LATEST AUDITION NEWS

Arrive prepared to fill out an audition form and make sure to bring your schedule and any potential conflicts.

• Everyone will read from pre-selected sides of the show.

• All characters listed are open to actors of all racial backgrounds and types.

• Age ranges are flexible for the characters.

• The director is open to casting actors in non-traditional gender roles.

We also encourage everyone to get involved in the production of our performances by helping with set design and props, sound and lighting, backstage, in the booth, or as the stage manager. There are many ways to get involved with our theater group. Just ask!

We understand there will be scheduling conflicts during the rehearsal schedule but all actors must be able to commit to all performance dates and tech week rehearsals.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at the auditions!

DRACULA: The Radio Play

Directed by: Tom Cocklin
Assistant Director: TBD
Executive Producer: Frank Squillo

THE STORY: When the mysterious Count Dracula leaves his isolated castle in Transylvania for England, an ancient evil follows in his wake. As strange illnesses, unexplained deaths, and terrifying encounters begin to spread, a small group of determined men and women race against time to uncover the truth behind the legendary vampire before darkness claims even more innocent lives.

Adapted as a classic live radio drama, Dracula: The Radio Play combines suspense, mystery, and gothic horror with the excitement of old-time radio. Actors create dozens of memorable characters while live sound effects and music bring Bram Stoker's timeless tale vividly to life before the audience's imagination.

NUMBER OF ACTS: 2 Acts (15-minute intermission)

DURATION: 90 minutes

FIRST PRODUCED: October 29, 1999 at the Mill Creek Vintage Theatre in Paxico, Kansas. The stage version was adapted from Philip Grecian's earlier syndicated radio drama, which aired on radio stations each Halloween during the 1970s.

GENRES: Gothic Horror • Suspense • Thriller • Mystery • Live Radio Drama

SETTING: A vintage radio studio where actors perform a live broadcast of Dracula, complete with period microphones and live sound effects.

TIME & PLACE: The story takes place in late 19th-century Europe, primarily in Transylvania, England (London and Whitby), and Count Dracula's Castle. The radio play is presented as though it is being performed live during the Golden Age of Radio (1930s–1940s).

AUDITION PACKET ON GOOGLE DRIVE:

AUDITION DATES: Sunday, 08/16/26 from 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm and Monday, 08/17/26 from 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

AUDITION LOCATION: NCRD Performing Arts Center Lobby

REHEARSALS BEGIN: Wednesday, 8/19/26

WEEKLY REHEARSAL SCHEDULE: Tentatively, Mondays and Wednesdays, 5 pm - 7:30 pm. Foley sound effects artist's schedule to be determined.

TECH WEEKS: 09/21/26 - 09/24/26

PERFORMANCE DATES: Nine performances, 09/25/26 - 10/11/26… Friday and Saturday nights at 7 pm, Sunday Matinees at 2 pm.

SUMMARY: DRACULA: The Radio Play

Presented as a live old-time radio broadcast, Dracula: The Radio Play blends gothic horror, suspense, and moments of humor with the unique magic of vintage radio theater. A talented ensemble brings dozens of characters to life using only their voices, while Foley artists create sound effects live before the audience, making this a thrilling and imaginative theatrical experience.

CAST OF CHARACTERS: 10 roles, 6/Male and 4/Female (Some roles may be cast regardless of gender.)

• COUNT DRACULA (Male, 40s–70s)
  An ancient Transylvanian nobleman and powerful vampire. Sophisticated, charismatic, and terrifying beneath his calm exterior.

• PROFESSOR ABRAHAM VAN HELSING (Male, 50s–70s)
  A brilliant physician and scholar of the supernatural. Intelligent, compassionate, determined, and fearless. Dracula hunter.

• JONATHAN HARKER (Male, 20s–40s)
  A young English solicitor whose business trip to Dracula's castle begins the nightmare. Courageous and devoted to his fiancée.

• MINA HARKER (Female, 20s–40s)
  Jonathan's intelligent and resourceful wife. Kind, resilient, and central to the battle against Dracula.

• LUCY WESTENRA (Female, 20s–30s)
  Mina's close friend. Charming, warm, and spirited before becoming Dracula's tragic victim.

• DR. JACK SEWARD (Male, 30s–50s)
  Director of a private asylum and one of Lucy's suitors. A respected physician whose scientific beliefs are challenged by the impossible.

• RENFIELD (Male, 30s–60s)
  A disturbed asylum patient who falls under Dracula's influence. Unpredictable, unsettling, and ultimately tragic.

• Birdie (Female, 45-75)

  A warm, practical servant at Carfax Abbey who has seen enough of life to recognize when something isn't quite right. Birdie provides moments of humanity and grounded realism as the mystery surrounding Dracula deepens. Though not a central figure in the hunt, she helps establish the household's atmosphere and growing unease.

• Williams (Male, 25-60)

• Dr. Seward's dependable asylum attendant. Williams serves as the practical link between the ordinary routines of the institution and the extraordinary events surrounding Renfield.

• Announcer (Male, 25 +)

  The polished voice of the radio broadcast, guiding the audience into the world of Dracula. This role establishes the period atmosphere and sets the tone throughout the performance. Excellent diction, pacing, and vocal presence are essential.

  CASTING NOTES

  • Ages listed represent playing ages rather than the performer's actual age. Riverbend Players encourages actors of all backgrounds and experience levels to audition. Casting decisions are based on the needs of the production, vocal performance, characterization, and chemistry between performers.

  • This production features 10 performers, with many actors portraying multiple characters throughout the show.

  • Strong vocal performance, characterization, and storytelling are more important than physical resemblance to the characters.

  • Performers should be comfortable creating distinct voices and switching between roles.

  • Prior radio or voice acting experience is not required.

  • This production includes opportunities for actors of varying ages and experience levels.

  • Accents (British, Transylvanian, American, etc.) are welcome but are not required at auditions.

  • Actors should be prepared to work closely with live Foley artists and musicians to create the atmosphere of a classic radio drama.

  Safety & Consent Statement

  All rehearsals and performances will prioritize actor safety, consent, and clear communication, with any physical staging addressed collaboratively and respectfully.