Auditions

A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER

Book and Lyrics by :Robert L. Freedman

Music & Lyrics by: Steven Lutvak

PERFORMS: September 11 – 27, 2026

REHEARSALS: Begin late July 2026

Director/Choreographer: Lee Ann Payne

Music/Vocal Director: Tony Gaitan

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For full audition submission details, please read this entire audition announcement.

AUDITIONS BY APPOINTMENT: Saturday, May 16th from 10 AM – 4 PM

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN – ALL ROLES AVAILABLE: The Director is looking for a diverse cast of actors to inhabit this gem of a show. British accents will be used throughout, but are not required at the audition.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Follow the link HERE  to complete the Audition Google Form (NOTE- This Google Form is REQUIRED FOR ALL AUDITIONING).
2. After you complete the Google form, follow the link provided in your confirmation page (which appears once you complete the Google Form). That link will take you to a Sign Up Genius portal where you can select an appointment time. This is a critical step in the process!
3. See below for the audition requirements.

VIDEO SUBMISSIONS:

In-person auditions strongly preferred, video only if you are unable to attend in person or if sign ups are full: Please send a video audition following the same audition requirements listed below. All videos are due by 11:59pm on May 15th. Videos can be submitted via a viewable link (e.g., a YouTube link) through the Auditions Google Form. Make sure your video link is viewable, not set to private. Email questions to [email protected] if you are having difficulty sharing a video link.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

Please prepare a 32-bar vocal selection and bring clearly marked sheet music; an accompanist will be provided. Refrain from choosing pop/rock or contemporary Broadway, as this show requires a lighter, more legit/classical sound. Those who would like to be considered for The D’Ysquith Family, please bring in two contrasting songs. Both songs may be 32 bars.

ABOUT THE SHOW:

A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER is the uproarious, Tony-winning hit of 2014, sweeping Best Musical, Book, Direction, and Costumes, plus multiple Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Drama League Awards. When low-born Monty Navarro learns he’s eighth in line for an earldom, he embarks on a darkly comic mission to remove his unsuspecting relatives—and maybe win love along the way. Packed with unforgettable music, nonstop laughs, and one actor playing all eight doomed heirs, this murderous romp is a fresh, original comedy that audiences can’t get enough of!

Location (auditions, callbacks and rehearsals):

• Lucie Stern Theater, 1305 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA

Rehearsal Dates/Times:

• Planned but not confirmed: Mondays-Thursdays 6:30-9:30 pm, & Saturdays (Exact timeframe TBD), beginning late July 2026.

• Tech Week: September 5-10 (No Rehearsal September 7th)

Performance Dates/Times:

• September 11 – 27, 2026

  • Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 pm curtain

  • Sundays and Select Saturdays 2 pm curtain

  • Possible added 7:30 pm Thursday performances (9/17 & 9/24)

  • BE AWARE!: Tech and performance conflicts are not acceptable.

Audition Date/Time:

Auditions are Saturday, May 16th from 10 AM – 4 PM. Auditions are by appointment only.

Callbacks:

May 19th and 20th in the evening (by invitation only). There is a place on the audition form to note if you are available for callbacks.

Casting Details:

All roles are volunteer and non-AEA. Per diem offered to Adult Actors to offset expenses.

Casting Commitment:

As part of our commitment to become a more IDEAL community theatre (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, and Liberation), Palo Alto Players is looking for strong representation of BIPOC artists and artists of other underrepresented identities in our productions. We see diversity in casting and production staffing (colorful and identity-conscious) as the key to true equity. We are not looking to focus our storytelling on one cultural identity or another, but rather focus on telling a season of stories (old and new) with artists as diverse as our community. This means ensuring our audiences the opportunity to see people whom they identify with both on our stage and behind the scenes.

Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the casting team at [email protected].

Sign up for our Auditions Email List:

Once you have been added (if you are new to our system) you will receive an email from [email protected] saying you now have an account with us. Please note, this is not an automated process and may occur a while after you have input your information below. Thank you for your understanding.