Auditions (St. Albert): Murder’s in the Heir – St. Albert Dinner Theatre, Theater News

St. Albert Dinner Theatre announces auditions for their final show of the 2025-2026 season:

Murder’s in the Heir
By Billy St. John

Directed by Doran Werner
Producer – Donna Beeston
Associate Producer – Lorna Bjorkquist

Production Dates and Venue
April 9-11, 16-18 & 23-25, 2026
The Kinsmen Club of St. Albert, 47 Riel Dr, St. Albert, AB T8N 3Z2.

Audition Information:

Audition Dates – Tuesday, January 13 and Thursday, January 15, 2026
The Kinsmen Club of St. Albert, 47 Riel Dr, St. Albert, AB T8N 3Z2.

1. Select an audition time https://signup.com/go/eakFdhk
2. Send an email to [email protected]; write “Murder” – your name and audition time in the subject line.
3. Please include the following:
a. Headshot
b. Resume/Performance experience
c. Role that you are interested in
d. Any known conflicts
4. Prepare a MEMORIZED 30-60 second comedic/dramatic monologue.

Your audition will be approximately 10 minutes long.

Synopsis:
Murder’s in the Heir is a Murder Mystery comedy. The show is “not quite finished”, and the director needs the audience’s help to vote at intermission to determine which ending the cast will perform. The play is full of suspense and intrigue as each character’s means and motives are carefully revealed. The comedy often comes from the fast paced and scathing banter, and the ridiculous circumstances of the play. Each role gets to dive deep into their values as they contemplate what it would take for them to commit murder.

CHARACTERS: 14

Simon Starkweather (Male, 90s)- Unapologetic billionaire. Says whatever he pleases. Struggling with health complications due to old age. Actor also doubles as Simon Starkweather III.

Simon Starkweather III (Male, 20-30s)- Mr. Starkweather’s grandson. Courteous and thoughtful college student. Played by the actor who plays Simon Starkweather, the billionaire.

Fiona Starkweather* (Female, 40-60s)- Simon Starkweather’s niece-in-law, and Jordan’s mother. Ditsy and often confused but may not be as clueless as she lets people believe.

Jordan Starkweather* (Male, 20-30s) Simon Starkweather’s grandnephew. A womanizing opportunist. Ambitiously seeks after wealth and pleasure. Role requires brief stage intimacy.

Paula Thompson* (Female, 20-30s)- Simon Starkweather’s grandniece. Full of Texas charm, a sharp-shooter and sweet talker. Likes to use her charm to get her way but not afraid of getting her hands dirty. Speaks with a southern accent.

Bensonhurst* (Male, 30+) The butler. Formal and often condescending. Follows protocol and likes order.

Mrs. Trent* (Female, 40+) The housekeeper. Stern and pious. Runs the household with strict authority, often condemning of others.

Minerva Walker* (Female, 40+) The cook. Full of cutting remarks, bubbling with frustration, often mutters her true feelings to herself.

Nancy Pollard* (Female, 20s-30s) The maid, always following orders, shy and nervous. Pushed around by the other working staff. Latches onto a way to advance her position. Role requires brief stage intimacy.

Rufus Jones* (Male, 40+) Fix it person, full of dad jokes, speaks in an uneducated manner. Compliant with the poor treatment he is subjected to, but aloof enough to not be completely bothered.

Miss Withers* (Female, 40+) Mr. Starkweather’s nurse. Direct and no nonsense. Meticulously diligent in providing care for Mr. Starkweather, even if begrudgingly.

Kathy Collins (Female, 20-30s) Personal secretary to Mr. Starkweather. Intelligent and calculated. Plotting a grand scheme that unfolds later in the show.

Lois Van Zandt (Female, 50+) Lawyer, business orientated, direct and well spoken. Provides the financial and business details of Starkweather’s estate. Complicit in Kathy’s scheme.

Mike Davis (Male, any age)- Private detective, street smart and self assured. Suspicious of any possible suspect until proven innocent. This character has room to play with detective tropes from movies, films or other plays.

Gene (Jean) Culpepper (Any) The director of the production, controlling & domineering director style, anxiety ridden, 4th wall breaking. Makes several interruptions throughout the play with asides to the audience. Role requires strong comedic timing and ability to deliver lengthy monologues.

* Indicates characters who are possible murderers in each of the performances.

Ages and genders listed are what each character is written as, but we encourage anyone to come audition for the role(s) that you’re most interested in. Many characters may be able to have the character’s name and gender changed.

First Read Through: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
First Rehearsal: Monday, January 26, 2026

Rehearsal Dates:
• Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, weekly starting in the week of January 26, 2026
• Rehearsals will be 6:30-9:30 pm
• Rehearsal frequency and length may increase closer to opening night
• Must be available for tech week and dress rehearsals January 20-28, 2026. Rehearsal is not planned for January 23 and 25, 2026. This is subject to change.

Please outline any potential conflicts to the production team or director in writing at the audition dates.
Actors will be notified of casting decision as soon as possible. Scripts will be provided at the first read through.