Murder Mystery Casting Call: The Cipher in the Stream

A Murder Mystery, Rooted in Local History

We are thrilled to announce the first major event of our 2026 season: Threepenny’s first-ever interactive mystery fundraiser, "The Cipher in the Stream." We are looking for 6–9 talented local actors and 3-5 crew members to bring this immersive experience to life!

This is an improv-heavy, interactive murder mystery celebrating the unique history of Brookings and the wider Southern Oregon region. The audience will move throughout an entire building-turned-set, questioning our cast of suspects to uncover clues about the killer, the weapon, and the motive.

A portion of the proceeds from this event will directly benefit the Chetco Activity Center (home of our local Meals on Wheels program), which is currently working hard to raise funds to replace their elevator!

Synopsis

The year is 2026, but the secret goes all the way back to 1945.

In the aftermath of the Japanese Fu-Go balloon missions during WWII, a terrifying secret landed somewhere in the forests of the Southern Oregon coast. Decades later, Dr. Gerald Sykes, a local academic, has unearthed a set of coded map fragments and ciphers from the remnants of one of those balloons, revealing the location of a secret coastal intelligence post and the identity of a long-embedded Axis collaborator.

Dr. Sykes was murdered just hours before revealing his findings. Among a nervous mix of locals, rival scientists, and federal agents, one of them is the killer, desperate to suppress the truth.

The Challenge: The Variable Culprit

To offer a fresh experience for all attendees, including repeat visitors, the identity of the killer, their specific weapon, and their motive will all change for each of the 4–6 performances (number to be determined by casting turnout). We are looking for committed, passionate performers who are excited by the challenge of mastering multiple versions of the truth and using their improv skills to navigate the audience's unpredictable questions.

Key Dates  and Actor Benefits

Rehearsals: Begin in the latter half of January 2026 (evenings/weekends). We anticipate meeting 2-3 times per week, with occasional small group sessions and one-on-one coaching/character development work. 

Mandatory Improv Workshop: All cast members will participate in a FREE improv training workshop as part of the rehearsal process. This workshop is required of all participants, regardless of skill level, so that we can ensure every participant receives a standard baseline of training and gets an opportunity to bond and learn from one another early in the rehearsal process. 

Performances: 4–6 performances scheduled for March 20, 21, 27, & 28 2026 (specific performances numbers and times to be announced based on final casting & venue availability)

Key Character Archetypes

We are casting a diverse group of up to 9 suspects with room for additional key figures. The final 6–9 roles will be determined by actor availability and skill set. We are seeking to fill at LEAST six of the following roles:

 * The Insider (Alex): Dr. Sykes’ ambitious but underpaid research assistant.

 * The Military Man (Colonel Thompson): A rigid, retired intelligence officer determined to protect classified secrets. 

 * The Collector (Morrison): A wealthy local antiquities collector obsessed with possession and blackmail.

 * The Academic (Dr. Hayes): A respected local scientist with a decades-old secret to protect.

 * The Loyalist (Taylor/Tyler): The victim's protective, emotional niece or nephew. 

 * The Authority (Davis): The formal State Department liaison sent to take official custody of the cipher.

 * The Local (Cyrus): A gruff logger who first found the balloon scraps and feels entitled to the discovery. 

 * The Caretaker (Steve/Steff): The custodian of the lab, sick of going unnoticed, and in possession of secrets to trade. 

Interested in joining the cast? Fill out our interest form! We’re reviewing applications between now and 11:59pm on Saturday, December 20.

If you have any questions in the meantime, send us a message! You can get in touch here or by emailing contact@threepennytheater.com