Audition Dates for 2026 Season:
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Director & Audition NotesThis production will be directed by Meg Nester.
Auditions for "Arsenic and Old Lace" will be on Sunday, June 7th at 3 PM, and Monday, June 8th at 6 PM! You do not need to attend both days, but it is recommended! If needed, callbacks will be on Tuesday, June 9th at 6 PM. |
Performance Dates
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Show Synopsis
Mortimer Brewster, a drama critic and the only Brewster who seems to have escaped the family's eccentric streak, has just gotten himself engaged to Elaine Harper, the minister's daughter from next door. Eager to share the news, he stops by the family home where his beloved Aunts Abby and Martha have raised him, and where they still live with his brother Teddy, who is firmly convinced he is President Theodore Roosevelt.
What Mortimer discovers in the window-seat changes the evening considerably.
It seems the dear, sweet aunts have a hobby. Lonely old gentlemen who answer their "Room for Rent" sign are invited in for a glass of homemade elderberry wine, which has been lightly seasoned with arsenic, strychnine, and a pinch of cyanide, and laid to rest in the cellar by Teddy, who believes he is burying yellow fever victims in the Panama Canal. The aunts consider it one of their charities. There are, at present, twelve gentlemen downstairs.
As Mortimer frantically tries to manage the situation, protect his aunts, get Teddy committed to Happy Dale Sanitarium, and keep Elaine at arm's length long enough to think, the evening takes a darker turn. His long-lost brother Jonathan (a genuine murderer on the run, with a face surgically altered by his tipsy accomplice Dr. Einstein to resemble Boris Karloff) arrives unannounced, with a body of his own to dispose of and a score to settle with Mortimer.
What follows is a night of mistaken corpses, escalating panic, a stubbornly aspiring playwright in a police uniform, and a body count that the aunts are determined to keep even with Jonathan's. A classic American comedy that has been making audiences laugh since 1941!
What Mortimer discovers in the window-seat changes the evening considerably.
It seems the dear, sweet aunts have a hobby. Lonely old gentlemen who answer their "Room for Rent" sign are invited in for a glass of homemade elderberry wine, which has been lightly seasoned with arsenic, strychnine, and a pinch of cyanide, and laid to rest in the cellar by Teddy, who believes he is burying yellow fever victims in the Panama Canal. The aunts consider it one of their charities. There are, at present, twelve gentlemen downstairs.
As Mortimer frantically tries to manage the situation, protect his aunts, get Teddy committed to Happy Dale Sanitarium, and keep Elaine at arm's length long enough to think, the evening takes a darker turn. His long-lost brother Jonathan (a genuine murderer on the run, with a face surgically altered by his tipsy accomplice Dr. Einstein to resemble Boris Karloff) arrives unannounced, with a body of his own to dispose of and a score to settle with Mortimer.
What follows is a night of mistaken corpses, escalating panic, a stubbornly aspiring playwright in a police uniform, and a body count that the aunts are determined to keep even with Jonathan's. A classic American comedy that has been making audiences laugh since 1941!
Audition Information
More information coming soon!
Audition sides will be available before auditions. As soon as we get them ready, we will post them here AND email everyone who has already signed up!
Audition sides will be available before auditions. As soon as we get them ready, we will post them here AND email everyone who has already signed up!
Character Descriptions
All are welcome to audition, no matter how you identify! Ages listed in the description are those of the characters and do not have to reflect actor ages.
- Abby Brewster (50+ years old) - A sweet-tempered lady with the warmth of a doting aunt and the moral certainty of a saint. Abby is charming, deeply hospitable, and entirely convinced that poisoning lonely old men is an act of Christian charity. The role requires an actor who can play absolute sincerity and gentleness. The comedy lives in how genuinely kind she is about murder. Strong comedic timing essential; should pair well with Martha as a believable lifelong sister duo.
- Martha Brewster (50+ years old) - Abby's sister and partner in "charity." Martha is equally sweet, distinguished by a high lace collar and a particular pride in her poison recipe. Slightly more excitable than Abby and quick to take indignant offense at any suggestion of impropriety. Needs the same gentle warmth as Abby, with a touch more flutter and enthusiasm. Should pair well with Abby as a believable lifelong sister duo
- Elaine Harper (25-40 years old) - The minister's daughter next door and Mortimer's fiancée - surprisingly worldly and sharp-tongued for a parson's daughter. Elaine is smart, spirited, and not afraid to push back when Mortimer starts behaving strangely. Needs charm, comic intelligence, and the ability to hold her own opposite a frantic Mortimer.
- Mortimer Brewster (30-50 years old) - The Brewster nephew who is a wisecracking New York drama critic, newly engaged, and the play's exasperated center of sanity. Mortimer carries most of the verbal comedy and physical business, ricocheting between phone calls, dead bodies, his fiancée, and his increasingly impossible family. Requires excellent comic timing, strong stamina, and the ability to play escalating panic while remaining likeable. Think classic screwball leading role.
- Teddy Brewster (40-60 years old) - The Brewster brother who believes he is Theodore Roosevelt. Requires a large, committed physical performance played with complete earnestness.
- Jonathan Brewster (40-60 years old) - The Brewster third brother, returned home after years on the run as a murderer. Menacing, controlled, and dangerous, with flashes of dark charm. He has had his face surgically altered. Needs an imposing physical presence and the ability to play a real threat inside a comedy.
- Dr. Einstein (40+ years old) - Jonathan's tipsy, German-accented plastic surgeon and unwilling accomplice. A nervous, alcohol-soaked figure with the air of an unfrocked priest, perpetually trying to calm Jonathan down. The comic counterweight to Jonathan's menace. Requires a credible accent, strong reactive comedy, and good chemistry with whoever plays Jonathan.
- The Reverend Dr. Harper (50+ years old) - Elaine's father, the local minister. A kindly but proper clergyman who has reservations about his daughter marrying a drama critic. A smaller role with several good moments in the opening scene.
- Officer Brophy (any adult age) - A friendly Brooklyn cop who regularly stops by the Brewster home to collect toys for the Christmas Fund. Warm and chatty.
- Officer Klein (any adult age) - Brophy's partner and similarly genial. The two cops function as a pair and benefit from easy comic chemistry.
- Officer O’Hara (any age) - A Brooklyn beat cop who is an aspiring playwright with twelve years of plot ideas to share. A wonderful comic role: the more desperate the situation around him, the more determined he is to pitch his play. Strong character-comedy opportunity.
- Lieutenant Rooney (40+ years old) - A tough, dominating Brooklyn police lieutenant who arrives in Act III to take charge. No-nonsense, irritable, and impatient with his men. A short but memorable role that needs real authority.
- Mr. Gibbs (50+ years old) - A lonely older gentleman who drops by inquiring about a room to rent. Briefly. A bit part with one wonderfully tense scene.
- Mr. Witherspoon (50+ years old) - The tight-lipped, disciplinarian superintendent of Happy Dale Sanitarium. Arrives in Act III to collect Teddy and gets a memorable surprise of his own at the final curtain. Smaller role with a strong ending beat.
Click below to sign up for auditions:
Audition FAQ's
What is the overall audition process like
The process is different for straight plays versus musicals, and may also depend on who is directing the show. All auditions include an introduction to the Director and committee members, and all participants fill out an audition form. Audition lengths can vary depending on the number of people who come. Familiarize yourself with the play/musical you are auditioning for before you come to the auditions. We recommend keeping an eye on this page and our Facebook page for more information on each aduition session!
What are Musical auditions like and how do you prepare?
Musical auditions are usually made up of three parts: choreography, vocals, and scene reading (reading from the script of the show). However, some musicals do not contain choreography so this section may be omitted from the audition process.
- Choreography: The choreographer will teach the group a routine. You then perform it as a group. You can prepare for this portion by watching videos of other productions of the show ahead of time. This will expose you to the type of choreography you will be taught.
- Vocals: You're encouraged to bring a 16 to 32 bar (30-45 sec.) cut from a song in the style of the show. We provide an accompanist and there is a speaker available if you have tracked music. If you do not bring your own music cut, the musical director or accompanist will teach the group a portion of a song from the show. You will then be called up to perform this song individually or as a group. The best way to prepare for this is to listen to the soundtrack for the show ahead of time.
- Scene Readings: Portions from the script will be distributed to participants, you normally receive lines for the part you are auditioning for, sometimes the director will hand you different part to ascertain your range as an actor. The best way to prepare for this is to read the script ahead of time and familiarize yourself with the character you wish to portray.
What are Straight Play auditions like and how do you prepare?
Straight play auditions consist of scene readings. Occasionally, a play can demand a certain type of movement so there may be a portion of the evening in which the director will work with you to see how well you can move and adapt to the needs of the script.
- Scene Readings: Portions from the script will be distributed to participants, you normally receive lines for the part you are auditioning. Sometimes the director will hand you different part to ascertain your range as an actor. The best way to prepare for this is to read the script ahead of time and familiarize yourself with the character you wish to portray.
Who casts the show?
A deliberative body called the casting committee. The committee is made up of the director, choreographer (if applicable), and guests who are experienced in theatre arts. The casting committee acts as a sounding board and another set of eyes and ears for the director who makes the final decisions.
How do you make your decisions on who to cast?
- Availability- Rehearsal is incredibly important. If your schedule inhibits you from attending rehearsals you may not be cast. This will be clarified at the beginning of auditions, and included on your audition form.
- Talent- Vocal ability and acting.
- Physicality- Some roles require specific looks, accents, age, etc. Some shows require specific dance choreography/movement.
- Chemistry- When casting, the committee is required to look at the cast as a whole and see how and IF you fit into that puzzle. For example, You may be right for Role A & B, but if you are cast as Role A, there may not be someone for Role B. You may be cast as Role B if there is a second option for Role A.
How do you find out why you were cast, or not cast, for the part you wanted?
Backdoor Theatre is a teaching theatre. We encourage all participants to reach out and ask this question. We will provide constructive feedback on how you can improve your skills. Please email us by using the form on this page.
Do you need to have experience to try out?
Not at all! We will teach you what you need to know. However, you are expected to be familiar with the show and material. Please email [email protected] to receive a script for the show. If you are trying out for a musical, familiarize yourself with the songs.
What do I wear to auditions?
Whatever your comfortable in and closed toe shoes. If your audition involves dancing, bring appropriate footwear and wear clothing you can move around in.
Do I need to come to both nights of auditions
It's not required but encouraged.
What do I do if I don't get cast
There are several reasons you might not get cast. Please reach out and ask for constructive feedback. Come to more auditions, and don't give up! Being a part of a Backdoor production is an experience you will never forget. If you don't get cast, we also suggest asking the director about being apart of the Tech Crew!
Does Backdoor Theatre precast shows
On a rare occasion, some parts may be precast. This will be listed in character descriptions on this page and all audition announcements.
What about callbacks?
When referring to callbacks, we may not always need everyone to read or sing again. This does not mean that you are not being considered for a role or not cast. The Casting Committee makes the decision on callbacks for various reason.