Auditions: The Girl on the Train
Casting call for The Girl on the Train (equity and non-equity) based on the best-selling book by Paula Hawkins and the Dreamworks Film, adapted for the stage by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel. Produced by arrangement with Simon Friend. Directed by Jack Grinhaus.
Engagement company and outside dates: Vertigo Theatre (Calgary) — rehearsals begin February 20, 2024, play opens March 21, 2024 and closes April 14, 2024.
Production Description
Rachel Watson escapes her dull life by watching the perfect couple through the train window every day until she witnesses something shocking unfold. Caught up in a world of infidelity and murder, she begins her own investigation, crossing a dangerous line and turning into a suspect herself. Facing difficult truths about a life lost, this stirring psychological thriller reveals bigger secrets than Rachel could have ever imagined.
Roles to be cast:
- Anna Watson, female identifying, age 25 – 40
As Tom Watson’s former mistress, now current wife, she feels a deep sense of anxiety and protectiveness when it comes to her marriage and newborn child. Anna is threatened by Tom’s ex-wife Rachel. Haughty, a bit self-obsessed, and totally preoccupied with image. - Megan Hipwell, female identifying, age 25 – 35
Megan’s death is the central plot point of the play. Appears to be a model wife and glamorous beauty, but that is far from the truth. Haunted by her painful past, she is unable to confide in anyone, condemning herself to a string of superficial relationships that distract her from an overwhelming sense of guilt. In life, Megan is a young, artistic, sensitive woman with a dark past and a restless, insatiable spirit. - Tom Watson, male identifying, age 35 – 45
The ex-husband of Rachel Watson and current husband of Anna Watson. Tom presents himself as a loving husband doing his best to make ends meet for his family, but Tom’s entire life and persona is built on a fragile and disturbing web of secrets and lies. - Scott Hipwell, male identifying, age 30 – 45
The husband of Megan Hipwell and an IT professional. He is hyper-masculine and often volatile with possessive tendencies. Unpredictable, hot-headed, lonely and reeling from the terrible loss of his wife, Scott’s ever-shifting attitude makes him unreliable and impossible to trust. When jealous, he flies into fits of anger and violence, regretting them afterward. - Kamal Abdic, male identifying, age 30 – 40
Kamal was the therapist for Megan Hipwell. Sensitive, thoughtful and deeply invested in his patients’ well-being, Kamal Abdic is a man who finds himself swept up in a maelstrom of secrets and lies. Kind, gentle and warm-hearted. - D.I. Gaskill, non-gender specific, age 30 – 50
Detective Inspector Gaskill is a detective who is in charge of Megan’s case. A suspicious but caring person, they try to navigate the motives behind Megan’s murder.
*Important note: Physical intimacy and violence will be required in this play. An intimacy director and fight choreographer will be involved during the rehearsal process.
Audition dates: May 1 & 2, 2023
Casting Process
Selected candidates will be provided with scenes to work from during the auditions.
Vertigo Theatre has a responsibility to create work spaces where people are comfortable in a creation process, and can be themselves in every capacity. With this in mind, we encourage submissions from those who identify as Indigenous, Black or POC as well as 2SLGBTQIA+, Disabled/People with Disabilities and/or Neuro-Divergent people.
*If there are any potential barriers (language, disability or any other considerations) preventing
you from applying to audition, please let us know and we will work with you to find a suitable application process.
How to Submit
We would like to request a submission package consisting of:
- Headshot
- Resume
Please submit packages through the following link: surveymonkey.com.
*We will not be collecting hard copies of headshots and resumes at the audition. The audition
panel will receive them all electronically.
Deadline for submission packages is April 18, 2023 at 11:59pm.
Local submissions only for this casting call.
CAEA members will be given first priority.
For more information and questions contact Laura Couch, Company Manager, Vertigo Theatre auditions@vertigotheatre.com.
