Following a violent supernatural outburst that destroyed their furniture, George, Mitchell, and Annie argue over the impending arrival of their landlord, who is also Annie's former fiancé. While Annie is desperate for news of her old life, George fears that her presence as a ghost will expose their secrets and endanger their domestic stability.
GEORGE: My God. What did it do?
MITCHELL: We’ve salvaged what we can. But there’s about 10 bin bags of crap and wreckage stashed in my bedroom. I’m sensing a trip to Ikea. And you know my feelings about that.
GEORGE: Look, why don’t you two go out. Leave the rest to me. It’s the least I can do.
ANNIE: Owen rang.
GEORGE: Owen who?
Format: Scene · Genre: Supernatural Comedy-Drama · Source: Being Human · Author: Toby Whithouse · Characters: George, Mitchell, Annie
This engaging group scene, "The Ex-Fiancée and the Werewolf," plunges three supernatural roommates into a chaotic morning after a destructive incident. The immediate tension stems from the impending arrival of their landlord, who also happens to be Annie's former fiancé. The setup creates a rich environment for exploring themes of secret identities, domestic friction, and the comedic clash between the mundane and the extraordinary, offering actors diverse emotional beats to explore.
George, a werewolf, grapples with anxiety and a desperate need to maintain their fragile domestic normalcy, fearing exposure of his secret and Annie's ghostly presence. His energy is likely grounded in a mix of panic and an underlying protectiveness. Mitchell, a vampire, presents as more outwardly exasperated and sardonic, providing a dry, witty counterpoint to the unfolding chaos. Annie, a ghost, yearns for connection to her past life and her former fiancé, embodying a blend of excitement, vulnerability, and a mischievous, slightly manipulative streak that drives much of the scene's dynamic.
This scene is a fantastic choice for auditions because it clearly showcases an actor's ability to navigate both comedic timing and underlying dramatic tension within a contemporary setting. The quick-fire dialogue and distinct character motivations allow each actor to demonstrate specific choices and strong relational dynamics. It provides ample opportunity to display reactive acting, a crucial skill for screen auditions, and the supernatural elements layered into a domestic conflict make it memorable and unique.
This scene is particularly well-suited for actors in their 20s-30s aiming for roles in comedy-drama, especially those with a supernatural or quirky edge. It allows actors to portray a range of casting types, from the Everyman (George's relatable panic) to the Anti-Hero (Mitchell's sardonic wit) and the Ingenue/Outsider (Annie's innocent-yet-manipulative ghost). The British humor and domestic squabbling provide an excellent platform for actors proficient in that style, making it ideal for agent showcases and self-tapes where demonstrating a unique voice is key.
When performing this scene, lean into the distinct energies of each character. For George, channel his palpable anxiety and the weight of their secrets, letting his body language reflect his dread. For Mitchell, embrace the dry wit and the weariness of being the "straight man" to supernatural antics, using subtle facial expressions and a grounded delivery. Annie should embody a blend of excitement and a slightly ethereal quality, making sure her longing for her past is clear but also embracing her mischievous side, particularly when she manipulates the situation. Remember that despite the supernatural elements, the core conflict is rooted in human-like domestic annoyances and anxieties.