Directed by Glenn Netemeyer
Audition Information – Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery
By Ken Ludwig
Show Description:
From the award-winning playwright of Lend Me a Tenor and Crazy for You comes a wildly entertaining adaptation of The Hound of the Baskervilles. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are on the trail of a legendary curse haunting the Baskerville family, but this is no ordinary mystery. Combining suspense with outrageous comedy, Baskerville features just five actors portraying more than 40 characters in a whirlwind of quick changes, accents, and theatrical invention.
General Audition Notes:
- Strong comedic timing and physical comedy skills are essential.
- Performers should be comfortable playing multiple characters, often switching roles in seconds through changes in voice, posture, and physicality.
- British dialects are typically used throughout the production.
- Expect cold readings from the script and possible improvisation or character-switching exercises.
- Ensemble collaboration and versatility are more important than resemblance to traditional Sherlock Holmes portrayals.
Character Breakdown:
- Sherlock Holmes – A brilliant, confident detective with razor-sharp intellect and dry wit. Requires excellent comic timing while maintaining the character’s legendary analytical presence.
- Dr. John Watson – Holmes’ loyal friend and partner. Honest, dependable, and often the audience’s point of view. Strong comedic instincts and grounded storytelling are essential.
- Actor One – Portrays numerous characters, including family members, servants, and townspeople. Requires versatility, strong dialect work, and rapid character transitions.
- Actor Two – Plays a wide variety of comic and dramatic roles throughout the mystery. Strong physical comedy and character differentiation are essential.
- Actor Three – Performs multiple supporting characters of varying ages, genders, and social classes. Requires quick thinking, vocal flexibility, and a willingness to embrace broad theatrical comedy.
This production is ideal for actors who enjoy creating bold, distinctive characters and thrive in fast-paced ensemble comedy. The ability to transform instantly between multiple roles is the hallmark of this play, making it a showcase for versatile performers.