CASTING CALL
PERIL IN THE ALPS (Equity and Non-Equity)
By Steven Dietz, based in part on Agatha Christie’s “Poirot Investigates”
Directed by Clare Preuss
ENGAGEMENT COMPANY AND OUTSIDE DATES
Vertigo Theatre (Calgary) – rehearsals begin October 21, 2025; opens November 20, 2025; closes December 14, 2025. Potential extension to December 20, 2025.
PRODUCTION DESCRIPTION
Bella Duveen has vanished, and Arthur Hastings can think of no one better to find his sister-in-law than his good friend Hercule Poirot – a master sleuth who had saved her once before. Coincidentally, Poirot has just taken on a missing persons case that seems eerily similar – are they connected? And how are these disappearances intertwined with past mysteries that have already been solved? With the suspicion of a greater scheme at play, Poirot must travel to the snow-capped Alps, where the famed Belgian detective may finally meet his match.
Six actors bring to life dozens of eccentric characters and clever suspects in this diabolically funny mystery romp.
ROLES TO BE CAST
HERCULE POIROT Man early 60s
Speaks with a Belgian accent. Has a quick wit, confidence, and subtle comedic timing. Highly meticulous & perceptive. A mentor to Hastings.
CAPTAIN HASTINGS Any gender late 20s – early 30s
Speaks with a British accent (Received Pronunciation). Hastings is freshly married to Dulcie, loyal to Hercule Poirot, and impulsive. Physically quick and responsive.
WOMAN ONE Woman 40s – 60s
Plays a variety of characters that require: British, French, German and Swiss accents. Requires skill with quick (onstage) character transformations.
MAN ONE Man 40s – 60s
Plays a variety of characters that require: British, Italian, French and Swiss accents. Requires skill with quick (onstage) character transformations.
WOMAN TWO Woman 20s – 30s
Plays a variety of characters that require: British, French and Swiss accents – Requires skill with quick (onstage) character transformations. Some acrobatic skills could be useful, but are not required.
MAN TWO Man 20s – 30s
Plays a variety of characters that require: British, Italian and Swiss accents. Requires skill with quick (onstage) character transformations.
PLEASE NOTE: All actors will be asked to explore movement exercises during auditions. This production will rely on adept physicality and precise patterns of movement.
AUDITION DATES
May 12-13, 2025
CASTING PROCESS
Selected candidates will be provided with scenes to work from during the auditions. A reader will be provided. All actors will be asked to explore movement exercises during auditions. This production will rely on adept physicality and precise patterns of movement.
The audition space is accessible and barrier-free.
Vertigo Theatre is a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres, and engages professional artists under the terms of the Canadian Theatre Agreement.
Vertigo Theatre has a responsibility to create work spaces where people are comfortable in a creation process, and can be themselves in every capacity. With this in mind, we encourage submissions from those who identify as Indigenous, Black, or POC as well as 2SLGBTQIA+, Disabled/People with Disabilities and/or Neuro-Divergent people.
If there are any potential barriers (language, disability, or any other considerations) preventing you from applying to audition, please let us know and we will work with you to find a suitable application process.
HOW TO SUBMIT
We would like to request a submission package consisting of:
• headshot
• resume
Please submit packages through the following link by 11:59pm on April 21, 2025:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PAauditions2025
*We will not be collecting hard copies of headshots and resumes at the audition. The audition
panel will receive them all electronically.
DEADLINE for submission packages is April 21, 2025.
LOCAL SUBMISSIONS ONLY FOR THIS CASTING CALL.
CAEA Members will be given first priority.
Laura Couch
Company Manager, Vertigo Theatre
[email protected]
