THE STORY

Misery follows 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 becomes enraged when she discovers the author has killed off her favorite 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.

AUDITION NOTES

Actors are expected to deliver their lines with a Standard American Accent. All actors will need to be able to physically handle all stunts involved in the show. Please wear clothes you can move around in comfortably.

The parts of Paul and Annie will require physical action and movement that includes (but may not be limited to) lifting or assisting in lifting another human, moving one’s own body weight with upper body only, moving furniture and large set pieces, and exerting physical action and effort during dialogue.

 All roles are open to any race or ethnicity.

ROLES

PAUL SHELDON (Male Presenting, Age 35 – 55): Paul Sheldon is the protagonist of the play. He is a successful author known for his romance novels, particularly those featuring the character Misery Chastain. However, as the play begins, Paul finds himself in a dire situation - he has been rescued from a car crash by a superfan named Annie Wilkes, who is also his nurse and caretaker. It soon becomes clear that Annie is not the benevolent caregiver she at first seems, but rather a deeply disturbed and obsessive fan who will go to any lengths to keep Paul writing her beloved Misery stories.

At the same time, however, Paul is deeply flawed. He is heavily addicted to painkillers, thanks to injuries sustained in the car crash, and this addiction makes him vulnerable and prone to making mistakes. He is also haunted by the deaths of his parents, which he feels responsible for, and this guilt makes him vulnerable to Annie's manipulation. He is tempted, at times, to give up and just do what she wants in order to stay alive - but ultimately, he is able to overcome these urges and fight back against his captor.

ANNIE WILKES (Female Presenting, Age 30 – 45): Annie Wilkes is the protagonist of the play. She is a complex and disturbed character who provides a chilling portrayal of a fan-turned-captor. Annie is a former registered nurse who has become obsessed with the Misery series of books authored by Paul Sheldon.

Annie is a psychopath, and her actions are driven by her distorted perception of reality. Her compulsion to keep Paul captive reinforces her delusions, and her unpredictable nature makes her an imposing antagonist. Her desire for Paul to write a novel to her specifications is both selfish and obsessive. The intensity of her need to have the perfect ending to her favorite book series drives her to inhumane acts of torture and murder.

BUSTER (Male Presenting, Age 30 – 60): Buster is a crucial character in Misery, as he brings about a resolution to the complex and dangerous situation that ensues. His down-to-earth personality and level-headedness, coupled with his sincerity and kindness, make him a beloved character that audiences can relate to and root for. 

AUDITION SIDES

For your convenience, we have provided audition sides for each character.

VIEW AND DOWNLOAD AUDITION SIDES HERE

Please note that you are not required to memorize the lines and may use the sides during your audition. Printed copies will be available at the audition.

AUDITIONS: Sunday, July 30, at 3 p.m. and Monday, July 31, at 7 p.m. in the Bechtel Experimental Theatre (black box) at Aiken Community Theatre; Tuesday, August 1, at 7 pm for callbacks, by director invitation only (if needed).

REHEARSAL PERIOD: Rehearsals are typically Mon-Thu (7 pm–10 pm) and Sundays (late afternoon). The final schedule will be determined based on pre-existing conflicts.

TECH WEEK/DRESS: October 14-19

PERFORMANCES: Oct. 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 22 at 2 p.m.