Auditions (Calgary): THE LODGER – Vertigo Theatre, Theater News

CASTING CALL
The Lodger (Equity and Non-Equity)
By Susie Moloney and Vern Thiessen, based on the novel by Marie Belloc Lowndes and inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s 1927 film.
Directed by Jack Grinhaus

ENGAGEMENT COMPANY AND OUTSIDE DATES
Vertigo Theatre (Calgary) – rehearsals begin September 1, 2026; opens October 1, 2026; closes October 25, 2026.

PRODUCTION DESCRIPTION
Bill & Ellen Bunting struggle to make ends meet when a mysterious lodger appears to be the answer to their financial troubles. However, the timing of his arrival is eerily suspicious as a series of murders indicate a serial killer on the loose. As Bill becomes a suspect in the eyes of policewoman Joannie, Ellen’s best friend, Ellen begins to look closer at the stranger living under her roof. Can Ellen get to the truth before more young women fall victim, and what will she do once she finds out who the killer truly is?

Inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s famous silent thriller of the same name, renowned Canadian novelist Susie Moloney and award-winning playwright Vern Thiessen reanimate this classic suspense into a modern and stunning world premiere.

ROLES TO BE CAST

Ellen Bunting
Female able to play 35-45 years old
A working-class waitress. Ellen lives a desperate life and dreams of having it better, but feels dragged down by her husband and time.

Bill Bunting
Male able to play 40-50 years old
Ellen’s brawny husband – a labourer. Big, tough, and blue collar. He has a short temper and doesn’t think very deeply, but carries the weight of the world on his back.

Daisy Bunting
Female able to play 18-20 years old
Bill’s younger sister. A small-town girl with big dreams. A modern woman with a ton of innocence.

Joannie Buffie
Female able to play 35-45 years old
A rookie cop, and friend of Ellen’s from childhood. Tough and impulsive. A “take no shit” woman in a “take shit from men” time.

Laurence Moore
Male able to play 30-40 years old
A professor from the UK. Modern and handsome. Kind, but gives off a sense that something is wrong underneath. *Formal British dialect required.

AUDITION DATE
April 13, 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 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:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TheLodger

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 March 26, 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]