AUDITION ANNOUNCEMENT PRIDE & PREJUDICE
The Department of Theatre and Drama invites auditions for the University Theatre production of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
Auditions are open to all students, regardless of major, as well as staff, faculty, and members of UW-Madison communities.
Production info:
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, in a new adaptation for the stage by Aly Renee Amidei and Ann M. Shanahan, UW Theatre and Drama Faculty
Director: Ann M. Shanahan
Description of show: Jane Austen’s beloved novel is brought to life in a new adaptation by Department of Theatre and Drama faculty members Aly Renee Amidei and Ann M. Shanahan. Revolutionary in its time, Austen’s writing defied social prejudices and gender biases, altering the form of the modern novel. Her favorite character, Elizabeth (Lizzy) Bennet carries an unapologetic sense of self that has resonated with generations of readers. Lizzy and her Mr. Darcy grapple with their pride and individual prejudices on a journey toward mutual understanding and love. Filled with Austen’s signature wit, memorable characters, and social critique, Pride & Prejudice reminds us of the rewards of risking authenticity, and of looking past perceived divisions to the love and humanity that binds us all.
Style: Students interested in new work, adaptation of literature for the stage, and devising are especially encouraged to audition. Actors will be a part of developing a world premiere.
Any questions about the adaptation process, please reach out to Ann Shanahan and Aly Amidei together. We would love to hear from you!
Rehearsals will take place M-F evenings 6-10 pm and occasional Saturdays (11 am-5 pm)
Rehearsals begin: Monday, September 23, 2024
Performance dates: November 7-17, 2024
Content advisory – NA
Audition info:
Generals: Friday, September 6 in Vilas 1153, 5-10 pm
Callbacks: Saturday, September 7th 2-7pm
Actors may also prepare one of the following monologues at this link.
A Note on Staged Intimacy: All staged intimate contact will be led in rehearsals by a consultant trained in staging intimacy. All instances of staged intimacy for the characters required of the script are noted with the character description below. Other instances of scripted intimacy (such as kisses to the hand, embraces) are optional and based on actors’ consent, with the intimacy director, director, or in partnership with both, in line with UT guidelines. If actors have questions they will be given an option to indicate this on the audition form.
A Note on Staged Violence: All staged contact will be led in rehearsals by a consultant trained in staging violence. There is no required staged violence in Pride and Prejudice.
A Note on Ensemble Movement/Choreography: All movement will be led in rehearsals by a faculty artist and/or consultant trained in ensemble practices and/or movement. All movement exercises and choreography will be adapted to the abilities and experience-level of members of the ensemble. No experience is necessary, although an interest and investment in collaborative, devised movement and dancing is desired!
Note: the country dances of the Regency period are partnered dances that include hand holding and other limited, non-intimate contact. All actors cast will be included in dances with this. All contact including the dances will be included in the consent-based practices of the room.
Important Note on COVID-19: Please note that with safety considerations related to COVID-19, staging, including movement, intimacy and violence may be curtailed, abstracted, or cut.
The University Theatre adheres to all University policies on COVID-19 concerning events and classes UW COVID information. As such, UT highly recommends practices that align with the current CDC guidelines.
Enrollment Requirement: Student actors cast in this production should register for 1-3 credits of THEATRE 360. Please contact Jahana Azodi, Aly Amidei and/or Ann M. Shanahan with any questions.
Roles open for audition:
An ensemble of 17- 20 actors* will be cast in the following roles. All characters are open to be cast with actors of any race, gender, sexuality, nationality, ability, or other identity.
Double cast characters are indicated with an asterisks (*)
Mr. Bennet: of Longbourn-house, Hertfordshire. A country gentlemen of modest income. Intelligent and a lover of books.
Mrs. Bennet: Nee Gardiner of Meryton with a £5,000 dowry. The mother of the Bennet sisters, concerned with marrying off her daughters.Sister of Edward Gardiner of Gracechurch Street, London and Mrs. Phillips of Meryton.
Miss Jane Bennet: The eldest Bennet sister, admired for her beauty and gentle nature.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet: The second eldest Bennet sister, known for her intelligence and quick wit.Eliza & Lizzy. Marries Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Miss Mary Bennet*: The middle Bennet sister. She often retreats into books, practicing her piano forte, and moral reflections.
Miss Catherine Bennet*: Nickname Kitty. The fourth Bennet sister. Impressionable and often overshadowed by Lydia.
Miss Lydia Bennet: The youngest, carefree, and impulsive sister. A social butterfly. Age15. Marries George Wickham.
Mr. Charles Bingley: of Netherfield Park and London. Age 22. Parents deceased. Inherited £100,000. Brother of Louisa and Caroline. Marries Jane Bennet. A wealthy and sociable gentleman. Good friend of Mr. Darcy.
Mrs. Louisa Hurst*: of Grosvenor street, London. The elder sister of Mr. Bingley. She is married, wealthy, and often aligns with her sister, Caroline, in matters of social status and propriety.
Miss Caroline Bingley*: of Netherfield Park and London. Mr. Bingley’s ambitious and refined younger sister. She is socially conscious, often critical of the Bennet family, and particularly interested in winning Mr. Darcy’s favor.
Sir William Lucas*: The father of Charlotte Lucas, a former tradesman who was knighted and now enjoys social status.
Miss Charlotte Lucas: Elizabeth Bennet’s close friend. She is practical and chooses security in marriage over romantic ideals.
Mrs. Phillips*: The Bennet sisters’ aunt and Mrs. Bennet’s sister. She is a social woman who likes gossip, often entertaining her nieces at her home in Meryton.
Rt. Hon. Lady Catherine de Bourgh*: of Rosings Park. A wealthy noblewoman with strong opinions. Children: Anne. Nephews: Col. Fitzwilliam and Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Miss Anne de Bourgh*: of Rosings Park. The daughter of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Expected by her mother to marry Mr. Darcy. Quiet and of ill-health.
Colonel Fitzwilliam*: Unmarried younger son of an Earl. Nephew of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. A gentleman and officer in the British Army. He is charming, sociable, and has a close relationship with Darcy.
Rev. William Collins*: of Hunsford Parsonage, Kent. A clergyman and the Bennet family’s heir. He seeks Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s favor.
Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Hero. Of Pemberley, Derbyshire and London. Unmarried eldest son and heir with £10,000 a year. Age 28. Nephew of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Brother of Georgina. Cousin of Col. Fitzwilliam.. A wealthy landowner, reserved demeanor. Marries Elizabeth Bennet.
Miss Georgiana Darcy: of Pemberley and London. Age 16. Niece of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Sister of Fitzwilliam. Cousin of Col Fitzwilliam. Mr. Darcy’s younger sister, shy and gentle demeanor. She is talented in music and has a deep affection for her brother, who is protective of her.
Mr. George Wickham: A Lieutenant of the Derbyshire Militia. A militia officer known for his charm. He harbors a hidden agenda and has a contentious past with Mr. Darcy.
Mr. Edward Gardiner*: of Gracechurch street, London. The husband of Mrs. Gardiner and the Bennet sisters’ uncle. He is intelligent, well-mannered, and has a successful career in trade.
Mrs. Gardiner: of Gracechurch street, London. Married to Edward Gardiner. The maternal aunt of the Bennet sisters. She is sensible, kind, and serves as a trusted confidante and advisor to Elizabeth and Jane.
Mr. Denny*: A militia officer stationed in Meryton. He is sociable and friendly, playing a role in introducing George Wickham to the Bennet family.
Additional characters (may be doubled)
Mrs. Annesley: Companion to Miss Darcy
Captain Carter: A militia officer in Meryton, often seen in the company of Mr. Denny.
Mr. Chamberlayne: A militia officer in Meryton, often seen in the company of Mr. Denny.
Dawson: Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s lady’s maid
Mr. Denny: A soldier of the ___shire Militia
Mr. William Goulding: A local gentleman and neighbor of the Bennet family.
Miss. Grantley: An acquaintance of Miss Bingley’s
Mr. Haggerston: Mr. Gardiner’s man of business
Harriet Harrington: An acquaintance of Lydia’s in Brighton
Miss Pen Harrington: An acquaintance of Lydia’s in Brighton
Mrs. Hill: The housekeeper at Longbourn-house
Mrs. Jenkinson: A companion to Anne de Bourgh
Mr. Jones: The apothecary of Meryton
John: A servant of either the Collins’ or Gardiners
Miss Mary King: An heiress with £10,000 that Wickham attempts to woo
Mrs. Long: The Bennet’s neighbor
Lady Metcalfe: An acquaintance of Lady Catherine
Mr. Morris: Land agent in Meryton who shows Netherfield Park to Mr. Bingley
Mrs. Nicholls: The housekeeper at Netherfield Park
Miss Pope: A governess in Lady Metcalf’s family
Mr. Pratt: A soldier of the Derbyshire Militia
Mrs. Reynolds: The housekeeper at Pemberley
Mr. Richard: An employee of Mr. Phillips
Mr. Robinson: An attendee of the Meryton Assembly
Mr. Stone: An employee of Mr. Gardiner
Miss Watson: A resident of Meryton
The Miss Webbs: Acquaintances of Lady Catherine de Bourgh
Mr. Wickham: A former steward to the late Mr. Darcy. Deceased
Mrs. Younge: A former companion of Miss Darcy