The Last Seance of Harry Houdini
by Bottle Alley Theatre Company

Aug. 11 - Aug. 12

Edward Saint and Bess Houdini have gathered their peers, friends, and enemies in the Knickerbocker Hotel to conduct the 10th and final seance to conjure the spirit of Harry Houdini. Centered around the historical event, The Last Séance of Harry Houdini explores themes of love, fame, and grief and the ways each of these can change us. Attendees include members of the spiritualist community, Hollywood, and the literary world. The night unfolds with drinks, mingling, ghosts, and the consequences of disturbing a man’s final rest.

 

[image: Harry Houdini, 1907, via Wikipedia]

THE LAST SEANCE OF HARRY HOUDINI by Bottle Alley Theatre Company


AUGUST 11 & 12, 2025 in-person audition slots from 7 - 10pm.

Video submissions accepted, due by MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2025 @ 11:59pm 

Callbacks on WEDNESDAY AUGUST 13.

Open for actors interested in playing any character, flexible with ages, and all gender expressions are welcome. Please indicate on your audition form who you are interested in playing. 

CASTING FOR

  • Beatrice (Bess) Houdini – Late wife of Harry Houdini. Lived a long life with Harry, always appreciated a good show, but demanded truth and earnestness. This seance is closing a big chapter in her life no matter what happens (40s-60s). 

  • Edward Saint – Business partner of Bess, showman, host of the evening. Determined for the event to be a success by whatever means necessary (30s-50s).

  • Abel Green – Eccentric Editor-in-chief of Variety and a rising star in his field. Intrigued by the entertainment of the evening (20s-30s).

  • Rose Wilder Lane – Free-lance Journalist and Biographer, politically motivated, and wants to capture the real story (30s-40s). 

  • Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the author and spiritualist, who believed in the supernatural, and feels a deep personal connection to it. (60s-70s). 

  • Margery Crandon, a medium and enemy of Houdini, desiring fame and for her name to be restored (30s-40s).

  • Walter B Gibson, a magician and writer, Harry Houdini’s protege (20s-30s).

  • Mae West, Successful Hollywood actress, writer, spiritualist, old friend of the Houdini’s, and a fearless woman of her time (30s).

Director’s Note:

It is 1936 in Hollywood and the audience is immersed with the actors. This show will involve direct interaction with audience members as well as specific scenes. A mix of playing out scenes and also acknowledgement of the audience. We are taking the audience on the journey with us, through the hopes, realities, and twists that come along with an emotional, public, and unpredictable event such as this one. 

The rehearsal process is going to involve devising moments as well as research into the characters so that audience interaction comes easier. Script is subject to change in the room with the actors involved. 

Rehearsals will take place August 31st through October 16th. We will try to accommodate conflicts where possible, within reason.

Tech will be October 18 - 21. Performances will be Wednesdays - Sundays for two weeks, October 22 - 26 and October 29 - Nov 2. These dates are required and we cannot accommodate conflicts.

Compensation:
All roles are paid a $200 minimum stipend or a profit share, whichever is larger, depending on final ticket sales.

Audition Details:
For auditions, please prepare a 1 to 2 minute monologue of your choice. Callbacks will consist of sides from the play that we will provide ahead of time.

Auditions will take place at Space ATX (7915 Menchaca Rd #16) in Room 25 between 7:00 pm and 10:00pm on Monday, August 11th and Tuesday, August 12th. Callbacks will be in the same room from 7:00 pm–10:00 pm on Wednesday, August 13th. We will notify actors regarding callbacks after 10 pm on August 12th.

The audition space is wheelchair accessible. If you have any access needs, please let us know.

TO AUDITION:
1. Fill out this form — please feel free to include your pronouns.
2. Choose a time slot here.
3. Email your headshot and resume to bottlealleytheatrecompany@gmail.com.