CASTING CALL
The 39 Steps (Equity and Non-Equity)
Adapted by Patrick Barlow, from the novel by John Buchan and the movie by Alfred Hitchcock
Directed by Mark Bellamy
ENGAGEMENT COMPANY AND OUTSIDE DATES
Vertigo Theatre (Calgary) – rehearsals begin February 16, 2027; opens March 18, 2027; closes April 17, 2027.
PRODUCTION DESCRIPTION
A beautiful spy is murdered in the home of Richard Hannay, who finds himself at the centre of a countrywide pursuit led by a mysterious organization. Now he must stay one step ahead of the killers, the police, and a jealous husband in a quest to prove his innocence.
This two-time Tony Award-winning film-noir masterpiece and Vertigo blockbuster is loaded with nonstop laughs, a talented cast of four playing over 150 eccentric characters, an onstage plane crash, and some good old-fashioned romance!
ROLES TO BE CAST
Richard Hannay male-presenting 20s – 40s
A 1930s leading man type. Suave, dashing, and debonaire. Intelligent and resourceful. A touch full of himself. Maybe more than a touch. Requires a good RP British accent, and strong comedic timing.
Annabella/Pamela/Margaret female-presenting 20s – 40s
A German spy, a 1930s Hitchcock blonde ingénue, and a shy Scottish farm lass. A versatile performer, who possesses strong physicality and an ability to handle German, British RP, and Scottish accents.
Clown 1 any gender 20s – 50s
Together with Clown 2, they will portray all the other 150 roles of the show. Requires very strong physical performance ability, strong comedic timing, and an ability to handle a variety of accents. They will likely be in pretty good shape by the end of the run. Plays Mr. Memory, Mrs. Higgins, The Crofter, Mrs. Jordan, Salesmen, Cops, and many others (subject to change).
Clown 2 any gender 20s – 50s
Together with Clown 2, they will portray all the other 150 roles of the show. Requires very strong physical performance ability, strong comedic timing, and an ability to handle a variety of accents. They will likely be in pretty good shape by the end of the run. Plays The Compere, The Milkman, The Sherriff, Professor Jordan, Salesmen, Cops, and many others (subject to change).
AUDITION DATE
April 27, 2026
CASTING PROCESS
Selected candidates will be provided with scenes to work from during the auditions.
Vertigo Theatre has a responsibility to create work spaces where people are comfortable in the 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:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/39steps
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 1, 2026, at 11:59pm.
LOCAL SUBMISSIONS ONLY FOR THIS CASTING CALL.
CAEA Members will be given first priority.
Laura Willow
Company Manager, Vertigo Theatre
[email protected]
