Washington County Theatre Announces Auditions for "The Girl on the Train"

A little more than a week after drawing over 1,000 community members to its summer production of Annie, the Washington County Theatre will dramatically shift gears with auditions for its next show: the gritty, psychological mystery The Girl on the Train.

Auditions will take place Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 2–3, at 6:30 p.m. at the Gary W. Hartsook Hall, located behind Salem Church of the Nazarene off Harrison and Shelby streets. Performances are scheduled for Nov. 7–8 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 9 at 2:30 p.m. at the same venue.

Based on Paula Hawkins’ international bestseller and adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel, the play tells the story of Rachel Watson, a troubled woman whose daily train rides lead her into a web of mystery and danger after a woman she has been observing disappears. As Rachel becomes entangled in the investigation, she finds herself both a witness and a suspect.

The cast includes roles for three men and three women, along with two gender-neutral parts.

Directing the production will be McKenna Hedrick, marking her first time in the director’s chair for Washington County Theatre. Hedrick has previously assisted with children’s theatre productions and brings a background in children's education and entertainment. She will be joined by assistant director Hannah Ingram, who made her own directorial debut in one of the theatre’s one-act play showcases last spring.

Unlike other recent productions, Hedrick says The Girl on the Train will be much more adult-themed. “This play has many content warnings, such as violence, drinking, and language,” Hedrick said. “Actors will be expected to engage in stage kissing and stage fighting. We will work closely with the cast during rehearsals to ensure a safe and comfortable space while engaging in the story and creativity.”

Rehearsals will begin following auditions and continue for about eight weeks leading up to opening night. Most practices are expected to take place on weekday afternoons and evenings to accommodate cast schedules.

Hedrick said she is particularly eager to explore the emotional depth and structure of the production.

“This is the first serious show WCACT has done in a while,” she noted. “I have a passion for drawing out the nuance of characters’ motives and emotions, and I think this will be an excellent show to explore that. I’m also excited about the narrative style, which blends present events with flashbacks from Rachel’s memories. It’s different from anything I’ve seen in the theatre before.”

For more information about auditions or upcoming productions, community members can visit the Washington County Theatre’s Facebook page or attend one of the audition dates.