Ferndale Repertory Theatre’s Commitment to Conscious-casting: As theatre institutions, we hold ourselves accountable in the casting decisions we make. The actions of listening and compassionate understanding are at the heart of the practice.

These decisions reflect the power dynamics of the outside world and the society we live in. Just as theatre can hold a mirror up to nature, it also provides a lens for us to better see a path towards a more inclusive community.

Conscious-casting is the acknowledgment of a performer’s race, gender, and sexual identities, and the impact those identities might have within a given role, on the stories we choose to tell and how we tell them.

FRT commits to conscious casting, acknowledging and embracing identities to further equity, diversity, meaningful inclusion and accessibility in our space and stage. As such, we invite EVERYONE to audition for their desired roles, incorporating how each individual can uniquely add to the dynamics and world of the inclusive and diverse stories we strive to tell.

For more information, please contact us at: info@ferndalerep.org

Auditions: The Play That Goes Wrong

Ferndale Repertory Theatre is holding auditions for The Play That Goes Wrong on June 14 + 15.

Written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields

A smash hit in London and on Broadway, The Play That Goes Wrong is a fast-paced, farcical comedy that follows the misadventures of a (fictional) amateur theatre company attempting to stage a murder mystery. As the title suggests—everything that can go wrong does go wrong, with side-splitting results. This play is a love letter to the chaos and joy of live theatre, packed with physical comedy, split-second timing, and outrageous mishaps.

Directed by Merrick D Yra

Audition Information

When + Where
Auditions are at Ferndale Repertory Theatre, 447 Main Street in Ferndale, CA. Please sign up for a 15 minute time slot on the days below. Additional times available on request.

  • Saturday, June 14 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Sunday, June 15 from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM


Sign up for your 15 minute time slot here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054EA5AB2AA6FBCF8-57178910-theplay

Callbacks: If needed, callbacks will be on Saturday, June 21 from 12:00 – 2:00PM at Ferndale Repertory Theatre.

Eligibility: Auditions are open to performers ages 18+. All roles are open. Flexible casting across gender identities. Stagehands will also understudy roles.

The Audition
Auditions will include cold readings and 1:1 work with the director. Please wear clothes you can move comfortably in—as this show requires physical comedy, pratfalls, and coordinated chaos. No need to prepare anything in advance.

Want a preview of the script? Available here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z2OZ1uauBo9FI9ikbMXCqvPt4sDJvAKE/view?usp=sharing


More Details

Rehearsal Schedule

  • Begins July 7, Monday – Friday, 6:30 – 9:30 PM. Not all actors will be called for every rehearsal.
  • Rehearsals in Eureka through early August
  • Rehearsals in Ferndale for the final 3 weeks, plus selected dates earlier in August to allow cast to work with + on the set.

Note: This is a true ensemble piece that requires a high level of coordination and trust. While not all actors will be called every night, it’s important that cast members are consistently available, communicate conflicts in advance, and are not missing multiple rehearsals. Timing and ensemble cohesion are critical to the comedy in this show.

Production Dates

  • September 5 – 28, 2025
  • Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM | Sundays at 2:00 PM

Questions?
Email Artistic Director Jessie Rawson at jessie@ferndalerep.org if you need an alternate audition time or have questions about the show or roles.


Character Breakdown

AVAILABLE ROLES: 4M, 2F, 2 M or F (plus stage crew). Characters are written with specific names and genders but casting is flexible—we’re looking for great timing, physicality, and ensemble collaboration.

CHRIS (plays Inspector Carter) – The rigid director and narrator of the murder mystery. Serious, self-important, and increasingly unhinged as the play goes off the rails. Must balance deadpan delivery with physical comedy.

JONATHAN (plays Charles Haversham) – The “dead body” who struggles to stay convincingly dead. Requires excellent physical control, comic timing, and stamina.

ROBERT (plays Thomas Colleymoore) – The drama king of the group. Overly theatrical, constantly posturing, always acting. Big energy and bold choices welcome.

DENNIS (plays Perkins) – The butler with poor diction and questionable line memorization. Earnest and sweet but completely in over his head.

SANDRA (plays Florence Colleymoore) – The company’s leading lady. Glamorous, melodramatic, and totally committed to the performance—even when unconscious.

MAX (plays Cecil Haversham / Arthur the Gardener) – Plays two roles and eats up applause. Childlike, eager, and constantly breaking the fourth wall to bask in audience love. Great physical comedian with a lovable, goofy energy.

ANNIE (the stage manager) – Starts backstage but gets pulled into the action. Reluctant at first, but quickly becomes a crowd favorite. Dry wit, strong presence.

TREVOR (the lighting and sound operator) – Grumpy, sarcastic, and technically not even supposed to be in the show… but ends up with a spotlight on him anyway. Deadpan humor, techie energy.

STAGE CREW (non-speaking roles, may double as understudies) – Vital to the success of this show. Crew members appear visibly throughout the performance, assisting with collapsing scenery, moving set pieces, and contributing to the show’s escalating visual chaos. Must be reliable, responsive, and physically capable. These roles are onstage in full view and an important part of the ensemble.


To be sure you are notified when we hold auditions, please sign up for our auditions e-mail list below.