Auditions: Emma
Department:
Auditions
Step into the world of Jane Austen with Kate Hamill’s fresh, fast-paced adaptation of Emma.
Emma
By Jane Austen
Adapted for the stage by Kate Hamill
Director: Mary Fox
GENERAL AUDITION INFORMATION
Auditions will be held in person at the NorShor Theatre Rehearsal Studios located at 211 E. Superior St. Duluth, MN 55802. Please enter through the “Lights on Duluth” door located next to the Box Office.
AUDITION DETAILS
- Auditions will be held September 27th
- Auditions begin at 4 pm - Actors must click HERE to sign up for a 5 minute audition time slot. This timeframe will be expanded if all available slots fill up.
- Actors must fill out the audition form HERE.
- Actors will be asked to read one of the preselected monologues found HERE.
- Paper copies will be provided at the audition.
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU
- Headshot: or an up-to-date picture of yourself
- Resume: listing recent performance credits
VIDEO SUBMISSION
- If you cannot attend auditions, please send in a video submission to auditions@duluthplayhouse.org no later than Sunday, September 27th.
- Video submissions must include:
- Some examples of how to share video submissions:
- Upload your video to Google Drive or Dropbox. Create a shareable link, copy and paste it to your email message.
- Create a YouTube video with a viewable link
- There are other ways to also share videos, these are just some examples
CALLBACK DETAILS
- Callbacks will be held on Monday, September 28th beginning at 6 pm. Actors who are called back will receive an email sometime after auditions on September 27th.
- Callbacks will consist of reading sides from the script.
ABOUT EMMA
Kate Hamill’s Emma follows headstrong matchmaker Emma Woodhouse who is clever, educated, and energetic… and in imminent danger of going mad with idleness. In a time when respectable ladies are expected to sit quietly at home, she desperately needs projects—and prides herself on matchmaking, much to the chagrin of her friend Mr. Knightley. But where Emma’s considerable energies focus, screwball comedy follows. A fresh, feminist take on a treasured classic, this adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma breaks down convention, expectation, and even the fourth wall with comic flair, leading audiences “forward, onward, and upward!”
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
Most characters will be doubled with the exception of Emma, Knightly, and Harriet. We are looking to cast 8-10 actors.
Female Presenting Roles
EMMA — Late 20s-30s. Almost unbelievably charming; a natural comedienne. Bouncily flirty; possesses more power of manipulation than even she understands; has a certain sunny, charming self-regard — it’s what allows her to get away with so much.
HARRIET SMITH — 20s. A deeply likable girl from the lower classes, who’s been given a basic education. A sweet, naturally affectionate human being, but not the brightest flame in the stove.
MRS. WESTON — Mid 30s-late 40s. Emma’s former governess. A very smart woman with a good sense of humor; very perceptive and grounded. Not afraid to tell it like it is.
MISS BATES — 40s+. Headmistress of a struggling school for girls. An incredibly good-natured, if motor-mouthed and daft, woman.
JANE FAIRFAX — 20s-30s. You know that girl who always seems to do everything right? Jane is that girl. An overachiever. Very composed. Very beautiful. Very discreet. Very accomplished. Very smart.
MRS. ELTON — 20-30s. Not bright. What’s more, she has a laugh that’s the auditory equivalent of nails being torn out of your fingers. Is delighted by everything. Her libido is…. quite active.
Male Presenting Roles
MR. KNIGHTLEY — 30s-40s. A handsome man; a super charming man; an upright fellow. He’s also a bit of a rule-follower; maybe sometimes a bit of a stick in the mud.
MR. WOODHOUSE — 60s+. An over-anxious, melancholy hypochondriac, but people humor him, as he’s a nice man under it all. Obsessed with the healing powers of gruel.
MR. ELTON — Any age. A clergyman who sometimes gets the wrong idea. ADORES poetry. A born social climber. Fancies himself a great romantic.
FRANK CHURCHILL — 20s-30s. An incredibly charming, handsome, mischievous flirt of a man—the kind of man who gets away with almost everything, because he’s so irresistible. Not a bad guy, really; just a bit too likable for his own good. Ladies love him.
Duluth Playhouse is committed to inclusive, color-conscious casting. Actors of all ethnicities, gender identities, and abilities are encouraged to audition. All roles will be open to all actors, regardless of gender identity or expression, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, age, or ability.
REHEARSAL INFORMATION
Rehearsal Dates & Times:
Dec 7, 2026 - Jan 12 , 2027
Rehearsals are currently scheduled
Mon-Fri from 6 pm -0 10 pm.
No rehearsal from December 24 - January 3
Final schedule and times may vary.
Tech Rehearsals:
Jan 13 - Jan 22, 2027
Tech Rehearsals are currently scheduled
Mon-Fri from 5:30 pm–11:00 pm with Cue to Cue tech rehearsal on Jan 16.
Final schedule and times may vary.
Where:
NorShor Theatre and Rehearsal Studios
211 E. Superior St. Duluth, MN 55802
PERFORMANCE DATES & TIMES
January 20 at 7:30 p.m. Community Preview
January 21 at 7:30 p.m. Sponsor Night
January 22 at 7:30 p.m. Opening Night
January 23 at 7:30 p.m.
January 24 at 2 p.m.
January 27 at 7:30 p.m. (Potential additional performance)
January 28 at 7:30 p.m.
January 29 at 7:30 p.m.
January 30 at 2 p.m. (Potential additional performance)
January 30 at 7:30 p.m.
January 31 at 2 p.m.
Questions?
Additional questions should be directed to auditions@duluthplayhouse.org