The Empress Theatre is pleased to announce auditions for
“Jane Eyre”

Charlotte Brontë’s classic gothic romance is brought to life in Jane Eyre. This musical adaptation follows the independent, passionate governess Jane Eyre, through her harsh childhood after being left as an orphan to an uncaring aunt, through her employment as a governess at Thornfield Hall. There, she meets the mysterious and magnetic Edward Fairfax Rochester, master of the house and warden of her pupil. Though drawn to each other, they are haunted by the ghosts of Mr. Rochester’s past, which threaten to enjoy any possibilities of a future of love or happiness for either. This Tony Award-nominated musical features a grand, sweeping score that transports the audience to a world of wild, ungovernable passion on the moors

Creative Team

Direction By

Andrew Jefferies

Music Direction By
Skyler Bluemel

Choreography By
Heather Jefferies

Auditions will be held October 26 & October 28 7PM to 9PM
Those who have an audition form in hand by 9p will be seen. Doors will lock promptly at 9pm.

Please come prepared with 16 bars of a song in the style of the show.  No acapella singing will be permitted; please provide your own minus track or pianist for the audition.

Please come prepared with a list of conflicts from October 26, 2021 through January 15, 2022 No conflicts will be allowed without prior approval from the director after December 10th

Most actors will play more than one role in addition to their featured role.

All roles except for Adele will speak in a British RP Accent (The Queen’s English).  Adele will Speak in a French accent.

All roles available. The Empress encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition. The Empress is committed to providing a space for community and inclusion free from discrimination.

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PRODUCTION SCHEDULE

Callback Date: October 30th, 2021 – 8:00am- Noon

First day of rehearsal: November 6th, 2021

Range of rehearsal hours: Rehearsal times are blocked in the hours of 6pm to 10pm.

Tech begins: December 18th, 2021

First preview: January 6th, 2022

Opening: January 7th, 2022

Closing: January 22nd, 2022

Days/times of planned performances: Thursday – Saturday 1/6/22 – 1/22/22
Saturday Matinee – 1/15/22

DISCLOSURES (check all that apply):

☐ There is a possibility that the production will be extended through ___________________.

☐ Costumes will be supplied by the production.

⬣ Actors will be expected to help build and strike the set.

☐ There will be understudies for this production.

☐ There will be pay for this production in the amount of ____________________________.

☐ This production contains sexual content.

☐ This production contains nudity.

☐ This production contains violence.

☐ This production contains culturally sensitive content.

☐ This production is accessible to actors who use a mobility device.

☐ This production will have a nontraditional audience seating arrangement.

Other Disclosures:
Casting Authority: The Production Team with Artistic Director Approval.

Who is in the Audition Room: Director, Music Director, Choreographer.

Who is at Callbacks: Artistic Management and The Production Team.
A full copy of the script is available if needed.

Portions of this audition may be recorded or photographed at the Director’s discretion. All recordings will only be used by the production team and will be destroyed after callbacks.

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Character Breakdown: Ages listed not necessarily the age of the actor portraying the role.

Jane Eyre: Female; 20-30

A young, strong-willed woman who tries desperately to fit into a world that will not accept her. She is filled with passion and spirit, but feels trapped by her appearance and social status. Her beauty does not come from her physical appearance, but rather from her character, humor, and strength.

Mezzo Soprano (F#3-E5)

Edward Rochester: Male; 25-40

Intelligent, sophisticated and a powerful male presence. He has been greatly damaged by life, and so is sometimes incredibly insecure and defensive. But he has a keen sense of humor and an engaging personality. He need not be particularly handsome, but he should be strong and dark and just a little frightening to all but Jane.

Baritenor (B2-G4)

Blanche Ingram: Female; 20-30

The clever, sophisticated, and stunningly beautiful woman who is to be married to Rochester. The actress playing the part must have wit, grace, charm, and a stunning legit soprano voice with which she can command attention.

Coloratura Soprano (B3-B5)

Mrs. Fairfax: Female; 40-60

Rochester’s relation and the house-keeper of Thornfield Hall who is fussy, garrulous, and warmhearted. She’s the comic relief of the show – though it should never feel overdone and the actress must also be able to tug the audience’s heartstrings at certain moments.

Mezzo Soprano (F3-C5)

Young Jane: Female; 8-15

Abused, powerless orphan who is strong, willful, and full of soul.

Dance experience preferred.

Mezzo Soprano (D4-D5)

Helen Burns: Female; 12-20

Student at Lowood School who befriends Jane and teaches her the importance of forgiveness. Strong, calm and spiritual demeanor.

Mezzo Soprano (A3-C#5)

Adele: Female; 6-12

Rochester’s precocious, rowdy French ward. She is full of life and drama. This part needs a clever and funny child actress.

French Accent

Mezzo Soprano (B3-E4)

Bertha Mason: Female; 25-35

Rochester’s mad wife, kept in the attic of Thornfield Hall. Bertha can be played in many different ways (e.g. as a strangely beautiful but criminally deranged bride, stuck at the moment of her happiness, or as a coarsened and violent heavy-weight almost de-humanized by her years of madness).

Mezzo Soprano (C#4-D5)

Richard Mason: Male; 25-45

Bertha Mason’s brother. He is a gentleman, well-off and well-educated, but weak and emotionally unstable. He is haunted by the wrong he has done to Rochester and the need to care for his deranged, unhappy sister.

Baritenor (C3-G4)

St. John Rivers: Male; 20-30

The appealing and handsome curate of the parish of Gateshead who cares for Mrs. Reed at her death. He is a complex young man, passionately devoted to his Christian faith and duty.

Tenor (C3-G4)

Grace Poole: Female, 25-35

The suspicious nursemaid to Rochester’s insane wife. Capable and caring, with an occasional fondness for the liquor pot.

Can be played with a Cockney or Irish accent, but British RP is also acceptable.

Mezzo Soprano (A3-E5)

Robert: Male; 25-45

The dry, intelligent butler of Thornfield Hall. A martyr to Mrs. Fairfax’s whims, deafness, and dottiness. An understanding and reliable servant to Rochester.

Baritone (Bb2-Bb3)

Mrs. Reed: Female; 40-60

Jane’s cold-hearted, cruel aunt, who keeps her in an attic after Jane’s parents die. A difficult role, the actress playing her must be able to convey a brittle strength which turns to madness and vulnerability of her death bed in the second act.

Mezzo Soprano (D4-F5)

Mr. Brocklehurst: Male; 30-60

Imposing, frightening headmaster of Lowood School who mistreats the young orphans. A commanding man with an intimidating presence. Zealous and pontifical.

Baritenor (C3-A4)