Steel Magnolias
by Penfold Theatre Company
Aug. 23
All the ladies who are “anybody” in Chinquapin, Louisiana, come to Truvy’s beauty salon to have their hair done. Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle (who is not sure whether or not she is still married), the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoo and free advice to the town’s rich curmudgeon, Ouiser, an eccentric millionaire, Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth; and the local social leader, M’Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby (the prettiest girl in town), is about to marry a “good ole boy.”
Filled with hilarious repartee and several acerbic verbal collisions, the comedy moves toward tragedy when, in the second act, the spunky Shelby risks her life to go through with a dangerous pregnancy. Confronted with the harshness of mortality, the others draw together to find strength – and love – in the wake of tragedy.
Auditions for Steel Magnolias
Written by Robert Harling.
Directed by Molly Fonseca.
Performance & Rehearsal Dates
The show will run February 5 – March 7, 2027. Performances will be Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM. Rehearsals will begin in early January. Exact rehearsal dates and times will be scheduled after casting to accommodate actor schedules wherever possible.
Character Breakdown
The women in this play are witty, intelligent, and above all, real characters. They in no way, shape, or form are meant to be portrayed as cartoons or caricatures.
We are building a diverse ensemble for this production and strongly encourage actors of all races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and body types to audition.
TRUVY JONES.
40-ish. Owner of the beauty shop.
ANNELLE DUPUY-DESOTO
19. Beauty shop assistant.
CLAIREE BELCHER
66-ish. Widow of former mayor. Grande dame.
SHELBY EATENTON-LATCHERIE
25. Prettiest girl in town.
M’LYNN EATENTON. 50-ish
Shelby’s mother. Socially prominent career woman.
OUISER (pronounced “Weezer”) BOUDREAUX
66-ish. Wealthy curmudgeon. Acerbic but lovable.
Compensation
Actors will be given a stipend of $900. We are unable to offer Equity contracts for this production.
Auditions
Auditions and callbacks will be held at Penfold Theatre, 2120 N. Mays St, Ste #290 Round Rock, TX 78664.
Auditions are on Sunday, August 23, 2026 in the afternoon and evening. Please complete the form below to request an audition time. Then prepare the following for your audition:
- A memorized, 60—90-second monologue in the style of realism. It may be comic or dramatic — whichever best showcases your strengths and range. While not required, material reflecting the warm, conversational, or Southern-infused tone of Steel Magnolias is welcomed.
If you are unable to attend in person you may submit a video audition instead. To do so, please fill out the audition form, and once complete, you may email your video link to scott@penfoldtheatre.org by 5:00 PM on Friday, August 21.
Callbacks are on Sunday, August 30. Sides from the play, along with more specific information, will be provided following the auditions. Please note that callbacks will be in person only.
