, 7pm - 9pm
Callbacks if necessary, Tuesday, December 2nd, 7pm - 9pm
The Evans Studio
912 Center Street, Conyers, GA 30012
Please prepare a comedic side.
Cold readings from the script will also be done.
Please bring your resume and a headshot and be prepared to read from script with other actors.
Be prepared to list any conflicts
“No conflicts at this time” is not a valid response.
• ROLES ARE NOT PAID •
GENRE
Zany Mystery/Comedy
TIME
1936
SETTING
The Mansion of William Gillette on the Connecticut River,
East Haddam, Connecticut.
Seeking: 3 Men, 5 Women - Ages: Mid Twenties to Late 60’s
Rehearsals to begin January 5th, 2026
Roles
WILLIAM GILLETTE
Male (40’s - 50’s) A dynamic and charming stage actor (based on a real person). He’s made a fortune from his stage adaptation of Sherlock Holmes, whom he also plays. Recently shot in the arm in a bizarre incident, Gillette is determined to bring his Sherlockian skills to bear on solving the case. Must have great comic chops and improv background. A dashing leading man and ardent lover of all that the glorious game of life has to offer. Described by Ludwig as, “a strikingly handsome man...good humored, full of irony and life. A sort of modern-day Ulysses.” Transatlantic accent preferred.
MARTHA GILLETTE
Female (60’s - 70’s) Gillette’s dotty mother, elegant though a bit foggy, Martha never shies away from a fight. Always willing to lob a criticism when necessary, all the same.Martha is loyal to Gillette and his gang of theatrical misfits. Nouveau riche, which is to say, she lives a lavish and glamorous lifestyle; but lacks the class normally associated therewith. Described by Ludwig as, “somewhat vague and dithering.” Must have great comic chops and New York or New England accent may be appropriate.
FELIX GEISEL
Male (40’s - 50’s) The company’s character actor, Felix is histrionic (overly dramatic), a true theatrical who has given his life to the stage. Felix is Gillette’s best friend and occasional sidekick. Married to Madge. A devoted character actor who relishes his craft but is not immune to the occasional bout of jealousy. Described by Ludwig as, “histrionic and arch in a Lionel Barrymore/Sir Toby Belch sort of way.” Transatlantic accent preferred. Actor must have great comic chops and be physically strong – literally must be able to move a “dead” woman by himself.
MADGE GEISEL
Female (40’s - 50’s) Wry and outspoken (think Rosalind Russell), Madge, like her husband Felix, is a lifelong theatrical. She is game for anything, but back her into a corner and she will come out swinging. A witty and energetic character actress. She has an edge to her, and a sharp tongue, but her affection is genuine. Described by Ludwig as, “flamboyant and wry in a Rosalind Russell smart-mouthed-gal-about-town sort of way.” Must have great comic chops. Transatlantic accent preferred.
SIMON BRIGHT
Male (mid 20’s - mid 30’s) The “newbie” of the company, Simon is an enthusiastic young man, eager to please and find success. A bit of a naïf, Simon can occasionally be overly sensitive. Recently married to Aggie, they make a charming and wonderful couple. Ability to play an instrument is a plus as ukulele is noted in script, but NOT required. A witty jokester who finds humor in nearly everything. Described by Ludwig as, “sweet and enthusiastic.” Transatlantic accent preferred.
AGGIE WHEELER
Female (mid 20’s - mid 30’s) Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, Aggie is the ingénue of the company. Good-natured and kind, Aggie has had tragedy in her past, though she seems to have dealt with it well, and even moved on. Recently married to Simon, they make a charming and wonderful couple. A genuine and sensitive young actress who is often swept away by the goings on around her. Described by Ludwig as, “a real product of her age...beautiful, bright- eyed, and full of spunk.” This character has a dark side. Transatlantic accent preferred.
INSPECTOR GORING
Female (40’s +) English and eccentric, completely one of a kind. By turns, witty and incisive, suddenly lost and dim, she is disarming in her inability to be defined. Always off the mark, and yet never far from the truth, somehow, she always gets her man. Wonderful opportunity for a character actress; must have great comic chops and stage combat skills required. A police inspector who once dreamed of being an actress, and who is still an avid theatre fan. Described by Ludwig as, “British, eccentric, and one of a kind. One minute, she seems wry and clever; the next minute she’s off into a world of her own. She gets things wrong without even knowing it; yet she also seems just the sort of person who can find out when you’re lying. That makes her formidable.” Wonderful opportunity for a character actress; must have great comic chops.
British accent preferred but not required.
DARIA CHASE
Female (40’s - 50’s) Glamorous & gorgeous, Daria is the theatre critic we all love to hate. Biting, bitchy, and utterly charming, you can’t help but like Daria, despite the terrible things she says and writes. A wonderful sense of humor goes a long way towards endearing Daria to the audience. Very self-confident and aware of her own power and charm. Described by Ludwig as, “one of those people you can’t take your eyes off; and despite all her showbiz cattiness, you can’t help liking her – or at least admiring.” With a quirky side, she believes in the afterlife as she performs a séance in the show. With her air of entitlement - Transatlantic, New York, or even high-class Southern accents may be appropriate. Must have wonderful comic timing and be a skilled physical comedian as she is dragged around stage a lot by others. Daria must scream several times.
SHOW DESCRIPTION
Winner of the 2012 Edgar® Award for Best Play from The Mystery Writers of America.
Breathtaking mystery and high hilarity in equal parts, this play tells the story of Broadway star William Gillette, who has invited his fellow cast-members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. But when one of the guests is stabbed to death, the festivities in this isolated house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. Then it’s up to Gillette himself, who just happens to think he’s Sherlock Holmes, to track down the killer before the next victim appears.
The danger and laughter are non-stop in this glittering whodunit set during the Christmas holidays.
If you have further questions, you can email us at: info@thenewdepotplayers.com
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