Murder By Poe
by Jeffrey Hatcher, adapted from the stories of Edgar Allan Poe
Directed by: Pam Cantrell
Auditions
March 7th: 2–4 pm
March 8th: 11 am – 1 pm
Casting
Flexible cast of 9–25 actors, ages 18–60+.
Male, female, transgender, and nonbinary individuals welcome.
People of color are encouraged to audition.
Most characters may be doubled with ensemble roles.
*Further audition details coming soon*
Character Breakdown
The Woman (18–40) — A traveler seeking refuge in a dark house who must solve its mysteries.
Roderick Usher (50+, male-presenting) — Sickly owner of the house with heightened senses.
Cat (35–60, male-presenting) — A drunk who loves his cat and hates his wife.
Heart (20–40, any gender) — Driven toward madness by an elderly companion’s evil eye.
Maria Roget (18–40) — Perfume shop employee who resembles The Woman and goes missing.
C. Auguste Dupin (30–45, male-presenting) — Brilliant French detective. French accent required.
Cat’s Wife (30–60, female-presenting) — Sweet but dim housewife.
William Wilson (25–60, male-presenting) — A man tormented by his doppelgänger.
Minister (30–45, male-presenting) — Royal minister attempting to blackmail the Queen. May double Dupin.
The Queen (45–70, female-presenting) — Queen of France covering up an affair. French accent helpful; may double Madame Roget/Mrs. Clemm.
Ensemble / Doubled Roles
The Inspector, Accent Actor (variety of accents welcome), The Zoo Man, The Old Man, Pluto the Cat (performed in costume), Mrs. Clemm, Policemen 1 & 2, The Prefect, Guards, Waiters, Tortured Men, Dead Women, and additional ensemble roles.
Synopsis
A woman lost in dreary weather stumbles into a mysterious house where Poe’s most famous tales unfold — The Tell-Tale Heart, The Black Cat, The Murders in the Rue Morgue, The Mystery of Marie Roget, and The Fall of the House of Usher. Horror, mystery, and dark comedy intertwine as she uncovers the riddle of the house and the man guiding her through it.
📣 Rated PG (suspenseful & spooky themes)
Show Dates
August 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, & 16
