Murder on the Orient Express Auditions

Theatre Charlotte is excited to announce auditions for Murder on the Orient Express directed by Jill Bloede. Murder on the Orient Express will be presented from October 24 – November 9, 2025 at Theatre Charlotte. 

AUDITION AND SIGN UP DETAILS

Auditions will be held in person on Sunday, September 14th from 6:00pm to 9pm and Monday, September 15th, 2025 from 6:00pm to 9pm at Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC 28207.  

We are seeking performers of all body types, skin colors and gender expressions ages 18 and older.

Please sign up for an audition time and fill out an audition form here.

During your audition time you will be reading scenes from the script. Sides can be found here. You may be asked to stay beyond your audition time to read with others. 

Video auditions are also being accepted through the audition form and should include a vocal selection and brief choreography sample. Deadline for video auditions is September 12th at 5PM.

In person callbacks for certain roles will be held at the discretion of the creative team and will be incorporated into the second night of auditions. Not receiving a callback is not indicative of casting decisions.

Please note – Elements of intimacy and physical contact are noted in the character descriptions below. Performers who are not comfortable are encouraged to audition for any of the other roles. Discomfort with intimacy will by no means impact future casting decisions by Theatre Charlotte or the creative team.

This production will use water based fog and haze throughout the show. Actors are also encouraged to provide their own makeup for the show and may be asked to supply shoes at the discretion of the Costume Designer.

Theatre Charlotte is a volunteer-based organization and all positions are unpaid.

REHEARSALS

Rehearsals are typically held Sunday through Thursday evenings starting at 6:00pm and are expected to begin the week of September 21st. Detailed rehearsal schedules will be created as soon as possible after the show is cast.

ABOUT MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS

The exotic Orient Express is about to go off the rails.  It’s winter 1934 and an avalanche stops the luxurious train dead in its tracks. To make matters worse, an American tycoon onboard was stabbed to death behind locked doors. Thankfully, debonair detective Hercule Poirot is on the train and on the case. With a train full of suspects, each with an alibi, can Poirot crack the case? This thrilling ride is guaranteed to keep you guessing until the end of the line.

AVAILABLE ROLES

Theatre Charlotte is looking for a cast that reflects the diverse population of the Charlotte region. Unless specifically stated, roles are open to all ethnicities. Ages listed are ages of the characters to be played not necessarily the age of the performer. Some roles may be double cast.

HERCULE POIROT
Male presenting, age 45-65

A retired Belgian police officer. Poirot is Christie's most famous detective and is known for his short stature and long, curly moustache. Poirot is very intelligent, extremely aware, instinctual and is a brilliant detective.  Belgian/French Dialect with great clarity. 

Intimacy Note: Poirot may be asked to kiss someone’s hand or cheek in the manner of a customary greeting.

MONSIEUR BOUC
Male presenting, age 45-65

Bouc is the director of the Compagnie Wagon Lit and although concerned about his company’s image, he puts his friends and customers before profit. A middle aged man with youthful vigor and attitude, he is honest and forthright. French Dialect

MARY DEBENHAM
Female presenting, age 20-35

Mary Debenham is a calm, cool, and unruffled lady. She has many secrets. English Dialect

Intimacy Note: Will participate in a passionate embrace and stage kiss with the Colonel.

HECTOR MCQUEEN
Male presenting, age 25-35

Hector is Samuel Ratchett's personal secretary and assistant. A nervous character with a stutter that appears when he is anxious; he talks too much. American Dialect

MICHEL THE CONDUCTOR 
Male presenting, age 40-60

The Conductor for the first-class carriages of the Orient Express. Competent and organized, he handles himself well and is good at his job. French Dialect

PRINCESS DRAGOMIROFF
Female presenting, age 50-65

A Russian princess, Princess Dragomiroff is generally not amiable and resents being questioned. Arrogant and accustomed to getting her way. Russian Dialect

GRETA OHLSSON
Female presenting, age 20-35

Princess Dragomiroff’s traveling companion, Greta Ohlsson is a simple Swedish lady who is extremely devout. A funny character but not a caricature played for laughs. Swedish Dialect

COUNTESS ANDRENYI
Female presenting, age 25-45

A Countess through marriage, Elena Andrenyi’s youthful beauty matches only her sharp intellect and knowledge of medicine. American Dialect

Intimacy Note: May have her had kissed as a manner of greeting by Poirot. Will deliver a staged slap.

HELEN HUBBARD
Female presenting, age 40-60

Claiming to be a housewife from Minnesota, Mrs. Hubbard provides constant interruption and diversion on the train.  She is a loud, gregarious and obnoxious busy body who can also be cool and calculated. American Dialect

COLONEL ARBUTHNOT
Male presenting, age 35-50

An old-fashioned military man used to being obeyed without question. Strong, charismatic with a temper. British Dialect

Intimacy Note: Will stage a passionate kiss and embrace with Mary Debenham.

SAMUEL RATCHETT
Male presenting, age 40-60

A brusque, dangerous and mysterious businessman who is found murdered on the train. A short temper and someone who cannot be trusted. Must be able to play “dead” for half the show. American Dialect.

Intimacy Note: Will receive a stage slap as well as staged stabbings.

PORTERS, TRAIN GUESTS
Any gender, ages 18 and up

A number of people will be cast to support the action in the show as porters and train guests. These cast members will have additional backstage responsibilities related to props, train car movements and may also be asked to understudy specific roles.  

******

Theatre is full of magic that vibrates throughout the essence of art, imagination, culture, and history. We strive to provide theatre to our community and our city that is saturated in excellence, community, experience, inclusion, and influence. Our goal is to mount productions that reflect the growth and beauty of the diversity of Charlotte and we sincerely hope that our friends in the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities will consider joining us for auditions for Murder on the Orient Express.