French Poison – Radio Play Auditions

Auditions:     November 17 from 2 pm to 4pm at the Guildhall (address below).
Performances:    1:00 and 3:00 January 18
Rehearsals (subject to change) :     November 26, December 3, December 8, January 14, January 16

The script: You are welcome to download a copy here, and note the scenes to be used in the audition.

2:00-2:30:    Scene 1, p. 4 (narrator); Scene 2, p. 5-6 (younger women)
2:30-3:30:    Scene 8, p. 14-15 (younger women and men, older women)
3:30-4:00:    Scene 16, p. 26-27 ; Scene 21, p. 34-35 (all women, older men)

Complete memorization will not be required for performances but partial would be great, to allow emphasis on character, clear diction and vocal expression.  Some actors will portray a single role while others may play several, so we’ll be using costume “bits” to help with characterization. The performance will have live piano and sound effects.

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Name *

First

Last

Email *

Phone number(s) *

What age category would you be auditioning for?

• Female, age 20 to 40
• Female, age 40 to 60-ish
• Male, age 20 to 40
• Male, age 40 to 60-ish

Do you sing, and if so, would you be prepared to sing solo if the script required it?

Most relevant experience (if any), and any additional comments or questions you may have.

If you're not cast this time, would you like to help out in any of these areas?

• Costumes (a few)
• Stage crew
• Serving tea and coffee at the performances
• Social media

Publicity photos may be taken from time to time for use on our website, in the newspaper, or on social media. Do you consent to our using your image?

• Yes
• No

Submit

French Poison is a staged reading of a true crime radio play written by Austin Stone for the BBC in the 1950s.

Our story begins in Paris in 1839, based on the true crime of Marie Cappelle, a descendant of Louis XIII of France. She marries Charles Lafarge, a man who conveyed to her family that he was a wealthy iron master. After the wedding, they leave immediately for his Chateau in Provence, where Marie discovers that he in fact lied about his wealth ,and is actually bankrupt. The estate is in complete disrepair and infested with rats. While Charles is away in Paris, Marie sends him a piece of Christmas cake…

…and the mystery begins to unfold. Part true crime, part suspense, part courtroom drama — all packed into an old-fashioned radio broadcast-style presentation.

We are auditioning for the following roles:

Male or female age not important
Narrator

Female ages between 20 – 30
Marie Cappelle
Georgette Nicolaise
Martha Lafarge

Female ages between 40 – 60ish
Madame Garat
Madame Lafarge

AUDITION TIMES

2pm till 2:30pm – Role of the Narrator – male or female. Want a strong and clear voice.
2:30pm till 3:30pm – Roles of the ‘younger’ male and females plus older females. Strong, clear voice with character and emotion.
3:30pm till 4pm – Roles for the ‘older’ males. Strong, clear voice with character.