CURRENT AUDITONS

​ABOUT THE SHOW

Arsenic and Old Lace is a dark comedy about Mortimer Brewster, a drama critic whose happy life falls apart when he discovers that his sweet, elderly aunts have been poisoning lonely old men as an act of “kindness.” As Mortimer tries to hide the truth and protect his new fiancée, his dangerous brother Jonathan arrives—bringing even more bodies and chaos with him.

 

With a brother who believes he is Theodore Roosevelt, a house full of secrets, and a parade of eccentric police officers, the situation quickly spins out of control. Fast-paced, funny, and wildly absurd, Arsenic and Old Lace is a classic farce that proves even the nicest families can hide the darkest secrets.

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​AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

• Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script in a group audition setting. Callbacks will consist of cold readings from the script and some improvisation. Improvisation will be based on prompts from the director.

• ​** Samples of the text for auditions can be viewed here. This is for audition purposes only and may not be reproduced for personal or professional use.

• ​To familiarize yourself with the story you may want to preview the televised version of the story on YouTube.

• All roles are open to consideration regardless of background, ethnicity, or sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Ages indicated in the breakdown are ages reflected on stage and not necessarily the actual ages of the actors.          

• REMEMBER: Casting is subjective and completely based on someone else’s opinion. Sometimes casting decisions are based on age, looks, height, or how you look next to other cast members. You will not get cast in every role you want and sometimes you won’t get cast at all. If you are not cast in this show, you should still celebrate the fact that you gave it your best shot. If this is not the right show for you, we hope to see you at the next audition.

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ROLES AVAILABLE:

Ages noted below are suggestive and if an actor can play the part, they will be considered. Additionally, the parts noted with physicality need to be able to BE PHYSICAL in the role both acting and minor fight choreography. 

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Abby Brewster (Female 70-80 years old) A charming, gracious woman who embodies the manners and moral certainty of a bygone Victorian age, while calmly poisoning lonely elderly gentlemen as an act of “charity.” Abby is the more dominant and slightly older of the two sisters. Cheerful, lucid, and spry, she radiates warmth and sincerity that make her actions all the more unsettling. Aunt to Teddy, Jonathan, and Mortimer.

 

Martha Brewster (Female 60-70 years old) Gentle, sweet-natured, and quietly strong, Martha is more submissive than Abby but no less committed to their shared worldview. The sisters have lived together for decades, their rhythms and pecking order firmly established. Martha often defers, but she is not weak. Typically she projects modesty and propriety. Aunt to Teddy, Jonathan, and Mortimer.

 

Elaine Harper (Female 30-40 years old) Daughter of Rev. Dr. Harper and Mortimer’s fiancée. Elaine is surprisingly worldly for a minister’s daughter: sharp, witty, and quietly bold. She possesses genuine zest and spunk, with the versatility to move quickly through emotional shifts. 

 

Mortimer Brewster (Male 30-40 years old) Nephew of Abby and Martha; brother to Teddy and Jonathan. A likeable, fast-talking drama critic engaged to Elaine Harper. Mortimer is a good-hearted cynic whose world is violently upended when he uncovers his family’s secret. PHYSICAL ROLE

 

Teddy Brewster (Male presenting, 20-30 years old) Kind-hearted, earnest brother to Mortimer and Jonathan. Teddy believes he is Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States. His devotion to this identity is absolute. Requires boundless energy, commitment, and physical stamina. PHYSICAL ROLE

 

Jonathan Brewster (Male 40-50 years old) Brother to Mortimer and Teddy; nephew of Abby and Martha. A remorseless psychopath with numerous murders to his credit. Jonathan is volatile, cruel, and takes genuine pleasure in his work. After multiple plastic surgeries performed by Dr. Einstein, he now resembles Boris Karloff - a resemblance he deeply resents. A dark, menacing presence with an explosive temper. PHYSICAL ROLE

 

Dr. Herman Einstein (Gender not specified, 50-60 years old) A German plastic surgeon (accent required) and Jonathan’s reluctant accomplice. Timid, submissive, and perpetually anxious, Einstein is essentially a good man whose life has gone badly off track. Slightly dishevelled, often operating in a haze of alcohol. His fear of Jonathan is constant and palpable. SEMI PHYSICAL ROLE

 

Officer Brophy (Gender not-specified, adult age) The first police officer we meet. Likeable, earnest, and well-meaning, Brophy is collecting Christmas toys for the needy. Requires some physical comedy and a grounded, friendly presence. SEMI PHYSICAL ROLE

 

Officer Klein (Gender not-specified, adult age) A no-nonsense Brooklyn police officer partnered with Brophy. More straightforward and less colourful, Klein helps ground the police scenes. SEMI PHYSICAL ROLE

 

Officer O’Hara (Gender not-specified, adult age) A big, exuberant Irish-American police officer. Good-natured, enthusiastic, and on excellent terms with the Brewster sisters. O’Hara is a passionate would-be playwright whose obsession ignites when he learns Mortimer is a famous drama critic. Well-intentioned but relentlessly annoying, he must be played large without losing sincerity. SEMI PHYSICAL ROLE

 

Lieutenant Rooney (Male, 50-60 years old) The commanding officer at the local police precinct. Loud, decisive, and perpetually exasperated by the men under his charge. Rooney has no tolerance for incompetence and runs a tight ship. He must dominate every scene he enters. SEMI PHYSICAL ROLE

 

The Reverend Dr. Harper/Mr. Gibbs/Mr. Witherspoon (Male, 50-80 years old) Rev. Harper: Elaine’s father, a refined and polished minister who appears only in the opening scene. Kind, dignified, and quietly judgmental, he is fond of the Brewster sisters but disapproves of Elaine’s relationship with Mortimer. Requires warmth, restraint, and subtle authority. Mr. Gibbs: An elderly gentleman seeking to rent a room from the Brewster sisters and nearly becoming the recipient of their “charity.” Initially gruff, he softens quickly, especially when offered a childhood treat that disarms him. Mr. Witherspoon: The superintendent of Happy Dale Sanitarium. Mild-mannered, courteous, and sincere, he brings calm contrast to the surrounding chaos.​

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REHEARSALS

• Rehearsal Dates: February 17, 2026 – April 30. 2026

  • First read-through: Tuesday, February 17, 6:30-10:00PM

  • Rehearsals will be held on Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday evenings 7:00-10:00PM

  • Most rehearsals will take place at Theatre Aurora - but some alternate locations will be required to avoid conflicts with the other productions.

• Mandatory tech rehearsals for ALL cast and crew April 26-30, 2026

  • Tech week is the final week of the rehearsal process where all of the technical elements of the show are put in place. No actor may miss a rehearsal during tech week.​

  • **YOU MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR ALL PERFORMANCES AND DRESS REHEARSALS.
    SOME EXCEPTIONS MAY BE MADE FOR MISSED REHEARSALS, BUT CONFLICTS MUST BE CONVEYED AHEAD OF TIME**​

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PERFORMANCE DATES

• Friday, May 1, 2026 @ 7:30 PM (Opening Night)

• Saturday, May 2, 2026 @ 1:30 PM (Matinee)

• Saturday, May 2, 2026 @ 7:30 PM

• Sunday, May 3, 2026 @ 1:30 PM (Matinee)

• Thursday, May 7, 2026 @ 7:30 PM

• Friday, May 8, 2026 @ 7:30 PM

• Saturday, May 9, 2026 @ 1:30 PM (Matinee)

• Saturday, May 9, 2026 @ 7:30 PM

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​Theatre Aurora is a not-for-profit organization and is a non-union, non-paying volunteer opportunity.​