Centenary Stage Company, a professional not-for-profit theater company located on the campus of Centenary University in Hackettstown, NJ, will be holding an Equity Principal Audition (EPA) for its upcoming production of Dial M for Murder, adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher from the play by Frederick Knott. Auditions will take place on Thursday, January 15th, 2026 from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, with a lunch break from 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM.

The production will be presented under an Independent Theatre Contract (ITC) with a weekly minimum salary of $384. Centenary Stage Company is seeking Equity actors for all roles listed in the character breakdown below.

To schedule an audition appointment, please call the Centenary Stage Company box office at (908) 979-0900. Walk-ins will be seen as time permits; advance reservations are strongly encouraged. Auditions will be held in the Kutz Black Box Theater at the Lackland Performing Arts Center, located at 715 Grand Avenue, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. Holding areas will be in the Lackland Center and Sitnik Theatre.

Auditioners should prepare a monologue appropriate to the style and material of the play, or may be asked to read from sides provided on the day of auditions. Sides will also be made available online at centenarystageco.org. Please bring a recent headshot and resume stapled together.

Dial M for Murder will be directed by Carl Wallnau. Rehearsals begin February 3rd, 2026, performances open February 20th, 2026, and the production runs through March 8th, 2026.

Synopsis:
A new version of the celebrated murder mystery that inspired Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece. Tony Wendice is convinced that his wife Margot has been cheating on him. Though the affair appears to be over, Tony’s jealousy drives him to spin a web of deception that tightens around everyone involved, leading to danger, recrimination, and murder.

Character Breakdown

MARGOT WENDICE – Female, late 20s–40s, English. Wife to Tony and former lover of Maxine. Victim of an attempted murder. This role requires fight choreography. Margot and Maxine share a kiss. (Portrayed by Grace Kelly in the iconic film.)

MAXINE HADLEY – Female, 30s–40s, American. Successful author and Margot’s former lover. Shares a kiss with Margot.

TONY WENDICE – Male, late 20s–40s, English. Margot’s husband. Former schoolmate of Lesgate. Calculating and charming.

LESGATE – Male, 30s–40s, English. Former schoolmate of Tony. Must have the physical ability to die onstage (flexibility required). Role includes fight choreography.

INSPECTOR HUBBARD – Male or Female, English. Strong physical presence and authority of a police inspector.

Centenary Stage Company is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the performing arts. We welcome performers of all ethnicities, races, gender identities, ages, and backgrounds, as well as performers with disabilities, to audition. We encourage all artists to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the work.

For more information, visit centenarystageco.org or call the Centenary Stage Company box office at (908) 979-0900. The box office is open Monday through Friday from 1:00–5:00 PM and two hours prior to performances. The box office is located in the Lackland Performing Arts Center on the campus of Centenary University at 715 Grand Avenue, Hackettstown, NJ. Centenary Stage Company can also be found on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, follow for the latest CSC news and special offers.

The 2025–26 Season of Performing Arts events at Centenary Stage Company is made possible through the generous support of the NJ State Council on the Arts, the Shubert Foundation, the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, the Sandra Kupperman Foundation, the John and Margaret Post Foundation, the New Jersey Theatre Alliance, CSC corporate sponsors including Heath Village, Riverwalk Village at The House of the Good Shepherd, Visions Federal Credit Union, Explore Warren, as well as Centenary Stage Company members and supporters.