Seven Keys to Baldpate – Auditions Nov 7 & 8 at 7pm
COVID AUDITION PROTOCOL: At this time, all actors must be Fully Vaccinated for Covid OR prepared to provide recent (72 hours) negative Covid tests on a regular basis. When you arrive for the audition, please be masked and prepared to show proof of vaccination OR a recent (72 hours) negative Covid test. The stage manager will provide the audition form (or you may download it from this page, print, fill it out, and bring it with you to the audition.)
SCHEDULE: Be prepared to list all possible conflicts. Rehearsal schedule will be respectful of performers’ time and conflicts. Please note, due to Covid restrictions, fully vaccinated actors planning to audition are asked to carefully consider travel out of state during rehearsals or performances. County Players will follow current CDC guidelines for domestic and international travel restrictions for Fully Vaccinated individuals. https://www.cdc.
Once inside the theatre, you may be unmasked (if fully vaccinated) and/or to read for the audition.
SEVEN KEYS TO BALDPATE
By George M. Cohan
Based on the novel by Earl Derr Biggers
Directed by Kit Colbourn
Auditions: Sunday November 7 (7pm) & Monday November 8 (7pm)
One of the most successful plays of the early 20th century, George M. Cohan created a new style of play which baffled and delighted audiences when Seven Keys to Baldpate opened in 1913: a melodrama crossed with a farce tied up in a mystery. The play tells the story of a novelist, William Magee, who locks himself away in a snowbound hotel for 24 hours in an effort to win a bet with the hotel’s owner that he cannot write an entire novel during his short stay. The owner assures Magee that he has the only key, but Magee will discover over the course of the evening that there are several other keys, all in the possession of a collection of quirky, crazed characters involved in an increasingly bizarre scheme to steal millions.
Audition Information:
Age ranges are not rigid, and subject to “who looks right with whom” at auditions.
COMPLETELY OPEN to non-traditional casting. Within parameters, all ages and ethnicities encouraged to audition! (see age ranges for each character)
11M, 4W
The play was written in 1913 so the language and jargon may seem unfamiliar.
It’s about a bet, a friendly wager between well-to-do friends: write a novel in 24 hours in a remote setting, without any interruptions. And of course there are MANY interruptions and hilarity ensues. Some have called this play a precursor to the modern “sitcom.” A situation in which likeable characters must navigate many obstacles and surprises to achieve the desired outcome.
Elijah Quimby, the caretaker of Baldpate Inn (a “local character, classic New Englander”) – 40s-60s
Mrs. Quimby, the caretaker’s wife (a “local character,” classic New Englander) – 40”s-60s
William Hallowell Magee, the novelist, (romantic interest, quick witted, quick speaker, intelligent, a bit cynical of his own work, falls for Mary Norton) – older 20s-40s
John Bland, the millionaire’s right-hand man (blustery, insecure, quick tempered) – 30s-60s
Mary Norton, the newspaper reporter, (romantic interest, smart, not particularly looking for love, career-first, but falls for Magee) – 20s-40s
Mrs. Rhodes, the charming widow (high strung, friend of Mary’s) – 30s-young 50s
Peters, the Hermit of Baldpate – 50s-70s
Myra Thornhill, the blackmailer, (attractive, ambitious, says she’s wife of Railroad President) – upper 20-30s
Lou Max, the mayor’s man “Friday” (ambitious, paranoid) – 30s-50s
Jim Cargan, the crooked mayor of Reuton (about to marry Mrs Rhodes) – 40s-50s
Thomas Hayden, the president of the R. and E. Suburban R.R. (a bit slimy and grasping) – 40s-60s
Jiggs Kennedy, Chief of Police of Asquewan Falls, (blustery, efficient) – 40s-60s
Hal Bentley, the Owner of the Baldpate Inn, Magee’s friend – 30-50s
Two Cops
Audition Sheet Fillable:
Audition Sides:
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