The 39 Steps
by Penfold Theatre Company
Oct. 10
In The 39 Steps, inspired by the novel by John Buchan and the film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, a man leading a mundane life encounters a woman with a thick accent who claims to be a spy. After he brings her home, she is murdered. Soon, a shadowy organization known as “The 39 Steps” is pursuing the man in a nationwide manhunt that culminates in a thrilling finale! Featuring exceptional performances and imaginative stagecraft, “The 39 Steps” offers an unforgettable evening of pure entertainment!
Patrick Crowley directs.
Auditions for The 39 Steps
Adapted by Patrick Barlow, from the novel by John Buchan
Auditions
Auditions and callbacks will be held at Penfold Theatre Company, 2120 N. Mays St, Ste #290, Round Rock, TX 78664.
Auditions are on Saturday, October 10, during the day. Please complete the form below to request an audition time. Then prepare 2 comedic monologues, 60 seconds each. In selecting your monologues, please choose material that will allow you to show range in your physicality, voice, and speech, since several roles require the actor to perform multiple characters.
If you are unable to attend in person, you may submit a video audition instead. To do so, please fill out the audition form, and once complete, you may email your video link to scott@penfoldtheatre.org by 5:00 PM on Friday, October 9.
Callbacks are on Monday, October 19. Sides from the play, along with more specific information about callbacks, will be provided following the auditions. Please note that callbacks will be in person only.
Performance & Rehearsal Dates
The show will run April 2 – 25, 2027. Performances will be Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM.
Rehearsals will begin in late February or early March. Exact rehearsal dates and times will be scheduled after casting to accommodate actor schedules wherever possible.
Character Breakdown
RICHARD HANNAY
(Male, 30s-40s) An ordinary Englishman who finds himself framed for murder and embroiled in an international spy ring. Our dashing protagonist.
ANABELLA SCHMIDT
(Female, 20s-30s) A mysterious, enigmatic German spy whose sudden death sets the mystery into motion. This versatile, comic lead also plays Margaret (a shy Scottish woman who offers Hannay shelter and aid while he escapes across the moors) and Pamela (a skeptical British woman who is accidentally handcuffed to Hannay and pulled into the action.)
CLOWN 1 and CLOWN 2
(Any gender, 20s-50s) These two comic performers work in tandem to represent all other characters in the world of the play. Playing dozens each, they shift quickly from train conductors to Scottish innkeepers to villainous foreign operatives and more. The roles demand sharp comic timing, facility with accents and physical versatility.
Producer’s note: We strongly encourage actors of all races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and body types to audition.
Compensation
Actors will be given a stipend of $900. We are unable to offer Equity contracts for this production.
