Auditions for Ken Ludwig's BASKERVILLE

TIP is thrilled to announce auditions for our October 2025 production of KEN LUDWIG'S BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY, directed by Michelle Yamazaki.

Get on your deerstalker cap – the play’s afoot and Sherlock Holmes is on the case! The male heirs of the Baskerville line are being dispatched one by one. To find their ingenious killer, Holmes and Watson must brave the desolate moors before a family curse dooms its newest heir. Watch as our intrepid investigators try to escape a dizzying web of clues, silly accents, disguises, and deceit as six actors deftly portray nearly 40 characters. Does a wild hellhound prowl the moors of Devonshire? Can our heroes discover the truth in time? Join the fun and see how far from elementary the truth can be, as comedic genius Ken Ludwig transforms Arthur Conan Doyle's classic ”The Hound of the Baskervilles” into a murderously funny adventure. 

WHAT TO PREPARE

Before the audition, you will be asked to complete a liability waiver and general questionnaire so you can tell us about your theater/performance background and rehearsal availability. You will also be provided with excerpts from the script to “cold read” during your audition.

Note that you may be asked to try some accents during your audition. We are looking for potential rather than perfection, so just do your best! Accents include: RP English, Brummie, Liverpool, Cockney, Swedish, Romanian, Scottish, German, Italian, French, Irish, Castilian, and Texan. 

OPTIONAL: You may prepare a short (1-2 minute) monologue or other interpretive piece that shows your skill in accents and dialects. You may also demonstrate singing ability if you wish.

IN-PERSON AUDITION DATES

If interested in auditioning in person, please sign up for a timeslot during one of the available audition sessions (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY):

SESSION 1: Friday,  June 27th, 2025 (6pm-10pm) 

SESSION 2: Saturday, June 28th, 2025 (11:00am-9pm)

VIDEO SUBMISSIONS

If you are unable to attend an in-person audition session, you can send a recording of a short monologue to our casting director at the email address below. The deadline for video submissions is Sunday, June 29th, 2025 at 9pm.

CALLBACKS

IN PERSON on Sunday, June 29th, 2025  (6pm-10pm) - BY INVITATION ONLY

PERFORMANCE DATES

October 16-19, 2025 (actors must also be available for tech/dress rehearsal on October 15th)

FIRST READ-THROUGH DATE

TBD

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

Weekend mornings or afternoons and weekday evenings in various locations around central Tokyo. One or two rehearsals per week in June/July/August 2025 and at least two rehearsals per week in September/October 2025. Some early rehearsals will be held online.

AUDITION VENUE

Our Space in Hatagaya (two stops from Shiunjuku on the Keio New Line). Google Maps link here.

CASTING BREAKDOWN

2F + 3M + 3 either (all adults age 20+)

COVID SAFETY MEASURES

TIP strongly encourages all actors and crew to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

HOW TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Email the casting director at auditions@tokyoplayers.org with your preferred audition date (SESSION 1 or 2). Appointments will be scheduled in 15-minute increments over each session.