Sense and Sensibility AUDITIONS

Sense and Sensibility

by Kate Hamill

Based on the novel by Jane Austen

Directed by Kathleen Vaught

A lively adaptation by Kate Hamill of Jane Austen’s first novel follows the Dashwood sisters—sensible Elinor and emotionally sensitive Marianne—after their father’s sudden death. Set in gossipy late 18th-century, the play is full of humor, emotional depth, and bold theatricality. The play focuses on the sisters’ contrasting approaches to love and marriage while offering us all an opportunity to examine our reactions, both reasonable and ridiculous, to societal pressures not too dissimilar to today’s all-knowing digital stratosphere. This play is fast-paced and fun while keeping the heartfelt moments real and relatable.

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script and a group theatrical exercise.

Audition dates – Sat., May 3 from 2 – 5 p.m. and Sun., May 4 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. (Callbacks as necessary and by invitation on Monday, May 5). Please be familiar with the script prior to auditioning and come ready to interact with your fellow auditioners.

Location: Allen Contemporary Theatre, 1210 E Main St #300, Allen, TX 75002.

We are seeking a diverse, inclusive and collaborative ensemble of between 10-14 actors. The roles of Elinor and Marianne will not be double cast. All other actors may play multiple roles that defy age, gender and physicality. Everyone will be onstage for the entire production, and we will openly share our theatrical craft with our audiences. Musicality and movement skills are desired, but not required.

All actors, production team and crew members will be required to adhere to guidelines and protocols to create a safe, effective performance environment.

Rehearsal schedule overview – Sundays through Thursdays, from 7-10;

July 6 – until opening August 15
NO Conflicts accepted during tech week – Sun., Aug. 10 – Thu., Aug. 14;
Show runs Aug. 15 – 31 (Fridays/Saturdays at 8 and Sundays at 3) with possible pick-up or additional shows added Thu., Aug. 21 and 28. Please keep these additional dates clear or provide possible conflicts.

Single-cast characters:

ELINOR DASHWOOD - The eldest of the Dashwood sisters, she is intelligent, sensible, practical, kind, and, above all, reserved and self-contained. Her head rules her heart, and she is the “sense” of the title. (includes a stage kiss)

MARIANNE DASHWOOD - The middle Dashwood sister, she is emotional, romantic, effusive and sensitive. Very intelligent, and attracted to all aspects of the arts, she reads the Romantic poets, loves Shakespeare, and plays the piano. Her emotions rule her entire being, and she is the “sensibility” of the title.

Multi-cast characters:

MARGARET DASHWOOD - The youngest Dashwood sister, she is affectionate, honest and fun loving. She is very much like Marianne in her romantic notions and high emotions, and is an enthusiastic and very likable girl.

EDWARD FERRARS - Fanny Dashwood’s brother and John’s brother-in-law. He is a bachelor and a gentleman. Shy, bumbling, and honorable - he is honest and loyal, and always does what he thinks is right. He is in love with Elinor. (includes a stage kiss)

JOHN WILLOUGHBY - A handsome bachelor who is attractive, graceful, and cultured who ultimately favors money over love. He falls in love with Marianne, but does not consider her reputation in light of his other relationships.

COLONEL BRANDON - A retired military officer and a friend of Sir John Middleton. He is quiet, dependable and caring. He falls in love with Marianne and always acts honorably and generously, even when Marianne ignores him.

MRS. DASHWOOD - The widowed mother of the Dashwood sisters, she is a proud, kind, and loving woman who wants the best for her daughters.

MRS. JENNINGS - The widowed mother of Lady Middleton, she is a robust, cheery, and boisterous busybody who is constantly occupied with the social obligations of her class.

MRS. FANNY DASHWOOD - The wife of John Dashwood and sister of Edward and Robert Ferrars, she is a most unpleasant woman. Cold, selfish and inconsiderate, money and status are her main concerns.

JOHN DASHWOOD - The son of Mr. Henry Dashwood from his first marriage. He promised his father he would care for his stepmother and stepsisters, but is easily persuaded to give them nothing by his wife. He always sides with his wife, even when her actions hurt others.

LUCY STEELE - The younger of the two Steele sisters, she is willful and manipulative and can, beneath her overly polite manners, be quite cruel.

ANNE STEELE - Lucy’s older sister, she is jealous, silly and giddy, she frequently fails to behave with tact and manners.

SIR JOHN MIDDLETON - The owner of Barton Park and husband to Lady Middleton. He is pleasant and friendly, and does all he can to make the Dashwoods feel at home.

LADY MIDDLETON - The well-bred and somewhat bored wife of Sir John Middleton and the daughter of Mrs. Jennings.

ROBERT FERRARS - Edward and Fanny’s youngest brother, he is a silly, superficial, and entitled. This is a small role, appearing in only one scene.

THE GOSSIPS - A group of actors who represent British society in the world of Jane Austen. They are on stage throughout the entire play, like a 19th Century Greek Chorus, commenting on the action, eavesdropping on scenes, moving the plot forward, changing the sets/scenery and interacting directly with other characters at various times in the play. Each Gossip is multi-cast with other roles while still having the opportunity to develop a unique characterization and identity for their individual “Gossip.”