Dec. 09 (2023)
BORN WITH TEETH - An aging ruler, an oppressive police state, a restless polarized people seething with paranoia: it's a dangerous time for poets. Two of them - the great Kit Marlowe and the up-and-comer Will Shakespeare - meet to collaborate on a history play cycle, navigate the perils of art under a totalitarian regime, and flirt like young men with everything to lose. One may well be the death of the other.
EMMA - Emma Woodhouse prides herself on being a matchmaker with an impeccable track record, much to the chagrin of her dear friend Mr. Knightley. However, her best-laid plans are turned upside down by unpredictable displays of affection, unexpected rivals and Emma's sudden realization that true love may have been under her nose all along. With screwball comedy and surprises aplenty, this fresh, fast-paced new adaptation interprets the Jane Austen classic with delightfully unconventional flair.
Austin Playhouse is seeking local actors for upcoming 2024 productions: BORN WITH TEETH by Liz Duffy Adams and EMMA by Kate Hamill from the novel by Jane Austen.
Rehearsals for BORN WITH TEETH will begin March 2024, with performances April 5-28, 2024, Thursday-Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 2 or 5 pm.
Rehearsals for EMMA will begin May 2024, with performances May 31 - June 30, 2024, Thursday-Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 2 or 5 pm.
Auditions will take place at Austin Playhouse on Saturday, December 9 from 12-5. Callbacks will be on Wednesday, December 13. To request an audition slot, please fill out the
Audition Request form (click HERE) by Wednesday, December 6.
Both productions include elements of physical intimacy between actors. BORN WITH TEETH will involve physical intimacy and kissing between the two men.
British dialects will be used for both productions.
Actors of all races and ethnicities are encouraged to submit.
Non-Equity and Equity members will be considered for both productions.
Both productions are being produced under a SPT Tier 1 Equity agreement ($312/week salary for Equity actors.) All roles are paid.
All Equity members will be seen. Local hires only.
BORN WITH TEETH, directed by Ben Wolfe
William Shakespeare - male, mid 20s - 30s, any ethnicity; the up-and-comer Will Shakespeare at the beginning of his career; though he has a wife and kids back in Stratford. He spends much of his time in London; appears shy, wide-eyed, and excited at first but is no fool and knows his own worth; has an innate ability to create and sympathize with his characters, no matter their flaws; will not allow himself to be backed into a corner, no matter the cost.
Kit Marlowe - male, mid 20s - 30s, any ethnicity; the great Kit Marlowe who boasts of living on the edge; he is the alpha in the room with great flair and a bit of cockiness. He regards Will as an “upstart crow” who should be grateful for the partnership; a peacock in the writer's den, as well as a tease; he is constantly testing Will politically and artistically. He seduces Will to continually disclose vulnerable information and then threatens to use it against him if he doesn't join Kit as a spy.
EMMA, directed by Lara Toner Haddock
(Please visit our website for full character descriptions. Some ensemble roles may be double cast with smaller or non-speaking roles.)
Emma Woodhouse - female, late 20s-30s
Harriet Smith - female, 20s
Mrs. Weston - female, mid 30s-late 40s
Miss Bates *This role has been cast.
Jane Fairfax - female, 20s-30s
Mrs. Elton - female, 20s-30s
Mr. Knightley - male, 30s-40s
Mr. Woodhouse *This role has been cast.
Mr. Weston - male, 40s-50s
Mr. Elton - male, any age
Frank Churchill - male, 20s-30s
