North Star Academy
presents
Murder in the Knife Room
November 7-9, 2025 | McKinley Theater | Redwood City
November 7-9, 2025 | McKinley Theater | Redwood City
If you missed the Parents Info Meeting:
Slides | Video | Play Calendar | Sign up for auditions below.
Registered to audition?
An email with the audition time and location was sent Monday at 5:15 pm. Check your inbox for "Fall Play - tomorrow's audition schedule"
Our fall play is Murder in the Knife Room by Jonathan Rand, a fast, funny spoof of classic whodunits. An investigator interviews a lineup of over-the-top suspects, with each “clue” adding to the comedy. It’s lighthearted, ensemble-friendly, and perfect for students trying theater for the first time.
Auditions will be held after school on Wednesday 8/20.
No prior experience required and perfect for kids who love comedy, quirky characters and solving a mystery together on stage.
Play Calendar: see the complete rehearsal and performance schedule here
Tech Crew interest: read more about tech crew here. More info in September.
Auditions are on Wednesday, August 20th from 3 to 6 pm. Optional callback auditions are the next day, 2 to 4 pm.
Auditions are a necessary part of the theater process. They give the directors an opportunity to meet and become acquainted with actors in order to cast the show and assign roles. We are aware that for some this may be the first audition experience, and we are committed to making this a comfortable, affirming experience for everyone, whether cast or not. So the main thing to remember is, the Director is on YOUR side! He WANTS you to be successful because then he's successful too!
Select and memorize a one-minute monologue. Use the information and links below to pick your mologue.
During the audition, you will deliver your one-minute monologue from memory and then share any other talent for up to one minute (for example, telling a joke, telling a quick story, acting out a character, juggling, playing an instrument, etc.)
Monologues are usually drawn from scripts. Many characters may be part of the scene that you are using, but you (the person auditioning) are the only one in that scene talking at the moment. Your chosen monologue should not be from the production you are auditioning for, and so it may represent a rare moment in acting when you supply your own direction. Monologues have certain characteristics and rules of thumb that make them suitable for use:
A monologue should have a beginning, middle and end, and that may require joining dialogue that has been separated by the dialogue of other characters or even stage direction. The idea is to come up with a short, stand-alone playlet.
Good monologues happen when a character speaks directly to another character. Monologues in which the actor speaks to the audience can also be used, but there is a danger that the piece might appear to be a stand-up comedy routine or sermon, which might not translate into a test of acting capability.
Just like in a regular length production, understand the given circumstances of what you will be performing. What is the character’s goal within this playlet? What year, what country, what level of society does the character occupy? The given circumstances of the play can help determine the state of mind of the character during monologue performance.
You can find monologues online, in monologue books, or from books, plays or movies. Look for one that has similar character traits or emotions to the characters you are interested in playing.
For your audition you will do a one-minute monologue. You may pick any source you like but, if you're stuck, the Director suggests something from one of these sources:
Clue
The Play that Goes Wrong
Deathtrap
Arsenic and Old Lace
The Mousetrap
Murder on the Orient Express
Noises Off
Here's a selection of monologues from SCCT that you may find helpful.
The best way to combat nerves is to be prepared! Memorize and practice your audition material. When you feel prepared, you’ll also feel confident!
Here's a video with some helpful audition tips.
Arrive 5 to 10 minutes prior to your audition appointment. It is best to warm-up vocally and physically prior to your audition.
Upon arrival, locate and check in. Do your best to listen carefully and follow any directions given.
It’s natural to get a little nervous, especially as you’re waiting for your turn to audition. Use positive “self-talk” and tell yourself “I LOVE to audition – I can’t WAIT to get in there and sing my song!” It sounds silly, but it can really work.
When it’s your turn to audition, enter the room. It will be you and the directors. Smile! Be personable! Show that you will be an enjoyable person to work with.
Introduce yourself in a strong, clear voice and make eye contact. Introduce and then deliver your monologue.
A successful audition in no way depends upon perfection! It is highly probably, perhaps a certainty that things may not go exactly as you planned in your audition. Welcome to the excitement of “live performance.” Creativity is about being “in the moment” and discovering new things, so try to use whatever happens in your audition to your advantage and remember “it’s not a mistake unless you allow it to be!” There is no need to apologize or make excuses for anything that happens in your audition.
Accept direction. Often, directors ask actors to do things in an audition, like speak or act in a different way, etc. If this happens in your audition, it doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. Directors often use this technique to test an actor’s flexibility and willingness to accept direction. It‘s often a sign of interest and should be viewed as a complement. Try whatever the director asks of you and have fun with it.
After your audition is over, pat yourself on the back and feel great about yourself. Casting decisions are often influenced by things we have no control over. If for some reason you are not cast in this show, don’t give up or feel discouraged. Keep auditioning and your opportunity to shine on stage will soon come.
You may or may not be called back for a second audition. If you are, that's certainly good news. But if you aren't, that's not necessarily bad news at all - it's possible you did great, and the Director simply doesn't need to see you again.
Try to learn something new from each audition and continue to perform every chance you can get – in school, in drama classes. Go to see quality, professional theatre performances. One of the best ways to grow is to watch talented professionals at work.
If we missed the mark and didn't answer your question, or if you have a comment or request, please email producers@nsaplay.org or use our Contact Us form: