Casting roles for an ensemble of 15 actors for Harbinger Theatre production of Mrs. Packard by Emily Mann, directed by Chris Foster.
Illinois, 1861: Without proof of insanity, Elizabeth Packard is committed by her husband to an asylum. Based on historical events, Emily Mann’s play tells of one woman’s struggle to right a system gone wrong.
Performances December 6-16 at Albany Barn.
Rehearsals begin Oct. 23rd.
To spare actors from a lengthy audition process these auditions will be conducted by appointment. Please use this form to request audition time.
https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSeE…/viewform…
or email the director, Chris Foster at 2cfoster2@gmail.com
Roles Available:
Elizabeth Packard (30s-50s): The protagonist of the play. An educated preacher’s wife who is an independent thinker.
Rev. Theophilus Packard (40s-60s): The antagonist of the play. A straight-laced, and unpopular, Christian preacher who believes that the man is king of the castle and that women should be subservient and obedient to men.
Dr. Andrew McFarland (40s-50s): A psychiatrist and head of the Jacksonville Home for the Insane. More than a hint of attraction with our protagonist.
Mrs, Bonner (30s-60s): A supervisor on for the 7th Ward. A suck-up to Dr. McFarland and a terror to the women on her floor.
Mrs. Tenney/8th ward patient: A supervisor on the 8th Ward (the ward with the severest mental illness). A gentle soul who genuinely wants to help the women in her ward. She becomes an ally to Mrs. Packard.
Mrs. Chapman: A patient in the 7th Ward who befriends Mrs. Packard and is able to remain strong despite Bonner’s attacks.
Mrs. Stockton: A patient in the 7th Ward who is friends with Mrs. Chapman and Mrs. Packard. Mrs. Stockton is severely harmed by Mrs. Bonner.
Most of the rest of the cast doubles/triples or more
Judge/Attendant/Mr. Dole/Dr. Duncanson/TrusteeClerk, 8th ward patient/LibbyMrs Smith/7th ward patient/8th ward patient/ Mrs. BlessingMr. Blessing/Mr. Haslett/Dr. KnottMrs Dole/8th ward patientViolent lady in the 8th wardMr. Moore/attendant/Mr. Labrie/trustee/jury foremanDr. Brown/Mr. Blackman
Setting is Illinois, 1861-1864
A courtroom and the Jacksonville Home for the Insane