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Ken Ludwig's Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery
Audition Dates:
Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 6 p.m.
Friday, September 5, 2025, at 6 p.m.
at the Zwermann Arts Center Theater
Get your deerstalker cap on – the play is afoot! Comedic genius Ken Ludwig (Lend Me a Tenor, Moon Over Buffalo) transforms Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic The Hound of the Baskervilles into a murderously funny adventure. Sherlock Holmes is on the case. The male heirs of the Baskerville line are being dispatched one by one. To find their ingenious killer, Holmes and Watson must brave the desolate moors before a family curse dooms its newest heir. Watch as our intrepid investigators try to escape a dizzying web of clues, silly accents, disguises, and deceit as five actors deftly portray more than forty characters. Does a wild hellhound prowl the moors of Devonshire? Can our heroes discover the truth in time? Join the fun and see how far from elementary the truth can be.
Performances: October 31 & 31 and November 1 at 7 p.m. and November 2 and 2 p.m.
How to Audition:
Below are instructions, materials, and tips for auditioning for LTC Theater Productions.
There will be a QR code and a link for an electronic audition form, which you are welcome to fill out prior to the audition if you'd like. Once you’ve filled out that form, you will wait for someone to call your name to enter the theatre. Once you enter the theatre, you will introduce yourself and chat for a moment with the director before you perform your monologue(s).
Those auditioning for Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson should prepare a 30-45 second monologue. The monologue should NOT be from Sherlock Holmes media, but you can use anything else from theatre or film. The monologue should be reminiscent of the character you are auditioning for. You will also have a scene to perform, and you will be assigned a scene partner at the audition. You may be asked to read with multiple partners.
Those auditioning for Actor One, Actor Two, or Actress One should prepare TWO 30-second monologues. The monologues should showcase completely contrasting and separate characters. Accents, movement, and bold choices are highly encouraged. The monologues should NOT be from Sherlock Holmes media, but you can use anything else from theatre or film. You will also be asked to participate in a short improvisation exercise the night of the audition. (It may sound scary, but it will be a lot of fun!) Those auditioning for Actor One, Actor Two, or Actress One need to be comfortable playing characters of a different gender than their own.
If you're having trouble finding monologues or don't know where to start, please reach out to Taylor .
Those interested in being on the run crew should fill out the audition form. If there happens to be a large number for people interested in Run Crew, there will be interviews. Because of the nature of the play, members of the Run Crew will be encouraged to attend regular rehearsals when possible, as there are a lot of moving pieces and costume changes.
Auditioning can be scary, but it should also be fun! Don’t be afraid to make choices and really try something.
Sherlock Holmes: moody, a bundle of energy and intelligence
Doctor Watson: solid and reliable, the Sancho Panza to Holme’s Don Quixote
Actor One: Dr. Mortimer, Baron Scarpia, Man with Black Beard, Lucy, Milker, Castilian Desk Clerk, Train Conductor, Trap Driver, Barrymore, Stapleton, Victor, Doctor McCann, Country Farmer, Sir John Falstaff
Actor Two: Sir Charles, Baskerville, Daisy, Sir Hugo Baskerville, Brady the Tobacconist, Sir Henry Baskerville, Wilson, Inspector Lestrade
Actress One: Mrs. Hudson, Maiden, Shepherdess, Floria Tosca, Cartwright, German Maid, Baby, Mrs. Clayton, Mrs. Barrymore, Miss Stapleton, Nurse Malloy, Winnie, Nurse MacKeeble, Laura Lyons
Auditioning for a LTC production can be a nerve-racking and scary experience. Here are a few tips to help with that process.
What to expect when you arrive:
There will be a QR code for an electronic audition form which you are welcome to fill out prior to the audition if you'd like. Once you enter the theatre you will introduce yourself and chat for a moment with the director, and then you will do your reading of a short monologue of your choosing followed by your side. You will be reading your side with the stage manager. At any point during the night, the director may give you a note asking you to change the way you did something. That does not mean you are doing it wrong. The most important part of the audition is to have fun, make choices, and show us a character!
Audition tips:
No matter where you are or how often you’ve done it, auditioning can be scary! Below are some tips to help you with your audition.
- Be prepared. You have access to the audition materials beforehand, so make sure you go over them. The audition should not be the first time you are reading your sides. Have a friend, roommate, family member, coworker or anyone else practice with you before your audition so you've practiced reading with other people.
- Do your research. If you can, read the play beforehand. If you can’t, look up a synopsis, and learn about the character you are auditioning for so you can make informed decisions about how this character might behave.
- An audition is more than just a reading. You should be acting. Make choices. Try to embody the character in some way.
- Dress nicely, but comfortably and try to make a good first impression. Be polite and respectful to the other auditioners and the people running the auditions.
- Be prepared for all outcomes. There are multiple people auditioning for each role, and only one person will get it. If you cannot handle the disappointment of not getting cast in a role, then theatre may not be for you.
First rehearsal: September 15 at 6:00 p.m.
All cast members should attend the first rehearsal. Each member of the cast will receive a rehearsal schedule at the first rehearsal. Rehearsals will be Mondays through Thursdays from 6:00-8:30 p.m., with Fridays being an optional work day. You may or may not be required to attend rehearsal every day each week.
We understand that cast members have families, jobs, school, and are also involved in other activities, so we try to be flexible. If you must miss a rehearsal for something important, we ask that you communicate that to the stage manager and director in advance. However, please be sure that you can attend most rehearsals so that the cast has time to work together.
Do I have to have experience on stage to audition?
No! We welcome anyone who is interested in participating, even if you have never done a show before.
Can I receive college credit for participating?
Yes! If this is something you are interested in, please let Taylor know at the time of your audition.
What if I cannot make the audition dates?
Please contact Taylor Dahlberg to make alternative arrangements.
Do I have to live in Robinson to be in the show?
No! We love having people from different communities participate in our shows. We are always happy to see new faces.
Do I cold read at the audition?
Nope. Audition materials are posted in advance, and we expect you to come rehearsed and prepared with a character.
Do I have to be memorized at the audition?
Memorization is not required, but please come prepared and having rehearsed.
Where are auditions held?
Lincoln Trail College at the Zwermann Arts Center Theater
11220 State Highway 1
Robinson, IL 62454