Auditions: Sense and Sensibility

ABOUT THE SHOW

A playful new adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel follows the fortunes (and misfortunes) of the Dashwood sisters—sensible Elinor and hypersensitive Marianne—after their father’s sudden death leaves them financially destitute and socially vulnerable. Set in gossipy late 18th-century England, with a fresh female voice, the play is full of humor, emotional depth, and bold theatricality. SENSE AND SENSIBILITY examines our reactions, both reasonable and ridiculous, to societal pressures. When reputation is everything, how do you follow your heart?

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Director: Imani Anderson

Producer: Mary Grace Elliott

Auditions: October 27-28, 2025

Rehearsals: TBD

Tech (Mandatory): Febuary 2-5, 2025

Performances: Febuary 6-15, 2025 (6 performances)

AUDITION INFORMATION

A British accent is required.

Character Descriptions:

The Dashwood Family
Elinor: Late teens - early 20s; serious and sensible; gracious and polite; kind-hearted; cautious
Marianne: Late teens – early 20s; playful and energetic; quick-tempered; polite; sings
Mrs. Dashwood: mid-40s – late 50s; gracious and polite; wise; pleasant; genteel
Margaret: early teens; enthusiastic; polite; age-appropriate behavior; sings
John Dashwood: early 30s – mid-40s; good-natured; desperately in love with Fanny; somewhat clueless
Fanny Ferrars Dashwood: late 20s – mid 40s; mean-spirited, even wicked; spoiled, socially competent
Thomas: a young servant for the Dashwood Family; early to mid-teens; good-natured

The Ferrars Family
Edward: mid-20s – mid- 30s; serious; awkward; likable
Mrs. Ferrars: late 60s; mean-spirited and wicked; socially competent; loud
Robert: mid-20s – early 30s; a twit

Norland Park
Sir John Middleton: mid-40s – mid-50s; a busybody; pleasant; loves a good time
Lady Middleton: mid-40s – mid-50s; overly socially-conscious
Mrs. Jennings: mid-50s – late 60s; a busybody; jovial, but quick to criticize; loud

Also in the county
Colonel Brandon: mid-40s – mid-50s; good-looking; kind-hearted and helpful; smart; much on his mind
Willoughby: mid-20s – early 30s; very handsome; affable, but ultimately a cad

The Steeles
Lucy: late teens – early 20s; socially awkward, but tries; snooty; always wants more
Anne: late teens – early 20s; socially awkward, but tries; snippy; thinks she can sing

At the Palmers’ Residence
The doctor: older man; serious; knowledgeable

The Gossips (five of them)
Various ages, genders, and sizes; somewhat wicked; must be able to lift and move set pieces

Also
Servants
Party Guests
Ball Guests
Miss Grey: a pretty young woman (non-speaking role)
Jane Williams: a nice teenage girl (non-speaking role)

POSSIBLE DOUBLING

Gossip 1 with servant(s)
Gossip 2 with Miss Grey and servant(s)
Gossip 3 with Thomas and a guest at the ball/party
Gossip 4 with servant(s) and a guest at the ball/party
Gossip 5 with Lady Middleton and Mrs. Ferrars, and a guest at the ball/party
John and Fanny Dashwood with guests at the ball (or possibly as themselves at the ball)
Sir John Middleton with servant(s) and guest at the ball/party

AUDITION INFORMATION

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.

Check-ins for registered and walk-in auditioners are accepted at 7:30pm.

Beginners are welcome! Pumphouse Players does not require any previous experience for you to audition for any of our productions.

NOTICE

Pumphouse Players, Inc. is a volunteer-led, non-equity community theatre and does not offer pay or stipends at this time.

QUESTIONS

Contact Producer Mary Grace at marygraceelliott@pumphouseplayers.com