Vagabond Players auditioning for 2022/23 season opener

The Vagabond Players are getting set to return to the stage for the first time in more than three years.

The community theatre company hasn’t staged a play at the Bernie Legge Theatre since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020. Now, at last, it’s back — and anyone who wants to join the fun is invited to audition for its 2022/23 season opener.

The company will be staging Sherlock’s Veiled Secret in October, and auditions are being on Aug. 7 and 8.

K.C. Brown’s play is set in 1920 and tells the story of Violet Sheridan, a sculptress who is asked to meet with the now-retired Sherlock Holmes. Holmes informs her that they have a family connection and asks her to join him in solving a troubling blackmail case — but she refuses and decides to solve it for herself.

The company is auditioning for all parts.

“We welcome everyone to join us, and experience isn’t a prerequisite at all,” said producer Bev Pride. “All auditioners will be given equal consideration and encouragement.”

Pride has been involved with community theatre since joining Surrey Little Theatre in 1995 — with no experience other than high school drama.

“I auditioned for a role advertised in Surrey Now, didn’t know anything about community theatres or that they were all volunteers,” she said in an email to the Record. “I didn’t get the part but was very excited to join as a set painter. Didn’t know anything about that, either, but had wonderful mentors in the club that were more than willing to show me the ropes.”

Pride welcomes newcomers to come out to the Vagabond Players and experience the same joy of theatre — whether it’s through being onstage or by taking part in another crew or volunteer capacity.

“We welcome you and will give you a job, mentor you, praise your efforts and support you learning more theatre skills,” she said.

Most of all, Pride says, it’s time to celebrate being able to stage a live performance again.

“The arts are so important. Where do we turn to in the lockdown? Our streaming services, our TVs and our devices to watch any performance we could,” she said. “However, there’s nothing like live performances, sharing a story with someone other than our cats. Live theatre is truly the best of these shared experiences, because you never know what’s going to happen.”

The company prefers that all members of the cast and crew are fully vaccinated.

Sherlock’s Veiled Secret will run for 10 shows from Thursday, Oct. 6 to Saturday, Oct. 22.

Rehearsals will be held Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 10 p.m. starting Aug. 22.

You can book an audition time on Sunday, Aug. 7 or Monday, Aug. 8 between 7 and 10 p.m. at the Bernie Legge Theatre in Queen’s Park. Email [email protected] or text 604-240-5915.

Who’s who: Which parts are being cast for Sherlock’s Veiled Secret?

Note that the company says “credible English accents” will be required.

• Violet Sheridan: sculptress, strong-willed, in her 20s
• Sherlock Holmes: in retirement, 66
• Charles Wellington Yorke: boyish, charming, privileged background, late 20s
• Mrs. Cyril Morton: poised, wealthy, 40s, seen in flashback in her 20s
• Irene Adler: opera singer, adventuress, early 60s, appears in flashback as 30
• Turlough O'Brennan: flamboyant, charming, 30s to 40s
• Lady Charlotte Carrington: married to a peer of the realm, poised, concealing passionate spirit, mid-40s

Follow Julie MacLellan on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
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