Audition Info
Ignite Theatre Company Presents:
THE BIG BAD BUSINESS OF MURDER
Open to performers 13-99
Some Things Are Just Too Good to Be True Crime
Original musical numbers, new choreographed dances, and record-breaking murder totals – what’s there not to love? We’re over the moon to be producing an all-new world premiere musical!
Why Join?
- Young performers grow by working with and sharing the stage with experienced mentors and each other.
- Discover the joy of performing in a supportive, fun, and wildly creative environment.
- Families get to make memories together and experience the magic of live theatre up close.
- This is a world premiere of an original show written and directed by local creators.
- The show has something to say – about life, death, using people, exploitation, and how too many people turn a blind eye to it all.
Audition Notice
Who Can Audition:
Open to performers ages 13-99.
NOTE: This production will be a hybrid all-ages/senior summer show. The six principal roles listed below will consist of three adults and three teens. Due to this, we haven’t given any age range on the parts because they could be portrayed by a wide variety of actors.
Audition Date & Location:
📅 April 18 & 19
📍 Ignite Studios – 3519 Hampton Ave.
Video Submissions will be accepted
Callbacks:
📅 Sunday, April 19 (by invitation only)
📧 Performers needed for callbacks will be notified via email.
Audition Requirements:
- Prepare one 16-32 bar cut of a musical theatre song.
- A second selection is encouraged in case the team needs to see more but most will not be asked to perform their second song.
- Prepare a character monologue (provided in advance).
- Learn and perform a short dance combination from the show.
- Performers with tumbling or stunting backgrounds are encouraged to demonstrate their skills after the dance portion.
Rehearsal Schedule:
Rehearsals begin on May 2nd will take place on Monday/Wednesday Evenings 6:30PM-9PM and Saturdays 9AM-12PM. Since this is a brand-new show, the rehearsal length will be longer and similar to a main stage. This will allow us plenty of time to workshop and tighten the show before our premiere.
Performance Dates & Venue:
August 20–23 at Robert G. Reim Theatre
Show Synopsis:
A Texas lawman, with delusions of grandeur, teams up with a hapless loner to concoct the most prolific serial killer in history. All while contending with a famous psychologist, a big time movie producer, a small-town mayor, and a horde of reporters.
Content Warning:
This show contains some language that may not be suitable for younger audiences, occasional flippant talk of murder, and some grisly descriptions. The material in general is intended to be satirical but parental discretion and guidance is advised.
Show Preview:
A short selection of demo tracks from the show and the first 30 pages of the script are available upon email request (comeignitewithus@gmail.com).
Tuition & Commitment:
Performers still in high school and under will be Required to pay a production fee of $390. Limited need-based scholarships available. For performers over 18, the only fee is associated with completing a background check.
Audition Reservations:
Reservations are NOW OPEN, click the “Sign Up Here!” below
Join the Student Leadership Team!
Interested in being behind the scenes or sitting at the director’s table? Consider applying for the Student Leadership Team for The Big Bad Business of Murder!
If you have a passion for theatre and want to take on leadership roles, this is the perfect opportunity for you. As part of the Summer Student Staff, you’ll gain hands-on experience in the production process while working closely with the creative team.
Available Positions:
🎭 Student Director – Assist the director in shaping the vision of the show.
🎭 Student Stage Manager – Help run rehearsals and manage backstage operations.
🎭 Student Costuming Team – Work with designers on fittings, alterations, and wardrobe.
🎭 Run Crew – Be part of the behind-the-scenes magic during performances.
🎭 Tech & Props Crew – Assist with set transitions, props, and technical elements.
This is an amazing opportunity to develop leadership skills, gain real-world production experience, and contribute to a dynamic mainstage show.
📢 Don’t miss out—apply today and be part of the team that brings the show to life!
The Big Bad Business of Murder– Character List
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LEAD ROLES
HANK WALKER – A recent addition to the Texas Rangers, Hank is on a search for that one big case that’ll change everything. He carries with him an air of superiority, a desperate desire for recognition, and a frustration that he is forever underappreciated.
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HENRY HOLMES HUCKLEBERRY III – With a Little Rock accent and a singing voice from Tupelo, Henry is not your everyday serial killer. No sir. And neither his ho-hum demeanor nor his low IQ matches his recent infamy. -
JODY COOPER – Jody is a college student who appreciates the little things in life, especially after her sister was murdered five years ago. She’s always prepared to do the right thing, no matter what the consequences. A young woman of true toughness. -
DELILAH WORTH – A best-selling author and celebrity psychologist, Dr. Worth has made quite the life for herself by studying (and exploiting) society’s most abnormal people. So stern and uptight, she does not even speak in contractions.MAYOR GRADY THORNE – A politician willing to do whatever it takes to get re-elected, Mayor Thorne is obsessed with holding office, not serving the people. (This part is written for any gender).
ROBERT “BOBBY” AVERY – The preeminent Hollywood film producer, Avery is a fast-talking, hard-to-read shark of a man. He knows all there is to know about how to take a great story and squeeze every dollar from it.
- NOTE: This production will be a hybrid all-ages/senior summer show. The six principal roles listed above will consist of three adults and three teens. Due to this, we haven’t given any age range on the parts because they could be portrayed by a wide variety of actors.
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ENSEMBLE ROLES
THE REPORTER CHORUS – Confronting people to get their questions answered, The Reporter Chorus are a group of like-minded individuals acting as one. However, unlike their Greek namesake, all anyone in the audience can hear from them is a series of harrumphs or grumbles.
TEXAS RANGERS – Old school law enforcement that tries to keep the Lone Star State safe
MAYOR’S OFFICE – Aides and runners for the Armadillo, Texas politician
WORTH’S STAFF – The famous psychologist has a certain standard of living large and these people are paid to help
ARMADILLO TEXAS CITIZENS – The people living and working in the recently famous big-little city
And Many More…
Audition FAQs
What will the audition consist of?
Auditions requirements will change show to show, but will typically consist of a song, dance, and sometimes monologue. Auditioners are asked to prepare:
- One 16-32 bar cuts of a musical theatre style song, or two contrasting cuts.
- A short dance combination will be taught at the auditions.
- A monologue under 1 minute in length. Sometimes, Ignite will also provide monologues for auditioners to prepare for certain shows. If they are provided, you will find them on this page.
What should I bring?
- A headshot or current photo.
- A resume if you have one.
- Your filled out audition form (will be emailed to you the week of auditions).
- Comfortable clothes and shoes you can dance in.
What if I’ve never auditioned before?
That’s ok! We welcome dozens of first time auditioners every year. Ignite tries to make auditions a supportive, inclusive, and low stress event.
How long will it take?
What if I need special accommodations?
Ignite is dedicated to making the arts more accessible starting with the audition process. If you need any accommodation, Ignite will make every effort to ensure your needs are met. If you require any accommodation for auditions please indicate them on your audition form, by phone, or email at ignitetheoffice@gmail.com.
These accommodations could mean:
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Early access to the audition space for navigation, and accessibility.
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Flexible forms of communication, including options for written, verbal, and visual ways to receive information.
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Flexible environments, including wheelchair accessible spaces, clearly articulated social expectations, and intuitive and welcoming intellectual spaces.
Will everyone be cast?
Casting Policy
Ignite Theatre Company Casting Policy
Ignite Theatre Company is committed to consistently casting in a gender- and race-blind manner, ensuring that performers are selected based on talent, skill, and suitability for the role, rather than identity. We do not pre-cast any roles, and no priority is given to existing company members over new auditioners. Our storytelling is thoughtfully adapted to highlight the strengths of the actors cast while remaining fully compliant with the specifications of the licensing agreements.
To ensure the safety and comfort of our performers, we traditionally employ a professional intimacy coordinator for any material that involves romantic, parental, or other intimate interactions. This role supports our students, their families, and our creative team in facilitating meaningful, age-appropriate conversations about consent, boundaries, and healthy collaboration.
Ignite Theatre Company is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where all performers can thrive artistically while respecting the integrity of the story being told.
What is student staff?
Ignite’s SPARK philosophy includes Real Life Experience in the form of student leadership positions. The creative team of the production mentors and empowers student staff members to learn all aspects of the audition, creative and execution process of theatre. The cost of participation is half of the program’s production fee, and scholarships can be applied towards student staff. To apply. please email us at ignitetheoffice@gmail.com, and we will send you an application.