Done to Death

By Fred Carmichael

Directed by Connor Davis

 

Once-famous mystery writers employed to write a new hit television show find themselves as the detectives and suspects as they apply their individual methods to solve various murders. They include a couple who write sophisticated murder mysteries, a young author of the James Bond school, a retired writer of hard-hitting thrillers, and an aging queen of the logical whodunit.

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The show is a parody of the murder mystery genre with the main characters representing various styles within the genre.  Utilizing the tropes of their own fiction, they attempt to solve the murders happening around them before it is too late.

 

AUDITION DETAILS:

• Dates: January 14th and 15th

• Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Location: The Hive Collaborative
  677 Hamline Ave N
  Saint Paul, MN 55104

 

CALLBACKS:

• Date: January 16th

• Time: 6:15 - 7:45 PM

• Location: Saint Anthony Park Library Library
  2245 Como Ave, Saint Paul 55108

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PERFORMANCE DATES AND LOCATIONS:

• At The Hive Collaborative:

  • February 27–March 1, 7:00 PM

  • March 2, 2:00 PM

  • March 13–15, 7:00 PM

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• At MACT*Fest (Duluth, MN):

  • One-act performance on either March 7th or March 8th (some roles appear only in one act, so casting may accommodate availability).

 

PREPARATION:

• A 1–2-minute contemporary comedic monologue is encouraged but not required. Cold readings from the script will also be available.

• Please bring:

  • Your acting resume (if available; newcomers welcome).

  • A list of conflicts between January 20th and March 15th.
     

Primary Characters:

• Jessica Olive – A sophisticated, wealthy individual who is a co-writer and life partner of Whitney Olive.

• Whitney Olive – A witty, sophisticated, well-dressed co-writer and life partner of Jessica Olive, exuding charm and grace.

• Mildred Maxwell – Determined and opinionated, an accomplished and seasoned author.

• Brad Benedict – A reserved person with a quiet sense of humor, new to the author scene.

• Rodney Duckton – The most experienced of the authors, known for boundless energy, enthusiasm, and a flair for stylish attire.

• Jason Summers – An efficient, enthusiastic television producer with a slightly nervous demeanor.

• Jane* – A domestic worker with hidden secrets, blending youthfulness and mystery.

• Gregory* – A butler with a Dracula-like presence, speaking in a deep, Middle-European accent, adding a sense of intrigue.

 

* The characters of Jane and Gregory may be doubled with some of the Secondary/Additional Characters below. Likewise, some of the below secondary/additional characters will likely be cast as doubled roles.

 

Secondary Characters:

• Stagehand – A no-nonsense individual, unimpressed by others.

• George – A soft-spoken and sophisticated performer who portrays a villain. Character has a 1930s-era aesthetic.

• Martha – A severe, hardened character with a 1930s-era look.

• Girl – An ingénue with a vintage style, embodying the spirit of the 1920s.

 

Additional Characters:

• Monster – A masked character inspired by classic monster films, requiring expressive physicality.

• Stephanie Mildaur – A character with a blend of innocence and worldliness, shaped by their surroundings.

• Secretary – A modern and sharp individual who speaks with a slight foreign accent.

 

NOTES: Performers of all backgrounds and experience levels are encouraged to audition. This is a non-union production.

 

CONTACT:

For more information, email Connor Davis. We can’t wait to see you bring this witty and thrilling parody to life!