Audition Information:
Auditions will take place on December 7 - 9 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
There will be no specific time sign ups
Auditions will consist of cold reads from the scripts - no particular preparation is necessary
Auditions are limited to ages 16 and up (excluding two child-specific roles, son/daughter [minimum rehearsal time] ages 10-15)
Show Information:
The Mercury Theater Live On Air’s Halloween show is coming up, and Orson Wells won’t settle for a typical adaptation of a classic literature. He joins his producer John Houseman and assistant producer Paul Stewart to select a work to adapt. But this won't be any ordinary radio show. Wells intends for this show to be a realistic, action-packed adventure that will make listeners feel as though they are witnessing events in real time, as they occur. Reporters! Bulletins! Excitement! What could go wrong?
Cue the meltdown of Howard Koch and his secretary/writing assistant Anne Froelick as they try to adapt H.G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds into something credible and interesting, despite their growing fears that it is a nearly impossible feat.
Between Wells’ demands that the show be ever more realistic with each rewrite, and NBC executive Davison Taylor’s insisting that too much realism could make the show actionable, Koch, Froelick, Houseman, and Steward have their work cut out for them.
All of their efforts will lead to the big day, where a cast of radio actors, foley artists, musicians, and Orson Wells, himself, bring the story to life over the airways, unsettling a generation of radio listeners and creating an event that will leave its mark in history forever.
Character Descriptions:
Orson Wells (23 year old, male presenting) - a talented artist with a larger-than-life presence, he was also known for being preoccupied with his own work. Charismatic and occasionally difficult to work with.
John Houseman (36 year old, male presenting) - a good and supportive mentor, not without his own vanity. While his public image was that of the stern, cultured authority figure he often played, he was also a warm, friendly person who was passionate about mentoring talent and shaping the arts.
Paul Stewart (30 year old, male presenting) - described by his colleagues as a "lovely man" and a reliable, foundational presence. This personal demeanor stands in contrast to the "cynical and sinister characters" he frequently portrayed in his professional career.
Howard Koch (36 year, old male presenting) - a former lawyer and current writer for The Mercury Theater. He is very smart and a touch socially awkward. He has a humble and unassuming demeanor, artistic integrity, generosity and an inquisitive mind.
Anne Froelick (25 year old, female presenting) - Koch’s secretary, a whip-smart, funny woman who worked with Koch on The War of the Worlds as well as many other writing projects.
Orla Nichols (45 year, old female presenting) - the foley artist: eccentric, no lines, animated face, and will make all the sound effects
*The following characters’ names are based on the original actors, but can be played by any age or presenting gender. Names will be adjusted accordingly*
Ray Kremer & Jim Rogan (any gender, any age) - two optional additional sound effects people that will assist the character Orla.
Frank Readick (any gender, any age) - will play Carl Philips and an operator in the radio show
Carl Frank (any gender, any age) - will play an announcer and The Stranger in the radio show
Ray Collins (any gender, any age) - will play Vice President Harry McDonald and the rooftop announcer in the radio show
Kenneth Delmar (any gender, any age) - will play a policeman, Captain Lansing, Secretary of the Interior, and an operator in the radio show
William Alland (any age, any gender) - will play an announcer and an operator in the radio show
Richard Wilson (any age, any gender) - will play General Montgomery Smith, an officer and an operator in the radio show
Stephen Schnabel (any age, any gender) - will play an observer in the radio show
Howard Smith (Any age, any gender) - will play Commander Vougt in the radio show
William Hertz (any age, any gender) - will play an operator in the radio show
Family members (adult male presenting, adult female presenting, young male presenting, young female presenting) - four non speaking roles; will get to pantomime freaking out! Good fun! (The mom and dad characters may be double casted as needed).