The Play That Goes Wrong
Location: Arlington Heights, Illinois
Type: Theater Open Call
Paid production.
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Johanna McKenzie Miller – Director
Tiffany Gates – Executive Director
Matthew D. Carney, CSA – Casting Director
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is holding open auditions for the smash-hit comedy, The Play That Goes Wrong! We are seeking strong, comedic actors with exceptional timing, wit, and physical comedy.
Audition Date: Saturday, 12/13/25 from 2pm–4pm.
Looking for more casting notices in Chicago, Illinois? See our Illinois pages.
ABOUT THE SHOW
Part Monty Python, part Sherlock Holmes, The Play That Goes Wrong is an Olivier-Award winning gut-busting global sensation that is guaranteed to leave you aching from laughter. In this farcical fiasco of a show, a bungling troupe of thespians attempts to stage a 1920s WHODUNIT murder mystery. Instead, these accident-prone actors trip over everything, including their lines, and things quickly go from bad to absolutely disastrous. From a fainting femme to a corpse that can’t quite croak, The Play That Goes Wrong features everything you never wanted in a show. Will these avocational actors even make it to the final curtain? Come see this wildly entertaining, side-splitting show and find out!
KEY PRODUCTION DATES:
1st Possible Rehearsal: 1/20/26
Tech Begins: 2/17/26
Preview #1: 2/25/26
Opening: 2/28/26
Closing: 3/22/26
Possible Extension: 3/29/26
SEEKING:
Strong comedic nonunion actors with exceptional timing, wit, and physical comedy. Most
roles require RP British dialect.
TYPE & PAY RATES:
$700 Rehearsal Stipend
$70/Show
ROLES:
The Play That Goes Wrong is a “play within a play.” The character names below are the Actor’s name, followed by the character the Actor in the play is playing in parentheses.
- ANNIE TWILLOIL (Stage Manager) – She embarks on the most transformative journey in the production. Initially working tirelessly behind the scenes to solve problems, she is unexpectedly cast into the spotlight as Florence, the leading lady. American dialect.
- CHRIS BEAN (Inspector Carter & Director) – head of the drama society, directed the play and plays Inspector Carter. A perfectionist, every laugh from the audience tests his resolve. RP British dialect.
- ROBERT GROVE (Thomas Colleymoore) – Aspires to greatness with a Richard Burtonesque ambition but remains cheerfully clueless on stage. RP British dialect.
- MAX BENNETT (Cecil Haversham & Arthur the Gardener) – “The Murder at Haversham Manor” is Max’s stage debut. He brings a refreshing honesty and earnestness. With no prior acting experience, his sincere attempts to follow directions exactly shine, especially when he breaks the fourth wall. RP British dialect.
- DENNIS TYDE (Perkins) – Perkins is the butler in the play. Dennis struggles with lines and pronunciation, and audience laughter often feels like a spotlight on his mistakes. RP British dialect.
- TREVOR WATSON (Lighting & Sound Operator) – Unexpectedly finds himself in the spotlight due to unforeseen chaos. Comfortable behind the scenes, he’s suddenly required to act, briefly taking on the role of Florence. American dialect.
- SANDRA WILKINSON (Florence Colleymoore) – Combines her vaulting ambition with a pronounced vanity, always with an eye on Hollywood. She’s convinced of her unmatched talent with the company and struggles with adaptability when faced with unexpected changes. RP British dialect.
- JONATHAN HARRIS (Charles Haversham) – Embodies a James Bondesque charisma, blending suave charm with a strong physical presence. RP British dialect.
Open Auditions:
Date12/13/2025 (Sat.)
Time 2:00PM – 4:00PM
Location: Metropolis Performing Arts Centre
111 W Campbell Street
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG OPEN CALL AUDITIONS
PRODUCTION: The Play That Goes Wrong
THEATRE: Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W Campbell St, Arlington Heights, IL 60005
See more at: https://www.metropolisarts.com/event/the-play-that-goes-wrong/
