09/14/2026
AUDITION NOTICE FOR OCTOBER 5 at 6:30PM
The 39 Steps
Adapted by Patrick Barlow
From the novel by John Buchan
From the movie by Alfred Hitchcock
Licensed by ITV Global Entertainment Limited
And an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon
Directed by Daniel Austin
Performance dates: January 16-31, 2027
Audition Date/Time: Monday, October 5, 2026 at 6:30pm
Place: Theatre Jacksonville, 2032 San Marco Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207
Auditions will consist of telling a 30-second story or, if preferred, performing a 30 second monologue. Whether story or monologue, it must be performed two ways: Once as “normal,” and then the same piece again in a heightened, film noir style with any European dialect of your choice. This will be followed by cold reads from the script.
About the Show:
In The 39 Steps, a man with a boring life meets a woman with a thick accent who says she’s a spy. When he takes her home, she is murdered. Soon, a mysterious organization called “The 39 Steps” is hot on the man’s trail in a nationwide manhunt that climaxes in a death-defying finale! A riotous blend of virtuoso performances and wildly inventive stagecraft, The 39 Steps amounts to an unforgettable evening of pure pleasure!
The 39 Steps is a fast-paced, action-packed, and physically demanding show. This production is an exhilarating challenge for actors who thrive on physical comedy, versatility, and quick transformations. If you’re ready for a high-energy, laugh-out-loud adventure, this show is for you!
CHARACTERS: 1 male, 1 female, 2 any gender
All roles in The 39 Steps are performed by four actors. One male actor plays Richard Hannay; a female actor portrays the three primary women in the play; and two "clowns" take on every other character, including heroes, villains, men, women, children, and even the occasional inanimate object.
Richard Hannay • Age: 20s to 50s • (Male) • A dapper English gentleman, Richard Hannay is a 1930s leading-man type—suave, dashing, and debonair. Intelligent, resourceful, and slightly full of himself, he embarks on a thrilling and comedic adventure. The actor must be able to maintain an upper-class British accent, display excellent physical comedy skills, and have the stamina to be present throughout the entire play. This role includes intimacy choreography.
Annabella Schmidt / Pamela / Margaret • Age: 20s to 50s • (Female) • One actor plays three distinct roles:
Annabella Schmidt: An exotic and mysterious secret agent who desperately needs Hannay’s help.
Pamela: A beautiful and intelligent woman who gets caught up in Hannay’s adventure but remains skeptical of his innocence.
Margaret: A shy, young Scottish farmer’s wife who dreams of adventure beyond her rural life. The actor must adeptly perform multiple accents (British, German, and Scottish), display strong comedic skills, and create three distinct characterizations. This role includes intimacy choreography.
Clown #1 & Clown #2 • Age: 20s to 50s • (Any gender) • These two actors portray over 150 roles, playing everyone that Hannay and the female lead are not, including heroes, villains, police officers, innkeepers, spies, and even inanimate objects.
Actors must have:
Exceptional comedic timing and improvisational skills.
Physical agility and endurance to execute rapid character and costume changes.
A wide range of accents and vocal characterizations (especially European dialects).
The ability to lift certain set pieces and navigate the stage with ease.
These roles require high energy, versatility, and a strong sense of play.
