A tale where reality and fiction collide.
Jane Austen pits her wit and will against her greatest adversary and ally - Elizabeth Bennet. Heady with her first taste of love, Jane aged 20 creates Elizabeth with Mr Darcy taking on the role of her arch enemy and reluctant admirer. But when her actual romance sours, she sentences Elizabeth to marry the odious Mr Collins and herself to an equally disastrous marriage. The fates of the author, the novel and its heroine are at stake. Elizabeth Bennet must take action.
Lizzy, Darcy & Jane explores the lives of familiar characters, and a favourite author—but who is in control? Come with us through the twists and turns as life imitates art, imitating life.
An Amateur Production By Arrangement with ORIGIN (TM) Theatrical, on behalf of Samuel French Inc. - A Concord Theatricals Company
What we’re looking for
With the exception of Jane and Elizabeth, it is likely actors will be playing multiple roles. We’re looking for actors who can create and shift between distinct characters. Some
physical comedy ability will be required, particularly for the role of Mr Collins. If actors assume multiple roles, they will often shift between roles while on stage.
Ages are an indication only. The audition panel will be looking for actors who effectively embody the characters rather than casting according to age.
Characters in the play include real figures from Jane Austen’s life and fictional characters from Pride and Prejudice. The fictional characters can see and hear the real characters but the real characters (except for Cassandra at the end of Act II) can’t see or hear the fictional characters. Only Jane interacts with both.
For the audition
Please prepare one scene for the character you are auditioning for and be ready to read the second scene. You may also be asked to read additional scenes.
Scripts are available from Canberra REP Theatre Wed-Fri 10am – 4pm. Closed on public holidays. There is a $5 cash deposit for scripts – refundable on return at the auditions. Card payments are unavailable.
Jane
1. pp 9 – 10, from “Miss Austen, I must inform you…” to “- a lock of her hair.”
2. pp 41 – 42, from “Give me back the scissors, Lizzy…” to “Or will you describe the visits…”
Elizabeth
1. pp 21 – 22, from “Let frankness be the order of the day…” to “Jane, you will regret this”
2. pp 41 – 42, from “Give me back the scissors, Lizzy…” to “Or will you describe the visits…”
Harris – Mr Collins – Bingley
1. p 8, from “I shall marry you when I am 21…” to “…you will always know where to find them.”
2. p 50, from “I see no reason for delay…” to “Miss Austen must excuse me.”
Darcy – Tom
1. pp 9 – 10, from “Miss Austen, I must inform you…” to “- a lock of her hair.”
2. pp 21 – 22, from “In vain have I struggled...” to “…last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed upon to marry.”
Lady Catherine – Madame Lefroy – Alethea
1. p 46, from “I am shocked and astonished by what I have just heard…” to “How will you bring yourself to proceed with your marriage?”
2. pp 34 – 35 “I bid two chips for your queen of spades.” to “The ideas that pop into Jane’s head.”
Mrs Austen – Cassandra
1. pp 16 – 17, from “Five o’clock is far too early for dinner…” to “Affectionately yours”
2. p 51, from “Jane!...” to “But I would have you do anything rather than marry without affection.”
AUDITIONS WILL BE HELD OVER ZOOM BY APPOINTMENT
We are dedicated to telling stories that reflect and engage with the community they come from. In line with this, we highly encourage actors from diverse backgrounds, BIPOC creatives, linguistically diverse creatives, members of the LGBTQ+ community and members of the Disabled community to audition.
You will receive an email confirming all your audition details once you have applied. If you have any questions, concerns, or simply want to tell us how much you love this play, email us at:
canberrarep.ldjauditions@gmail.com
Thank you so much for deciding to audition, and good luck!
Alexandra and the REP team