Audition Call
Auditions for
"A Spirited Manor"
Auditions
Audition registration for “A Spirited Manor” is full! If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please complete the form at the bottom of this page.
Everyone who completes a registration form will be contacted, so check your junk box if you haven’t heard back within one week (and add us to your safe list!).
Audition registration for “Habit of Murder” will open in December for auditions held in early January 2027.
Casting Requirements
*Character age does not necessarily need to match the actor’s age but is provided for context.
CHARACTERS
• Clara O’Hare: (female presenting, 20s-30s). A grieving widow ; Haunted ; Brave ; Determined.
• Wesley Lowenherz: (male-presenting, 20-30s). A dashing medium ; Perceptive ; Empathetic ; Courageous.
• Mrs. Nan: (female presenting, 40s+). Clara’s housekeeper ; Loyal ; Matronly ; Supportive.
• Hilda Nero: (female presenting, 40s+). Violet’s overbearing mother ; Sharp ; Oppressive ; Controlling.
• Mr. Edgar (male presenting, 40s+). Clara’s butler ; Loyal ; Dignified ; Protective.
• Gilbert: (male presenting, 40s+). Horace’s butler ; Curt ; Unflappable ; Tidy.
• Horace Oroberg: (male presenting, 40s-50s). A blustering big game hunter ; Gregarious ; Commanding ; Passionate.
• Violet Nero: (female presenting, 20s). A frail young lady ; Fiancé to Clifford. Delicate ; Timid ; Tragic.
• Marguerite Matson: (female presenting, 20s-40s). Occult enthusiast ; Headstrong ; Spirited.
• Norman Scettico: (male presenting, 20s-40s). Professor of Anthropology ; Skeptical ; Rational ; Abrasive.
• Clifford Oroberg: (male presenting, 20s-30s). Horace’s scoundrel son. Arrogant ; Predatory ; Deceitful.
• Ensemble: (any gender expressions and ages). A collective group of actors focused on movement-based physical presence, creating the eerie, supernatural atmosphere of the manor. Includes a number of roles such as Thomas O’Hare (Clara’s late husband. Poised. Tragic) and Minnie Lowenherz (Wesley’s late sister. Desperate. Persistent). Some members of the named roles above may also become members of the Ghost Ensemble too. The Ghost Ensemble appears at various times throughout the show as an active supernatural presence dogging Clara, whispering warnings and threats in her ear and making her wonder if she is haunted or going mad. Dance experience an asset but not required.
Details
Show Week Dates: February 22-28, 2027 at the Desautels Concert Hall, University of Manitoba.
Rehearsals: See the complete rehearsal schedule here. Rehearsals take place in the St. James neighbourhood just off of Portage, near a major bus route, in a wheelchair accessible building.
Line Read: For those who are selected for the cast, the first line read of the play (and handing out of scripts) will take place Sunday, October 4, 2026, in the afternoon.
Synopsis: When Clara O’Hare’s husband was murdered, she felt her life was over. But after attending a séance in a remote country home with a host of colourful characters, she realizes something sinister has awoken. It will be up to Clara and the dashing medium, Wesley Lowenherz, to find out what the spirits of the manor are dying to tell them!
Laced with gothic romance and paranormal mystery, A Spirited Manor is a fast-paced adventure that examines the journey from grief to purpose and finding love after loss
Abstract set ; choreographed movements ; epic fight scenes ; set in Victorian times.
When: Auditions will be held over two days: September 12-13, 2026.
What: We are seeking 11-16 enthusiastic people for this show of mystery, thrills, and adventure. No experience is required to audition. You will be provided with a short section from the script in advance of the audition. While memorizing the lines is not required, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the scene. For the purposes of auditions, you may be asked to read for any of the characters.
Audition Format: During your audition, you will be asked to read brief sections of text from several different scenes for the traditional text-based acting roles. Candidates will also be lead through several simple movement-based physical exercises as a collective group in a collaborative environment – don’t worry, it will be easy and fun!
If there are any accommodation needs, please let us know on your application form. We are happy to provide accommodations, such as variations to the movement exercises, to ensure they are inclusive for all candidates.
People from all backgrounds, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, gender orientation or identity, or education are welcome and encouraged to apply.
All cast and crew are volunteers.
Audition registration form
A Spirited Manor
By Kate Danley
Presented by arrangement with IPEX Artists Management LLC.