OTA sets auditions for Sherlock Holmes staged ‘radio’ productions

The world’s foremost consulting detective is coming to Sequim’s virtual airwaves.

The next series in Olympic Theatre Arts Center’s staged radio play season features classic detective Sherlock Holmes, seen through the ages. With scripts adapted by Steve Rodeman from the original stories, OTA’s newest director, David Bristol, is seeking actors to portray classic roles across several time periods, from early in their career to stories set later when Holmes and assistant Dr. John Watson are semi-retired.

Supporting characters in these stories cross a wide range of ages and backgrounds, OTA representatives said, “so actors can look forward to exploring a diverse range of character development.” Auditioners with diverse cultural backgrounds and dialects are particularly welcome, they said; Bristow is expecting to have a separate cast for each show to broaden participation and opportunities.

Auditions are to be held in person in OTA’s Main Stage and Gathering Hall at 414 N. Sequim Ave. Audition times/dates are 2 p.m. Saturday, March 20, and 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 24.

Auditions will be held in accordance with Washington State’s Phase 2 COVID guidelines for theater and performing arts venues: participants will wear masks at all times, maintain social distancing and follow a maximum occupancy limit of 22 participants in the Gathering Hall where they will initially assemble.

Scripts and audition forms will be provided on site.

Unlike OTA’s previous shows this season — which were video taped and are available on OTA’s website — production organizers hope to perform the Sherlock Holmes stories for a live audience while following active Washington state health guidelines.

Rehearsals will be initially held via Zoom, then move to the stage as needs and restrictions allow.

The cast for the first show in the series will begin rehearsals during the last week of March. Casts for subsequent shows will rehearse thereafter in a staggered fashion to accommodate a steady “roll out” of more shows, OTA representatives said.

Three to six shows are planned in total. Opening dates are to be determined but are being planned for May and June, OTA representatives said.