TFAA Auditions | The Subway Scare
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TFAA Auditions The Subway Scare
The Subway Scare - TFAA Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre Audition Announcement
AUDITION NOTICE • Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre • PG-13

Get ready to serve up drama, suspense, and a killer performance.

Mind the gap and watch your back! We're kicking off auditions for "The Subway Scare", an interactive, semi-improvised whodunnit set on a NYC subway car—broad comedy, intentionally absurd, and packed with audience participation.

Reserve Your Audition Slot Email: MMDirector@thetfaa.org View Details

Audition Details

Auditions for The Subway Scare are by appointment and may be completed in-person or virtually.

When

Sunday, September 6 at 6:00 PM

  • Auditions by appointment
  • In-person or virtual (your choice)

Where

TFAA Arts Center
156 Jefferson St.
Tiffin, OH

Rehearsal & Performance Schedule

Please confirm your availability for the dates below before reserving your audition slot.

Type Date Time Notes
Auditions Sunday, September 6 6:00 PM By appointment • In-person or virtual
Rehearsal #1 Sunday, September 13 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Blocking + improv structure + audience interaction practice
Rehearsal #2 Sunday, September 20 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Run-through + timing + tech cues
Performances Thursday, September 24 6:00 PM & 9:00 PM Two shows
Performances Friday, September 25 6:00 PM & 9:00 PM Two shows

About the Show

The Subway Scare: An Underground Murder Mystery is a highly interactive, intentionally absurd, semi-improvised whodunnit. The script is a "blueprint for chaos"—actors play heightened characters and pull the audience into the investigation.

Structure (Target 45–55 minutes)

  • Scene I (12 min): Scripted setup, blackout, and the droll death of Arthur Pendleton
  • Scene II (30 min): Improvised investigation + audience interrogation + bag search
  • Scene III (10 min): Audience vote + twist reveal + comedic justice served

Audience Participation (Built In)

  • The Train Jerk: audience sways together when the ensemble yells "Hold on!"
  • The Bag Search: audience examines "evidence items" pulled from suspects' bags
  • Cross-Examination: audience asks questions / shouts accusations in character moments
  • The Jury Vote: show of hands or applause to "choose" the killer (then twist reveal)
Improv-friendly + actor-driven.

Scene II is the playground—Detective Vance acts as the timekeeper and pulls audience "Deputies" onstage to hold a flashlight, take notes, and manage evidence.

Roles & Character Vibes

Looking for bold comedy chops, quick thinking, and comfort with audience interaction. Characters are played with heightened intensity and melodramatic noir energy.

Detective Marcus Vance (40s–50s)

World-weary homicide investigator trapped in a modern, filthy transit line—acts like he's in a 1940s noir.

  • Uses the audience as "deputies" (flashlight, notepad, evidence handling)
  • Dry, cynical humor; strong stage leadership and pacing control

Dr. Alistair Thorne (50s)

Pompous hematologist with a wildly absurd "mad motive" involving mutated subterranean sewer rats.

  • Over-explains nonsense medical jargon with total confidence
  • Big character, fast improv, fearless silliness

Chloe Hastings (20s)

Hyper-caffeinated corporate paralegal on three hours of sleep—treats delays like war crimes.

  • Threatens to sue everyone (including the audience)
  • Absurdly close relationship with her mechanical pencil
  • Note: Narrative resolution pivots to Chloe as the "true culprit" for comedic payoff

Gavin Cross (30s)

Recently fired transit technician obsessed with steel tracks and the third rail.

  • Alibi can go completely off the rails (mole people, subway spirits, interpretive dance, etc.)
  • Great for physical comedy and eccentric monologues

Elena Rostova (30s)

Eccentric street violinist who claims she can "hear" guilt through musical frequencies.

  • Operatic villain energy; can mimic dramatic screeching violin cues if no instrument
  • Feeds the twist reveal with "what she heard" in the blackout

Arthur Pendleton (60s) — The Victim

Wealthy real estate tycoon who hates the public, hates transit, and loves money.

  • Plays death with maximum droll theatricality
  • Remains "dead" in an absurd pose for Scene II (actors work around the body)

What to Prepare

This show rewards performers who can commit hard to a bit, stay in character, and collaborate with the audience.

For Your Audition

  • Be ready for light cold reads and/or guided improv
  • Bring a "big choice" character energy (noir, melodrama, absurdity)
  • Comfortable engaging audience members respectfully and playfully

Performance Style

  • Highly interactive, broad comedy, intentionally absurd
  • Audience participation: deputization, questions, evidence handling, voting
  • Detective Vance keeps time and steers momentum
Questions / accessibility needs?

Email MMDirector@thetfaa.org and we'll help you find the best audition format.

Location & Contact

In-person auditions and rehearsals take place at the TFAA Arts Center.

TFAA Arts Center

156 Jefferson St.
Tiffin, OH

  • Auditions: Sunday 9/6 at 6:00 PM (by appointment)
  • Rehearsals: Sundays 9/13 and 9/20 (2:00–5:00 PM)
  • Performances: 9/24 & 9/25 (6:00 PM & 9:00 PM)

Reserve Your Slot

Use the official auditions page to reserve your appointment time.

Sign Up for Auditions MMDirector@thetfaa.org