Auditions are closed for this play.
A Murder Mystery
by: William Link & Richard Levinson
Directed by: Jonathan Sturch
Produced by:Dorothy Courtney & Cheryle Tkach
About the Theatre
PowPAC, Poway's Community Theatre is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization fully run by volunteers. PowPAC is a proud member of AACT, ACT-SD, San Diego Performing Arts League, and the Poway Chamber of Commerce. PowPAC welcomes and encourages volunteers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and abilities to be a part of our organization.
Compensation & Union Contract Details
Synopsis of the Play:
In this 1962 hit, Dr. Roy Flemming, a brilliant psychiatrist, and his mistress, Susan Hudson, plot to murder his neurotic, possessive wife, Claire. Their plan involves a complex impersonation to establish an alibi. Lieutenant Columbo, a shrewd but unassuming detective, engages in a battle of wits with Dr. Flemming, ultimately uncovering the truth through his characteristic persistence and insight.
About the Characters: Casting Seven (6) Characters
Dr. ROY FLEMMING
Age: 40-50s
Presenting: Male
Ethnicity: Any
Character: A polished, urbane New York psychiatrist in his forties. Highly civilized, pragmatic, at all times gives the impression of a cold, functioning intelligence.
CLAIRE FLEMMING
Age: 40-50s
Presenting: Female
Ethnicity: Any
Character: A brittle, sardonic product of New York's East Side. She shows the strain of a loveless marriage.
Note: character will be killed on stage with body visible for 10-15 minutes.
SUSAN HUDSON
Age: 20-40s
Presenting: Female
Ethnicity: Any
Character: Young and extremely attractive, with a hint of latent sensuality. She is not particularly complicated, but as the play progresses she shows the burden of increasing tension.
LIEUTENANT COLUMBO
Age: Any
Presenting: Male
Ethnicity: Any
Character: A rumpled police official of indeterminate age. He seems to be bumbling and vague, with an overly apologetic, almost deferential manner. This masks an innate shrewdness, however, a foxy knowledge of human nature. (should find quirks of character without imitating Peter Falk)
DAVE GORDON
Age: late 20s-40
Presenting: Male
Ethnicity: Any
Character: A smooth, boyish lawyer with his eye on a political future. Smaller role (Actor may also play Delivery Boy)
MISS PETRIE
Age: Any
Presenting: Female
Ethnicity: Any
Character: Dr. Flemming's secretary. A pleasant, efficient woman with a genuine liking for people. Smaller role
Prescription Murder
Jan 23rd-Feb 22nd 2026
A Murder Mystery
by: William Link & Richard Levinson
Directed by: Jonathan Sturch
Produced by:Dorothy Courtney & Cheryle Tkach
Audition Notes:
PowPAC welcomes and encourages actors of all ethnicities, gender identities, and abilities to submit for these roles.
- PowPAC Theater is located at 13250 Poway Road, Poway, CA 92064 (Upstairs) – Elevator access in the back of the building.
- General auditions will be held ONLY on Monday, Sept 22nd, 2025 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. (Please arrive early for paperwork and schedule comparison). If you are unable to attend that day, please email the producer at iveli@aolcom or the director at magicdream@aol.com to attend Wednesday.
- Callbacks will be by invitation on Wednesday, Sept 24th , 2025, if required.
- Auditions will consist of readings from the script and other media chosen by the director.
- Please bring a resume of theatrical experience and a recent headshot.
- Appointments are not necessary.
- Watch for updated information on our Auditions Wepage at www.powpac.org and on our Facebook page.
- Watch for updated information on our Auditions webpage at www.powpac.org and on our Facebook page.
About the Theatre
PowPAC, Poway's Community Theatre is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization fully run by volunteers. PowPAC is a proud member of AACT, ACT-SD, San Diego Performing Arts League, and the Poway Chamber of Commerce. PowPAC welcomes and encourages volunteers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and abilities to be a part of our organization.
Compensation & Union Contract Details
- No Pay - Volunteer Organization
- Rehearsals will be 3-4 evenings per week, Sunday through Thursday based on Cast availability.
- Rehearsal Start Time will be based on availability of Cast.
- Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. January 23rd 2026 through February 22nd 2026, with Saturday matinees on Jan 31st and Feb 14th at 2:00 p.m.
Synopsis of the Play:
In this 1962 hit, Dr. Roy Flemming, a brilliant psychiatrist, and his mistress, Susan Hudson, plot to murder his neurotic, possessive wife, Claire. Their plan involves a complex impersonation to establish an alibi. Lieutenant Columbo, a shrewd but unassuming detective, engages in a battle of wits with Dr. Flemming, ultimately uncovering the truth through his characteristic persistence and insight.
About the Characters: Casting Seven (6) Characters
Dr. ROY FLEMMING
Age: 40-50s
Presenting: Male
Ethnicity: Any
Character: A polished, urbane New York psychiatrist in his forties. Highly civilized, pragmatic, at all times gives the impression of a cold, functioning intelligence.
CLAIRE FLEMMING
Age: 40-50s
Presenting: Female
Ethnicity: Any
Character: A brittle, sardonic product of New York's East Side. She shows the strain of a loveless marriage.
Note: character will be killed on stage with body visible for 10-15 minutes.
SUSAN HUDSON
Age: 20-40s
Presenting: Female
Ethnicity: Any
Character: Young and extremely attractive, with a hint of latent sensuality. She is not particularly complicated, but as the play progresses she shows the burden of increasing tension.
LIEUTENANT COLUMBO
Age: Any
Presenting: Male
Ethnicity: Any
Character: A rumpled police official of indeterminate age. He seems to be bumbling and vague, with an overly apologetic, almost deferential manner. This masks an innate shrewdness, however, a foxy knowledge of human nature. (should find quirks of character without imitating Peter Falk)
DAVE GORDON
Age: late 20s-40
Presenting: Male
Ethnicity: Any
Character: A smooth, boyish lawyer with his eye on a political future. Smaller role (Actor may also play Delivery Boy)
MISS PETRIE
Age: Any
Presenting: Female
Ethnicity: Any
Character: Dr. Flemming's secretary. A pleasant, efficient woman with a genuine liking for people. Smaller role
Cast Requirements:
3 Women / 3 Men
Plot Synopsis:
Providing the inspiration for the TV series Columbo, the theatrical predecessor Prescription: Murder tells the story of a brilliant psychiatrist and his mistress who hatch a plot to murder his neurotic, possessive wife. The execution of their plan and the creation of their perfect alibi depends on a bizarre impersonation. Lt. Columbo must engage the psychiatrist in a duel of wits until the doctor succeeds in having Columbo removed from the case...
Copyright © Poway Performing Arts Company MMX
Order Forms:
Box Office
boxoffice@powpac.org
858-679-8085
boxoffice@powpac.org
858-679-8085
PowPAC is a
member of
ACT San Diego.
member of
ACT San Diego.
PowPAC is a Proud Member of:
