Auditions
Pride & Prejudice
Newnan Theatre Company is excited to announce auditions for Pride & Prejudice based on the book by Jane Austen and adapted for the stage by Craig Jones.
Auditions will be Monday, May 19 and Tuesday, May 20 from 6 – 9 pm, at Newnan Theatre Company, 24 First Avenue in Newnan.
Pride & Prejudice will be directed by Craig Jones and will be the opener for their 2025-2026 Kaleidoscope Season . It will be presented on the main stage August 7-10, 14-17, & 21-24, 2025 (Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows start at 8 PM and Sunday shows start at 3 PM).
Headstrong Elizabeth and proud Darcy can't stand each other! As they become entwined into each other's lives by various family and friend interactions, they slowly come to realize that they're each other's soulmates. But it takes them awhile as they're blocked by many obstacles...including a famous society writer with a poisonous pen for gossip. Will Darcy and Elizabeth be able to confront and confess their own feelings? Laced with Austen's keen eye for wit and people, this version pays tribute to the novel as well as inserting some "Bridgerton"-inspired moment and dances!
Dates: Monday, May 19 & Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Time: 6pm - 9pm
Location: Newnan Theatre Company - 24 First Ave, Newnan, GA 30263
NTC Contact Info: ntcdirector99@gmail.com or 770.683.6282
Audition Process:
Before auditions, be sure to fill out a digital audition form. If you make any mistakes after turning it in/ forgot to add a date or information bit, DO NOT fill out a new form; instead contact the director about your changes via email at craigj1s86@gmail.com
Auditions will consist of four rounds: round one is a brief introduction followed by a height chart. Round two consists of learning a simple dance routine; a majority of the cast will need to learn how to move/ dance for the show. Once that’s done, we’ll take a small break then come back for round three, where the director will split you all of for reading various scenes from the show. We will end the night with round four, which involves a short question and answer period.
Cast List Announcement & Read-Through:
Those that are cast will receive an email on Wednesday afternoon; you have till THURSDAY MORNING AT 10a TO RESPOND BACK IF YOU ACCEPT YOUR ROLE OR NOT. Those that were not cast will receive a separate email. However, we do encourage you to help out with our backstage crew, either working with costumes or props or helping usher a show.
Our first read-through night will consist on Tuesday, the day after Memorial Day.
Characters in the Play and a Brief Description:
The Bennett Family:
MRS. BENNETT- mother to five daughters and self-made matchmaker. Demanding, forward, who will fight to get her way. When her plans go awry, she takes comfort in her imaginary ailments and her “poor nerves”. She is a good mother, but tends to go overboard.
MR. BENNETT –her husband. While at first glance he seems to be irresponsible or not attentive to his family, we learn that he uses dry humor and sarcasm to survive in the household. He is educated, and really does care for the well-fare of his family.
JANE BENNETT- the eldest daughter . A beautiful woman, both on the inside and outside. Optomistic and a hidden hopeless romantic. While talkative to her family, she is shy to outside people….though she doesn’t lack in spirit and wit.
ELIZABETH BENNETT- a modern girl in the Regency Era. Takes after her father, likes to poke fun at her mother and younger sisters. Educated and opinionated, she has a quick temper and proud spirit. Believes she knows everything
MARY BENNETT- the middle child…and a true example of “Middle Child Syndrome”. While smug and pedantic, she is a plain girl with a passion for singing…though she is horrible at it. Must be able to sing horribly comic.
CHATERINE “KITTY” BENNETT- the Second Youngest daughter, and “shadow” to Lydia. She feeds off of Lydia’s energy, and copies her energy and mannerisms. She is prone to giggles or coughs, and inclined to whine or complain when things don’t go her way.
LYDIA BENNETT- the youngest daughter, and Mrs. Bennett’s true favorite. She takes after her mother: silly, selfish, and spoiled. All she cares about are soldiers, parties, and new clothes. Very pretty and a big flirt.
MR. CHARLES BINGLEY- the new neighbor. The “Boy Next Door” type: handsome and smart, with captivating manners and a good heart. He is a golden retriever in human form. Though he does have a problem expressing or standing up for himself among his family and friends.
MISS CAROLINE BINGLEY- Mr. Bingley’s eldest unmarried sister. Though fashionably dressed and has great lady-like manners, it all conceals a large dislike for the middle class people. Proud, conceited, and vain; secretly harbors feelings for Mr. Darcy.
MRS. LOUISA HURST- Mr. Bingley’s other sister, a married but bored woman She is the bookend to Miss Bingley in everything; likes to be mean, but is more of a follower.
MR. FITZWILLIAM DARCY- Mr. Bingley’s best friend. While in appearance he is what every girl dreams about, his manners and tone is cold, stiff, and proud. Though as we know him more, we learn he’s an introvert at heart. Though, with the help of Elizabeth, comes out of his comfort zone to become a true gentleman.
MR. WILLIAM COLLINS- a clergyman, aimed to marry one of the Bennett daughters. While a man of the cloth, he seems to care more about wealth, status, and who’s who. Pompous, materialistic, and pedantic with a “holier than thou” attitude, he talks a lot…but says very little.
CHARLOTTE LUCAS- Elizabeth’s close friend and neighbor. Quiet, sweet, and reasonable; a good “juoror” to hear your side and come up with a verdict. Level-headed, though, and not a big romantic; sees marriage as a way to avoid spinsterhood and her household.
SIR WILLIAM LUCAS- Charlotte’s father. Acts as a master of ceremonies during the first ball.
LADY LUCAS- his wife, and “good friend” to Mrs. Bennett…that is until an unmarried appears than it’s every mother for herself.
GEORGE WICKHAM- a young man who recently joined the military regiment in town. Handsome, smart, witty…who also knows how to wear a redcoat uniform. However, this is all a rogue; in reality, he’s a schemer, liar, and con-artist with a bad reputation for excessive gambling and getting into trouble.
LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH- Darcy’s eccentric aunt, and Mr. Collins’ sponsor. The dowager: superior in manner, opinionated, and exceptionally dressed. Over-bearing and ignorant; thinks she’s the queen herself and expects the same from any person. Will get her opinion across no matter what…even if it’s the last word.
COLONEL FITZWILLIAM- cousin and good friend to Mr. Darcy. Develops a crush on Elizabeth at their time at Rosings Park.
MR. GARDNIER- Mrs. Bennett’s brother, a successful businessman. Kind-hearted and level-headed.
MRS. GARDNIER- Mr. Gardnier’s equally kind-hearted wife. A true “wingman” to Darcy and Elizabeth.
MRS. REYNOLDS- the housekeeper at Pemberly, Darcy’s lavish estate. Trusting and informative, provides a different side of Darcy to Elizabeth.
MR. DENNEY- a soldier in the same regiment as George Wickham. Handsome and friendly
THE AUSTENISTS ENSEMBLE
A WOMAN’S VOICE- that strangely sounds like Lady Whistledown’s
Rehearsal Schedule:
Please list any and all conflicts that will prevent you from attending rehearsals (i.e. Work Schedule, Family Gatherings/ Vacations, etc)
Rehearsals will be at Newnan Theatre Company, three times a week: two days will be reserved for blocking, with Sunday rehearsals for blocking the ball scenes in the morning and choreographing the dances in the afternoon.
A more detailed schedule will be handed out at the time of read-through.
The last two weeks leading to performance is MANDATORY, and we will be practicing up to five days a week.
Please note that rehearsals may be altered by days/ times throughout the rehearsal process, but will given to you in time to make any changes to your work commute.
Questions about the show:
Q: What makes this version of “Pride and Prejudice” different from other versions?
A: This version has no “Darcy emerging from a pond in a wet white shirt” or “Darcy’s infamous hand flex”, this is 100% from the original novel (especially adding moments and characters that most versions omit), with added wit and “Bridgerton” infused music and moments from the “Jane Austen/ Regency” enthusiast director.
Q: How old do you have to be to audition?
A: We are looking for actors, starting at 15-16 and going to up to our older, experienced performers. You must be 15 by the day you audition.
Q: If I don’t feel comfortable doing the dance portion of the audition, is that held against me for my chances of being cast?
A: Of course not! Not all cast members will be dancing in the show; however, if you are interested in the roles of Elizabeth Bennett, Darcy, Lydia, and Kitty you need to have basic dance skills. But I would encourage you to participate as the desired dance you’ll learn is easy, fun, and will give you a chance to meet and connect with other actors.
Q: Will we have time to do a character seminar, like what you did with “Earnest”?
A: Unfortunately, a lot of the rehearsals will be spent on blocking and choreography. However, if you want to schedule a time either before or after rehearsal to sit down and discuss your character, please let me know as soon as possible.
Q: I want to audition, but cannot make the audition dates. Can I still audition, and how
A: Yes! Email the director at craigj1s86@gmail.com for information on how to do a video audition submission.
Q: What are the Austenists?
A: The Austenists act like Stagehands, and are just as important as the other characters. While their main duty will be moving set pieces on and off the stage, they also act as dancing couples (or ballroom guests) for the ball scenes, and other small roles, like servants. Also, each Austenists will be an understudy for two roles; when a character is out for a rehearsal, they will step in for them and take notes…or perform, if in show conditions. It is required that all of the Austenists attend ALL rehearsals and write down the blocking for their assigned roles.
Q: If I am not cast in the show, can I still help out with the show?
A: Indeed! We always need help with building set pieces, collecting props, or making/ alternating costumes. We also need help coming up with social media gimmicks and fun publicity picture opportunities. If you want to help backstage or front of house, please put this on your audition form!
Newnan Theatre Company does not charge production fees of any kind for a performer to take part in any production.
Newnan Theatre Company is a non-profit/non-Equity theatre.
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If you have questions about these auditions or any production please email the ntcdirector99@gmail.com or call (770) 683-6282.