Open Auditions | Sense and Sensibility

Lafayette Theater Department announces
Open Auditions 

for 

Sense and Sensibility

Adapted from the Jane Austen novel
by Kate Hamill

Directed by Professor Mary Jo Lodge

The production will run from October 23-26, 2025 in Weiss Theater.

From Dramatists Play Service: “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?”

AUDITION DETAILS

Audition in person on Monday, August 25th at 7:00p.m. in the Studio Theater in 248 N. 3rd Street on the Arts Campus (Shuttle service is available) OR
via video submission, due by 9:00p.m. p.m. on Mon., August 25th

For your initial audition, you may audition with either a 1-minute monologue or story (the story is mostly comic) or two 30-second monologues or stories that show off your range as an actor (and your ability to play more than one role). Monologues do not need to be memorized. (The script contains no long speeches, so we do not expect monologues from the show for auditions.) Initial auditions will be EITHER in person or self-recorded video submissions. You do not need to do both.

  • Callbacks will be held on Lafayette’s Arts Campus on the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 26th.
  • All those who audition must complete the Sense and Sensibility audition form. Should you opt to do a video audition, there is a place on the form to submit your video. If you plan to audition in person, you do not need to submit a video audition.
  • If you choose to audition via video, you may use your phone or any recording device to film yourself with audio and video. Be sure to identify yourself in your video.

With questions or for more information, contact Prof. Mary Jo Lodge via e-mail at lodgem@lafayette.edu.
E-mail Theater Department Administrative Coordinator Cindy Notaroberto (notarobc@lafayette.edu) if you wish to get access to the script for the show.

CHARACTERS

This version of Sense and Sensibility will feature 11 actors: 6 women, 4 men and 1 gender open. 9 actors play multiple roles, including as part of a chorus of “gossips”. Elinor and Maryann are the only roles played by actors who do not double. While the characters identify specifically as male and female, actors should audition for the roles that best suit their gender identity. To prepare to audition, actors can read the script, or the original novel, or watch one of the many film adaptations (the 1995 version with Emma Thomspon is excellent) to learn about the story and characters.

Woman 1 – Elinor

Woman 2 – Marianne

Woman 3 – Fanny Dashwood, Lucy or Anne Steele, Lady Middleton, Gossip

Woman 4 – Margaret Dashwood, Mrs. Ferrars, Gossip

Woman 5 – Mrs. Dashwood, Anne or Lucy Steele, Gossip

Man 5 or Woman 6 – Mrs. Jennings, Gossip

Woman 7– Lady Middleton, Gossip

Man 1 – Colonel Brandon, Thomas, Gossip

Man 2 – Edward Ferrars, Robert Ferrars, Gossip

Man 3 – John Middleton, Doctor, Servant, Gossip

Man 4 – John Willoughby, John Dashwood, Gossip