The Monticello Theatre Association (MTA) will have open auditions for our upcoming play “Lights! Camera! Murder!”

“Lights! Camera! Murder!” is a comedic murder mystery written by Todd Wallinger and directed by Gil Yohnka. The cast of characters consists of four men and five women, with ages ranging from 20s to 60s+. The characters consist of a temperamental lead actor, two actresses (one diva & one bubbleheaded), a famous Italian movie director, a tyrannical movie producer, an ambitious young press agent, the faithful production assistant, a reticent cameraman, and a gossip columnist affectionately called the Horror of Hollywood.

“Lights! Camera! Murder!” is set in a 1948 movie set of a detective’s office.  The film is weeks overdue and a half million dollars over budget when a murder occurs.  Who? Why? Seems everyone near the set has the means, motive and opportunity.  Come be a part of this zany cast.

Auditions will be held at:
Monticello Theatre Association
1406 N. Market St.
Monticello, Illinois

Monday, August 17, 2026 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Tuesday August 18, 2026, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. 

Sign up for an audition slot (Walkups also welcome!)
Auditioners will be provided excerpts from the script to read

If you are not available for either date, a prior audition may be scheduled by contacting the Director at gilyohnka@gmail.com

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Character List

Tommy Novak (m) – faithful production assistant; has a crush on Hope

Hope Holloway (f) – ambitious young press agent, invariably upbeat, detailed to a fault

Alberto Bologna (m) – Italian movie director; his fuse is shorter than a piece of macaroni; speaks with an Italian accent

Maxine Steele (f) – once an adorable child store; now a tyrannical movie producer

Fred (m) – reticent camera man; eats more than he talks; no one knows his last name

Vanessa Tipton (f) – diva-like actress and Roger’s loyal wife; plays the frumpy secretary in this movie

Gwendolyn Chambers (f) – bubble-headed young starlet; plays the femme fatale

Roger Drummond (m) – temperamental leading man; plays the hard-boiled detective

Letitia Venham (f) – gossip columnist; proves the pen can be nastier than the sword

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Performances dates:

Saturday, October 17
Sunday, October 18
Friday, October 23
Saturday, October 24
Sunday, October 25