CVP holds Open Auditions for our productions, meaning they are open to anyone 18 yrs and older. No experience is required! CVP accepts both novice and experienced actors, and we provide a fun, casual and non-judgmental atmosphere. CVP is a non-equity community theatre that thrives on volunteers from the local community. CVP membership ($35/year) is required for everyone in a production.
Auditions consist of readings from selected scenes, called “cuts” or “sides”; scripts/sides will be provided at the audition. Actors may attend one or both nights of auditions. Contact the director if you need to schedule an alternate audition time/date.
Auditions are held at The Depot Theatre, 4861 White Lake Rd., Clarkston MI 48346
Upcoming Auditions
Audition Dates:
Sunday, February 1, 2026 @ 4:00 pm
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 @ 7:00 pm
The Play That Goes Wrong
By Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, Henry Shields
Presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service
Directed by Karen McClellan
2026 Performances: May 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16
Welcome to opening night of the Cornley University Drama Society’s newest production, The Murder at Haversham Manor, where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous. This 1920’s whodunit has everything you never wanted in a show – an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines.) Nevertheless, the accident-prone thespians battle against all odds to make it through to their final curtain call, with hilarious consequences! Part Monty Python, part Sherlock Holmes, this Olivier Award-winning comedy is a global phenomenon that’s guaranteed to leave you aching with laughter!
CHARACTERS
ANNIE – Initially working tirelessly behind the scenes to solve problems, she is unexpectedly cast into the spotlight as Florence, starting with a book in hand and a heart full of terror. However, as the show unfolds, Annie discovers a newfound comfort and love for acting, a passion so strong she’s determined to fight for her place on stage.
TREVOR – the lighting and sound operator for the play, unexpectedly finds himself in the spotlight due to unforeseen chaos. Comfortable behind the scenes, he’s suddenly required to act. This shift from technician to actor, paired with his American accent, emphasizes Trevor’s adaptability and the contrast between his technical expertise and the demands of performing onstage.
CHRIS – A perfectionist, British accent, determined to lead the company to success never falters. This role demands an actor capable of showing both Chris’s meticulous control and moments of doubt.
JONATHAN – embodies a James Bond-esque charisma, blending suave charm with a strong physical presence. Tasked with driving the narrative, he approaches his role with enthusiasm but feels the weight of each mistake deeply. His passion for the performance and his commitment to the physicality of his role make him a pivotal figure in moving the story forward.
ROBERT – aspires to greatness with a Richard Burton-esque ambition but remains cheerfully clueless on stage. This ever-optimistic ‘best friend’ character is embroiled in a leadership rivalry with Chris. This physically demanding role requires an actor with strong vocal abilities and a British accent, who can convey earnestness and optimism.
DENNIS – New to the stage, he struggles with lines and pronunciation. This role demands an actor who can capture Dennis’s desire for perfection and connection, despite being slightly oblivious to the theatrical world around him. Actor must convey earnest attempts to fit in and his sensitivity to audience reactions. Dennis’s journey is one of vulnerability, effort, and the pursuit of belonging.
MAX – brings a refreshing honesty and earnestness to the stage. With no prior acting experience, his sincere attempts to follow directions exactly shine. This roledemands an actor who can showcase Max’s genuine effort and spontaneity, along with a British accent.
SANDRA – combines her vaulting ambition with a pronounced vanity, always with an eye on Hollywood. Having always secured lead roles, she’s convinced of her unmatched talent within the company and struggles with adaptability when faced with unexpected changes. Her willingness to push limits, yet keeping strategic relations with those beneficial to her career, adds layers to her character.
STAGE CREW – portray the Cornley Drama Society stage crew
As with any play-within-a-play, you have the complication of the characters of the actors doing the play-within-the-play and the characters within the play-within-the-play. A crucial thing to remember when performing this piece is to tell the story of The Murder at Haversham Manor. That is what the actors of Cornley are setting out to do and as such should be what the cast of The Play That Goes Wrong are setting out to do. The characters of the actors you will no doubt work on in detail, but their temperaments and flaws should shine through the cracks in their performances and not suffocate the action. Always try to tell the murder mystery story and play the Haversham Manor characters.