Dr. Frankenstein – by Selma Dimitrijevic, based on the novel by Mary Shelly

The production will be directed by Damian von Below and Myriam Schleiss.

Dr. Frankenstein by Selma Dimitrijevic is a bold, psychologically rich reimagining of Mary Shelley’s classic novel. In this adaptation, Dr. Victoria Frankenstein—a brilliant woman working in a field dominated by men—defies both scientific boundaries and societal expectations in her obsessive quest to master life and death.

This haunting, intelligent drama explores the emotional cost of ambition, the consequences of isolation, and the deep human need for connection. With a sharp focus on gender, grief, and responsibility, Dimitrijevic’s version breathes new life into a familiar tale—placing the monster not only in the lab, but within the heart of its creator.

Auditions will be held at St. Ursula’s Church, Jubiläumsplatz 2 in Bern on:

• Tuesday, July 8th, 18:00 – 21:00
• Thursday, July 10th, 18:00 – 21:00
• Saturday, July 12th, 10:00 – 13:00

If you are not available on these audition dates, you can note this on the sign up form below and the directors will get in touch with you to try and arrange a separate audition.

Please read carefully the AUDITION INFORMATION below before signing up.

We are looking forward to your audition!

AUDITION INFORMATION

Preparation for the Audition

• prepare a short monologue from the play. You may choose any section of your liking. Please write to upstage_director@upstage.ch to receive a copy of the play script.
• Any other monologues you may have prepared are welcome!
• Please learn the monologues by heart beforehand so you don’t have to be focused on reading during the audition

Dates and Availability

Rehearsals: rehearsals will begin in August and be held twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings (18:30/19:00 – 21:00). There will be some weekend rehearsals towards the end of the rehearsal period.

The detailed rehearsal schedule will be created after the casting and you will be expected to attend all the rehearsals for your role.

Production Dates: you must be available for the move-in, dress rehearsals and production dates:

• Theatre move-in, tech rehearsal, first rehearsals in the theatre (exact dates still to be set): Saturday, Nov 15 – Thursday, Nov 20, 2025
• Dress rehearsal with school attendance: Friday, Nov 21, 2025
• Production run 1st week: Saturday, Nov 22 – Sunday, Nov 23, 2025
• Production run 2nd week: Thursday, Nov 27 – Sunday, Nov 30, 2025
• Production run 3rd week: Thursday, Dec 4 – Sunday, Dec 7, 2025

Characters and Roles

Dr. Victoria Frankenstein (female, 20s-30s)
An ambitious and brilliant scientist. Emotionally restrained and driven by grief, Victoria is determined to conquer death. Her desire to control life’s forces leads to devastating consequences.

The Creature (any gender, 20s+)
Brought to life by Victoria, the Creature is articulate, curious, and emotionally raw. Capable of both tenderness and violence.

Elizabeth Lavenza Frankenstein (female, 20s-30s)
Adoptive sister of Victoria. Compassionate and emotionally intelligent, Elizabeth offers warmth and humanity in contrast to Victoria’s detachment.

Henry Clerval (male, 20s–30s)
Victoria’s loyal friend since childhood. Idealistic, warm, and rational, he represents the conscience Victoria increasingly ignores.

Justine Moritz (female, 20s+)
A devoted servant in the Frankenstein household, caught in the fallout of Victoria’s choices.

Alphonse Frankenstein (male, 40s+)
Victoria’s father. Traditional, loving but emotionally distant. Represents the weight of family legacy and societal expectation.

Mary (female, 20s+)
The maid of family Frankenstein, supportive and well mannered, rather quiet and discrete.