Nevermore! Edgar Allan Poe, The Final Mystery

Audition & Technician Packet 

What To Know About Auditions/Tech Interviews

Auditions and Interviews are open to youth ages 12-18.

There are no fees to participate. 

Circle City Theatre Company encourages actors and technicians of any ethnicity, identity, ability, etc. to audition or interview. If the script/show requires strict adherence to any characteristic(s) for a role or position, those will be listed in the character/position description. 

If you need assistance with the form and/or have questions about the audition/interview, please email Artistic Director Mr. Samuel D. Walker, Jr. at swalkerjr@circlecitytheatre.org.

Circle City Theatre Company believes performing arts opportunities should be within reach of all regardless of their economic situation. We rely on the generosity of donors to make that possible. Please consider making a donation to support this and future productions within your means.

SHOW SYNOPSIS

“In September of 1847, Edgar Allan Poe is reported to have boarded a steamer in Baltimore Harbor for an overnight voyage to New York City. He never arrived. Five days later, Poe was found delirious on a Baltimore street and died soon thereafter. What transpired over those five missing days has remained forever a mystery... until now. This imaginative play, utilizing the macabre stories and poems of one of America's most celebrated writers, ponders what might have happened to him on the dreary nightmare voyage at the end of his life. Filled with masterful illusions and disappearances. Nevermore! keeps audiences on the edge of their seats from the first curtain to the final denouement.”         

- Dramatic Publishing Company

CHARACTERS

Edgar Allan Poe - Famed writer and poet. Sometimes writing isn’t enough to cope with the world created from his stories and poems. Disguised later in the show as Mourner.                                                                                                                  

Annabel Lee - Torn between obedience and the heart’s desire to be with Edgar Allan Poe “Eddie”, her true love. Disguised later in the show as Lady in Mourning.                                                                                                           

Cap’n Nimrod - A trickster. Edgar’s worst nightmare. Disguised later in the show as Dr. Nicholai.

Cap’n Jeremiah Reynolds -  An arctic explorer. Edgar’s best friend or more like Nimrod’s right hand. Disguised later in the show as Dr. Fleming.                                                                                        

Young Poe (Edgar A. Perry) - Edgar Allan Poe coming into himself.                                                                                                    

Young Annabel Lee - Annabel Lee coming into herself. Disguised later in the show as Mourner.      

The following characters play an important role in making the larger-than-life stories and dreams come alive. Several characters double roles:

Homer Walker

Roderick Usher  

Viscount Valequez

Priest                                                                                                                                                

Cabin Boys                                                                                                                             

Acolyte                                                                                                                                   

Lady in Crimson                                                                                                                            

 Lady Prospero                                                                                                                              

Mrs. Query                                                                                                                                       

Lady in Green                                                                                                                            

Mme L’Espanaye                                                                                                                       

Hopfrog                                                                                                                                        

Aaron Abrams                                                                                                                                                   

Inspector Grimke                                    

Prince Prospero                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Bartender                                                             

Rusty                                                                        

Jake                                                                                                                                      

Legrand                                                                                                                                      

Master of Ceremonies                                                                                                       

Constable Ross                                                                                                                             

Mr. Query                                                                                                                                  

Mrs. Prothero                                                                                                                

Mrs. O’Leary                                                                                                                               

Lady in Purple                                                                                                                                      

Hannah                                                                                                                                                       

Mlle L’Espanaye                                                                                                                     

Miguel                                                       

Mourners                                                    

Pallbearers                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

AUDITION INFORMATION

When and where are auditions?

The initial audition will be Tuesday, September 3, 2024, 4:30-7:30pm in the Rural Advancement Foundation International’s (RAFI) Dan Pollitt Center at 274 Pittsboro Elementary School Rd, Pittsboro, NC 27312.

All auditionees must attend the 4:30pm briefing and will be dismissed after their audition.

Do I need to complete an audition form?

Yes! In order to audition, auditionees must fill out the Audition Form. 

Do I need to prepare a piece for the audition?

Yes, please pick one of the monologues below to memorize and share:

POE. He's sunken his claws into me and won't let go...not since, not since that night. I hadn't written in months and I feared I'd never write again...One night after an evening of libations, I made my way back to my room...I grabbed up paper and pen determined to write again...but nothing would come.. nothing.. I took up a new sheet of paper, then another... There is nothing more terrifying than an empty piece of paper, Jeremiah, lying there taunting you, daring you, cursing you…laughing, for it knows that all the while it remains barren, it is tormenting you. And that night, that night, the torment was especially intense, hellish...Foolishly, I said I would do anything to write again...anything. and then, the words came, a watershed of wonder. Every drop of ink that fell from my pen, I tell you, was brilliant, brilliant.. but I shuddered at the sight. It was my life's blood itself that was dripping on the page. A poem of despair...of love, eternal love obliterated...and I knew, the moment it was finished, that it was the devil's work.   

OR

ANNABEL LEE. Mystery…                                                                                                                                 

In the end there was only mystery.                                                                                     

We know he boarded a ship bound for New York                                                               

But where he journeyed on that final fateful voyage no one knows…                               

 ...the true destination, a mystery.                                                                                       

That was Eddie,                                                                                                                 

He lived a life of mystery.                                                                                                         

I think that's what drew me to him                                                                                       

The mystery... the imagination…                      

You have to make your own truth he once told me…                                                                     

And he did…

When I first met him, he had even fabricated a new name for himself...Edgar A. Perry, he called himself...Sergeant Major Edgar A. Perry...He had run away from home, changed his name and joined the army...He was stationed at Ft. Moultrie, on Sullivans Island. He was already overwhelmed by his imagination.. He said he was twenty-two but he was actually, only eighteen. Oh, the imaginary worlds he conjured up! Said he'd taken a mysterious trip to Russia and Greece which was, of course, all fancy...One could scarcely believe anything he said. But that night...at the Regimental Ball, when he asked me to dance...I believed every word he uttered…                                                                                                            

Will the other auditionees see my audition?

No. Your audition will just be in front of Mr. Samuel and possibly an adult assistant. 

How will I know if I was called back?

The callback list will be emailed to parents/guardians on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 by 5:00pm.

When and where are callbacks?

Callbacks will be Thursday, September 5, 2024, 4:30pm-7:30pm in the Rural Advancement Foundation International’s (RAFI) Dan Pollitt Center at 274 Pittsboro Elementary School Rd, Pittsboro, NC 27312.

Please plan to stay the entire time.

What will occur at callbacks?

Cold readings from the script for specific characters. Everyone who received a callback will be present.

Can I audition and interview for Tech?

Yes, however, you may only serve as an Actor or Technician, not both. If you decide to audition and interview, please follow the instructions under both the Audition Information and Technician Information sections of this packet.

What does it mean if I was not called back?

Callbacks will be limited to a handful of characters. Many roles will be cast without a callback. Please be on the lookout for casting information even if you are not called back.

Where can I access the Cast List?

Role offers will be emailed to parents/guardians by Saturday, September 7th, 2024 at 10:00am. After roles have been accepted, a full Cast List will be sent out via email.

I have been offered and accepted a role, what do I do now?

Please remind your parent/guardian of the Parent/Guardian Meeting on Sunday, September 8, 2024, 12:00-1:30pm at TBD.

Then, attend our first rehearsal on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, 4:30-7:30pm at TBD.

I have not been offered/cast in a role, what do I do now?

Unfortunately, there may not be enough roles for every single person to be cast in this show. If you were not cast, please don’t get discouraged. The casting decision process is very hard and based on many factors. You are encouraged to continue seeking opportunities to get involved with Circle City Theatre Company. Thank you so much for sharing your talents with us. Continue being yourself and believing in yourself! 

When and where will rehearsals be?

Most rehearsals will be held at Rural Advancement Foundation International’s (RAFI) Dan Pollitt Center at 274 Pittsboro Elementary School Rd, Pittsboro, NC 27312.

*Beginning Saturday, October 19, 2024 rehearsals will be held at The Plant, 220 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro, NC 27312 in order to prepare for performances.

Check out the full Rehearsal Calendar. Attendance is required at the rehearsals and performances listed below in red. 

Note: Actors may not be called for every rehearsal and/or may not be called for the full rehearsal. Actors will be notified of call times in advance by a Daily Call communication. 

Date Start & End Time

9/3/2024 (Auditions & Tech Interviews) 4:30pm 7:30pm

9/5/2024 (Callbacks)   4:30pm 7:30pm

9/8/2024 (Parent / Guardian Meeting) 12:00pm 1:30pm

9/10/2024 (First Rehearsal) 4:30pm 7:30pm

9/12/2024 4:30pm 7:30pm

9/15/2024 1:00pm 4:00pm

9/17/2024 4:30pm 7:30pm

9/22/2024 1:00pm 4:00pm

9/24/2024 4:30pm 7:30pm

9/26/2024 4:30pm 7:30pm

9/29/2024 1:00pm 4:00pm

10/1/2024 4:30pm 7:30pm

10/3/2024 4:30pm 7:30pm

10/6/2024 1:00pm 4:00pm

10/8/2024 4:30pm 7:30pm

10/15/2024 4:30pm 7:30pm

10/17/2024 4:30pm 7:30pm

10/18/2024 4:30pm 7:30pm

10/19/2024 11:00am 5:00pm

10/21/2024 4:30pm 7:30pm

10/22/2024 4:30pm 7:30pm

10/23/2024 4:30pm 7:30pm

10/24/2024 (Final Dress Rehearsal / Preview Night!) 5:00pm 9:15pm

10/25/2024 (Opening Night! / Performance #1) *Performance at 7:00pm 5:00pm 9:15pm

10/26/2024 (Community Talkback Night! / Performance #2) *Performance at 7:00pm 5:00pm 9:30pm

10/27/2024 (Closing Night! / Performance #3) *Performance at 2:00pm 12:00pm 4:15pm

Cast & Crew Party (Optional) 4:15pm 6:30pm

When does the show go up?

October 25th - October 27th, 2024 at The Plant, 220 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro, NC 27312.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions, please feel free to join Mr. Samuel on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, 6:00 - 7:00pm on Zoom for a question-and-answer (Q&A) session. This is a time where you can get relevant questions answered and feel more prepared for the audition process. 

Click HERE for Q&A Session Zoom.

TECH INTERVIEW INFORMATION

What is a Tech Interview?

A time for anyone interested in the technical (behind-the-scenes) side of theatre to meet with Mr. Samuel and talk about their interest in a tech crew position. 

What tech crew positions are available?

Stage Manager (SM) - In this production, the SM is responsible for setting up and breaking down the rehearsal and performance space, taking attendance, recording blocking, being on book, issuing line notes,  taking general notes, keeping track of times, creating and executing pre-show and post-show checks, overseeing backstage during tech rehearsals and performances, delegating duties/tasks to ASM, and clearly communicating needs, issues, and updates to Director. Other position-related duties/tasks may be assigned by the Director. One Stage Manager needed for this production.                                                         

Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) -  In this production, the ASM is responsible for assisting the SM with duties/tasks over the course of the production. Other position-related duties/tasks may be assigned by the Director. Two ASMs needed for this production.                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Costume Crew Head - In this production, the Costume Run Crew Head is responsible for setting up all costume garments at the beginning of each tech rehearsal and performance and striking them at the end. Also, this position assists in specific actors' costume quick-changes, and reports any costume operation/maintenance issues to stage management. Other position-related duties/tasks may be assigned by the Director. One Costume Crew Head needed for this production.                                                       

When and where are tech interviews?

Tech Interviews will be Tuesday, September 3, 2024, 4:30-7:30pm at Rural Advancement Foundation International’s (RAFI) Dan Pollitt Center at 274 Pittsboro Elementary School Rd, Pittsboro, NC 27312.

All interviewees must attend the 4:30pm briefing and will be dismissed after their interview.

Do I need to complete a Tech Interview Form?

Yes! In order to interview, interviewees must fill out the Tech Interview Form.

Do I need to prepare anything for my interview?

Please be prepared to discuss and elaborate on your Tech Interview Form submission. 

What are the tech crew position time commitments?

The Stage Manager and Assistant Stage Managers are needed for the entire duration of the production process: Tuesday, September 10, 2024 - Sunday, October 27, 2024. 

The Costume Crew Head is needed periodically during the production process:

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Sunday, October 8, 2024

Thursday, October 16, 2024 - Sunday, October 27, 2024

Check out the full Rehearsal Calendar. Attendance is required at the rehearsals and performances listed below in red. 

Note: Crew may not be called for every rehearsal and/or may not be called for the full rehearsal. Crew will be notified of call times in advance by a Daily Call communication. 

Date Start & End Time

9/3/2024 (Auditions & Tech Interviews) 4:30pm 7:30pm

9/5/2024 (Callbacks) 4:30pm 7:30pm

9/8/2024 (Parent / Guardian Meeting) 12:00pm 1:30pm

9/10/2024 (First Rehearsal) 4:30pm 7:30pm

9/12/2024 4:30pm 7:30pm

9/15/2024 1:00pm 4:00pm

9/17/2024 4:30pm 7:30pm

9/22/2024 1:00pm 4:00pm

9/24/2024 4:30pm 7:30pm

9/26/2024 4:30pm 7:30pm

9/29/2024 1:00pm 4:00pm

10/1/2024 4:30pm 7:30pm

10/3/2024 4:30pm 7:30pm

10/6/2024 1:00pm 4:00pm

10/8/2024 4:30pm 7:30pm

10/15/2024 4:30pm 7:30pm

10/17/2024 4:30pm 7:30pm

10/18/2024 4:30pm 7:30pm

10/19/2024 11:00am 5:00pm

10/21/2024 4:30pm 7:30pm

10/22/2024 4:30pm 7:30pm

10/23/2024 4:30pm 7:30pm

10/24/2024 (Final Dress Rehearsal / Preview Night!) 5:00pm 9:15pm

10/25/2024 (Opening Night! / Performance #1) *Performance at 7:00pm 5:00pm 9:15pm

10/26/2024 (Community Talkback Night! / Performance #2) *Performance at 7:00pm 5:00pm 9:30pm

10/27/2024 (Closing Night! / Performance #3) *Performance at 2:00pm 12:00pm 4:15pm

Cast & Crew Party (Optional) 4:15pm 6:30pm

Will the other interviewees see my interview?

No. Your interview will just be with Mr. Samuel and possibly an adult assistant.

Can I interview and audition?

Yes, however, you may only serve as a Technician or Actor, not both. If you decide to interview and audition, please follow the instructions under both the Technician Information and Audition Information sections of this packet.

When can I access the Tech Crew List?

Tech role offers will be emailed to parents/guardians by Saturday, September 7th, 2024 at 10:00am. After roles have been accepted, a full Tech Crew List will be sent out via email.

I have been offered and accepted a tech position, what do I do now?

Please remind your parents/guardians of the Parent/Guardian Meeting on Sunday, September 8, 2024, 12:00-1:30pm in the Rural Advancement Foundation International’s (RAFI) Dan Pollitt Center at 274 Pittsboro Elementary School Rd, Pittsboro, NC 27312.

Then, attend our first rehearsal on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, 4:30-7:30pm at Rural Advancement Foundation International’s (RAFI) Dan Pollitt Center at 274 Pittsboro Elementary School Rd, Pittsboro, NC 27312. For future rehearsals and performances, please refer to the tech crew position time commitments.

When and where will rehearsals be?

Most rehearsals will be held at Rural Advancement Foundation International’s (RAFI) Dan Pollitt Center at 274 Pittsboro Elementary School Rd, Pittsboro, NC 27312.

*Beginning Saturday, October 19, 2024 rehearsals will be held at The Plant, 220 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro, NC 27312 in order to prepare for performances.

I have not been offered/received a tech position, what do I do now?

Unfortunately, there may not be enough tech crew positions for every single person to receive one for this show. If you did not receive a position, please don’t get discouraged. The tech decision process is very hard and based on many factors. You are encouraged to continue seeking opportunities to get involved with Circle City Theatre Company. Thank you so much for sharing your talents with us. Continue being yourself and believing in yourself! 

When does the show go up?

October 25th - October 27th, 2024 at The Plant, 220 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro, NC 27312.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions, please feel free to join Mr. Samuel on Tuesday, August 20, 2024,  6:00-7:00pm on Zoom for a question-and-answer (Q&A) session. This is a time where you can get relevant questions answered and feel more prepared for the tech interview process.

Click HERE for Q&A Session Zoom.