The Candlelight Theatre, located in historic Ardentown, Delaware (30 minutes from Center City, Philadelphia) is seeking non-union actors for its upcoming production of Arsenic and Old Lace, directed by Tom Teti. Arsenic... runs May 9 to June 20, 2026. The Candlelight Theatre encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities to attend auditions.
Auditions will be held by appointment on Sunday, February 15th 7:00 – 10:00pm and Monday, February 16th 6:00 – 10:00pm. Callbacks will be scheduled if needed. Rehearsals begin on or around Monday, March 23, 2026 through Friday, May 8, 2026. The show runs May 9 to June 20, 2026.
The Candlelight Theatre is a professional Dinner Theatre located in Ardentown, Delaware, approximately 30 minutes outside of Philadelphia. All roles are open and paid. There are 3-5 performances per week. Additional restaurant opportunities, if desired, are available to supplement performance income.
Housing is not provided.
ARSENIC and OLD LACE. This wildly popular farcical black comedy written by Joseph Kesselring, revolves around two elderly sisters who are famous in their Brooklyn neighborhood for their numerous acts of charity but are as crazy as loons. Mix in a dollop of Teddy Roosevelt, a dash of Albert Einstein, and stir with an assortment of quirky characters and you get a lethal cocktail of murder, mayhem, and laughter.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
Abby Brewster - A sweet elderly woman with Victorian charm who poisons elderly men. She and her younger sister (Martha) seem to be the embodiment of the values and polite society of a bygone age. Aunt to Teddy, Jonathon, and Mortimer.
Martha Brewster - Younger sister of Abby. Sweet, and a bit more submissive. Firmly rooted in the pecking order that exists with her sister.
Elaine Harper - Fiancee to Mortimer. Daughter of the Rev. Harper, who lives next door to Abby and Martha. Sharp, sassy, and wise to the ways of the world.
Mortimer Brewster - Nephew to Abby and Martha. A drama critic who is engaged to Elaine. A good-hearted cynic who cares for his aunts.
Teddy Brewster - A delightfully certifiable man who is under the happy delusion that he is Teddy Roosevelt.
Jonathon Brewster - A psychopath who has had 3 plastic surgeries and now looks like Boris Karloff.
Dr. Einstein - A German plastic surgeon and an alcoholic. Has performed the surgeries on Jonathon, and is submissive to him. A decent guy whose life has gone bad.
Officer O'Hara - A police officer. Good-natured. Friendly with the aunts. A would-be playwright who constantly nags Mortimer to read his play. Well-intentioned.
Rev. Dr. Harper - A minister and father of Elaine. Neighbor to Abby and Martha. Not in favor of the engagement of Mortimer and Elaine.
Officer Brophy - Thoroughly likable police officer making his rounds collecting Christmas toys for the needy.
Officer Klein - Partner of Brophy.
Lieutenant Rooney - In charge of the local police precinct. Tries to run a tight ship. Loud, decisive and take-charge.
Mr. Witherspoon - The superintendent of Happy Dale Sanitarium. Kind and mild-mannered.
Mr. Gibbs - Elderly man who wishes to rent a room from the sisters.
Please send (email) pictures and resumes to Bob Kelly, Artistic Director [email protected] and indicate your preference for either a Sunday or Monday audition slot. Emails will be sent to arrange audition times for selected applicants.
For auditions, readings will be provided. Please come with headshot and resume stapled together.
No calls to the theater, please.
Auditions for Arsenic and Old Lace
Sunday, February 15th 7:00 - 10:00pm
Monday, February 16th 6:00 - 10:00pm
The Candlelight Theater, 2208 Millers Rd. Wilmington, De. 19810
