(ORADELL, NJ) -- Bergen County Players (BCP) will conclude its 2025-26 season on its main stage with The 39 Steps, a fast-paced frenzy of espionage and murderous mayhem based on Alfred Hitchcock's 1935 classic film, with a dash of Monty Python's zany humor. This two-time Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning, laughter-filled treat will be directed by Steve Bell of Hackensack. Open auditions will take place from January 13th through January 19th.
Adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan, this film noir gem is a hilarious comedy full of dazzling, inventive stagecraft that will have audiences rolling in the aisles until the death-defying, climactic finale. BCP is seeking four versatile actors to portray more than 150 roles!
Auditions will take place Tuesday, January 13 @ 7:30pm; Saturday, January 17 @ 10:30am; and Monday, January 19 @ 7:30pm. All auditions and rehearsals will take place at The Bergen County Players, 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell, New Jersey. Callbacks (by invitation only) will take place Wednesday, January 21 @ 7:30pm.
The production will run weekends from May 2-31, 2026 and will be directed by Steve Bell.
WHAT TO PREPARE: Those auditioning are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the source material (1935 Alfred Hitchcock film) before auditioning. It is preferable that all actors be physically agile and confident with the following dialects: British (Cockney and Upper Class), Scottish, Russian, and German. All rehearsal conflicts must be listed on the audition form. Sides will be provided at the auditions.
For period styling, actors must be able to easily conceal any tattoos. Actors may also be asked to trim hair and/or shave facial hair. The ensemble casting and choreographed physical comedy requires the entire cast be available for all rehearsals.
CAST OF CHARACTERS: All the roles in the play are performed by four actors. One plays Richard Hannay; a female plays the three women; and two "clowns" play every other character, including heroes, villains, men, women, children, and even the occasional inanimate object.
Richard Hannay: 30's-50's. Male identifying character. The daring, leading man of the show; charming, innocent, and charismatic. Must have great endurance and superb comic timing. A dapper English gentleman. One half of the leading duo who possesses Hitchcock-esque suave, dashing, debonair qualities. He is bored until Annabella Schmidt comes into his life and starts him on a heroic and hilarious journey. Actor must be an adept physical comedian, a great listener and responder, and ensemble member. A standard-British accent preferred.
Annabella/Pamela/Margaret: 20's-40's. Female identifying character. One half of the leading duo who possesses physical, emotional, and comedic prowess. Must have excellent comic timing. Actor will play all three roles below.
Annabella: a mysterious alluring German or Russian spy. A brilliant but marked woman who is on the run from spies and killed at their hand. German or Russian accent required.
Pamela: a quintessential Hitchcock-esqe leading lady. She is bold, emotionally, and intellectually intelligent, powerful, and fashionable. English accent required.
Margaret: a small-town farm worker married off to a cruel man; she is eager to see the world, to help Richard out when he stumbles upon her farm and is willing to risk the consequences from her abusive husband in following her heart and gut. Scottish accent required.
Clown #1 & Clown #2: Any age, gender, race, or ethnicity. Two extremely versatile character actors. Vivacious, debonair, and with substantial authority, the clowns expertly execute 150+ roles with Olympian prowess and skillful comedic timing. Versatility with European accents is a plus. Must be able and willing to reposition set pieces and move adroitly throughout the stage and between roles. They must be physically agile, able to switch accents, have great comedic timing and perform physical comedy. They need to form a brilliant double act.
Bergen County Players encourages and is committed to a diverse and inclusive theater experience. Unless otherwise specified, BCP will cast any actor in any role if appropriate, without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, physicality, or disability. Casting will be character-driven; therefore, actors are encouraged to audition for any roles in which they are interested.
For further information, please contact Steve Bell at: [email protected]
