Audition Notice
When:
Auditions January 4th, 4-9pm (signup required)
Callbacks January 5th, 5-9pm (required to attend full time)
Where:
Christ Lutheran Church Webster Groves
1 Selma Ave Webster Groves, MO 63119
What to Prepare:
Please prepare a monologue to audition with.
During the audition, you may be asked to read an excerpt from the play
for us as well.
What to Bring:
Headshot
Resume
Completed audition form (we’ll have copies onsite to fill out as well)
About the Play
The Story:
The Characters:
(an ensemble of six women, the actors are intentionally doubled)
BESS
-this role is precast
-Queen Elizabeth I, ageless, charismatic and capricious, she’s the face of the Queen.
KAT/QUEEN ELIZABETH II
-Kat Ashley: 60+, irreverent but wise, she’s the backbone of the Queen. Kat was the Bess’s governess when she was a child, and the closest thing to a mother she knew. Armed with sharp wit and little patience, she is the hilarious and hardened matriarch of the group. The others forgive her vulgar remarks as they’re often paired with painfully honest insight.
-The spirit of Queen Elizabeth II: reflective, snarky, and affectionate.
BLANCHE/QUEEN VICTORIA
-Blanche Parry: 50s, direct if reserved, she’s the mind of the Queen. In charge of scheduling and jewels; Blanche is a natural leader, a brilliant tactician, and knows Bess better than she knows herself. She can be curt and secretive, but is never cold. Missing her home in Wales, she has a strong faith, is both hopeful and realistic, and reads people like a book.
-The spirit of Queen Victoria: stately, wise, a kind giver of sage counsel.
SIDNEY/QUEEN BOUDICA
-Lady Mary Sidney: 30s, fiery yet conflicted, she’s the soul of the Queen. In charge of Bess’s makeup, she proudly hails from Northern England and firmly stands up for their rights. Sidney nursed Bess during a time of illness, caught the disease herself, and now carries the scars. Her snark, resentment, and defensiveness are often on behalf of others.
-The spirit of Queen Boudica: fierce, funny, an unapologetic warrior.
DOROTHY/QUEEN ANNE
-Lady Dorothy Stafford: 40s, nurturing but tightly wound, she’s the heart of the Queen. Essentially Bess’s fashion designer, Dorothy understands subtlety like a second language. The widowed mother of five, she is overworked, stressed, and masks her strain with almost toxic positivity. Her cheer is usually genuine, though, and she makes everyone feel welcome.
-The spirit of Queen Anne: understanding, comforting, and supportive.
MARY/QUEEN JANE GREY
-Mary Radcliffe: 20s, clever and awkwardly bold, she’s the imagination of the Queen. New to court, Mary is in charge of Bess’s wigs and hygiene. She’s quick to catch on, but overly eager to prove herself. Despite second-guessing herself, she is unafraid to speak truth to power and use her voice. Having recently escaped a traumatic home, Mary envisions a better future for herself and others.
-The spirit of Lady Jane Grey: perceptive, sweet, and encouraging.