A thriller by William Goldman, based on the novel by Stephen King

AUDITION DATES:
Sunday, June 15 – 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Monday, June 16 – 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
with either call-backs or play read-through by invitation on Wednesday, June 18 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm

AUDITION VENUE: 
Pinetree Community Centre, 1260 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam (near the Lafarge Lake/Douglas SkyTrain station)

PRODUCTION DATES: 
October 16-19 and October 22-25, 2025 (Wednesday-Saturday curtain at 7:30 pm, Sunday curtain at 3 pm).
*Please note that theatre load in and tech rehearsal (Evergreen Cultural Centre) for this show is Sunday, October 12, 2025 (Thanksgiving Sunday). You will not be needed on Thanksgiving Monday. There will be dress rehearsals at the Evergreen Cultural Centre on Tuesday, October 14 and Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

PERFORMANCE VENUE: 
Evergreen Cultural Centre, 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam

THE STORY:
Misery follows the successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash by his “number one fan”, Annie Wilkes, and wakes up captive in her secluded home. While Paul is convalescing, Annie reads his latest book and become enraged when she discovers the author has killed off her favourite character, Misery Chastain. Annie forces Paul to write a new Misery novel, and he quickly realizes Annie has no intention of letting him go anywhere. The irate Annie has Paul writing as if his life depends on it, and it does!

CASTING REQUIREMENTS: 1F, 2M

*Note: the ages of the characters are flexible and casting will be based on chemistry between actors. Stage 43 welcomes diversity in casting and actors of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities are encouraged to audition!

Paul Sheldon (40s-60s) – A successful and charming novelist, Paul is initially arrogant but also feels ashamed of his professional life. He is cunning and determined, adapting to his “prison” with ingenuity.

Annie Wilkes (40s-60s) – Annie appears kind and caring, a former nurse who seems like a hero to Paul. However, she is manipulative, cunning, and harbours terrifying malice. She is deeply obsessed with her favourite character, Misery Chastain, from Paul’s books.

Buster (30s-60s) – The sheriff of a nearby town, Buster is searching for Paul and may have romantic interest in Annie.

 Notes:          

  • Audition will be cold readings from sides; in addition, please prepare a dark and dramatic, 1-2 minute monologue (monologue does not need to be delivered from memory!).

  • This will be an open call audition. When you arrive, please sign in by filling in an audition form. You will then be directed to the audition room.

  • Please bring an acting résumé and head shot if you have one or email it to us at info@stage43.org. Also, bring a list of dates that you are not   available for rehearsals (these will be used to respect everyone’s time and schedule meaningful rehearsals).

  • This is a non-Equity production; everyone involved in this production does so on a voluntary basis.

  • Successful auditionees will be required to become members of Stage 43 Theatrical Society at the first rehearsal ($20.00 adult / $16 seniors annual membership fee).

  • Rehearsals take place on Monday and Wednesday evenings (7 pm to 9:30 pm) beginning on Monday, July 21 (no rehearsals on Monday, August 4 or Monday, September 1). Rehearsals on Sunday afternoons (1 pm to 4 pm) will be added to the schedule beginning on September 7, 2025.


Stage 43 is an inclusive group. Everyone is welcome to audition for any role they see themselves in. Come out and play with us!