Auditions for Sense and Sensibility

THE STORY: 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?

Opens: March 8, 2024
Closes: March 17, 2024

Auditions: January 15 & 16, 2024 7 PM At Dayton Playhouse

Auditions will consist of cold readings and improvisation games. All races, genders and abilities are encouraged to audition.

This is not your mother’s Jane Austen. Please come prepared to play. If you have a British accent, bring it with you however, it is not required for auditions. Looking for actors who are willing to have fun, learn, explore, work as part of a true ensemble and maybe get your hands dirty along the way.

All roles are available as follows. For ages given, anyone that can play that age will be considered. Final cast will include 10-12 people. Other than the two main characters, Elinor and Marianne, all actors will likely play multiple roles.

Marianne Dashwood: The middle Dashwood sister; sensitive
Elinor Dashwood: The eldest Dashwood sister; sensible
Margaret Dashwood: The youngest Dashwood sister: 10-13 years old.
Mrs. Dashwood: Mother to the Dashwood sisters
John Dashwood: half brother to the Dashwood sisters (from the father’s side; no blood relation to Mrs. Dashwood)
Edward Ferrars: A gentleman; a bachelor
Fanny (Ferrars) Dashwood: wife to John Dashwood and sister to Edward; Nasty.
Colonel Brandon: an older bachelor; over 45 years old.
John Willoughby: An unusually handsome young man.
Sir John Middleton: A country gentleman; distant relation to Mrs. Dashwood
Mrs. Jennings: A good natured, boisterous woman; mother in law to Sir John and a terror to the countryside.
Lady Middleton: An over-bred lady
Lucy Steele: A young girl from no fortune
Anne Steele: Lucy’s sister; indiscreet
Robert Ferrars: A callow young man; Edward Ferrars’ younger brother.

Also to be doubled with the cast:
Gossips 1-5: A chorus of high society creatures
Servants – including THOMAS
Doctor

Please contact the director, Jenni Cypher, with any questions by email at [email protected] or by text message at 937-430-7820.