Directed by Elizabeth Suzanne

Announcing auditions for Sense and Sensibility this January!

The City of Fairfax Theatre Company will hold auditions for its 2026 spring play on Sunday, January 11th, 5-8pm and Tuesday, January 13th, 7-10pm at CFTC’s blackbox (11216 Waples Mill Road, Suite 103, Fairfax VA) for actors, singers, and dancers ages 18+. This year’s production is Sense and Sensibility, adapted by Kate Hamill. 

A playful new adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel follows the fortunes (and misfortunes) of the Dashwood sisters– sensible Elinor and hypersensitive Marianne–after their father’s sudden death leaves them financially destitute and socially vulnerable. Set in gossipy late 18th century England, with a fresh female voice, the play is full of humor, emotional depth, and bold theatricality. Sense and Sensibility examines our reactions, both reasonable and ridiculous, to societal pressures. When reputation is everything, how do you follow your heart?”

Creative Team

Director: Elizabeth Suzanne
Stage Manager: Brianna Lau
Choreographer: Victoria Jungck
Movement Specialist: Stacey Claytor
Producer: Courtney Marsh

Sense and Sensibility will be performed at CFTC’s Blackbox. Rehearsals begin Tuesday, February 3rd and will take place at the CFTC blackbox. Residency in the blackbox will continue through to the show’s production (April 17th- May 3rd) Strike will be held on May 3rd, followed by the cast and crew party.

We are committed to open and inclusive casting of actors of diverse ages, races, ethnicities, gender identities, body types, and abilities. We also encourage you to audition even if you have never been in a play or musical before.

What to Prepare

Please prepare a Comedic monologue, One minute in length, from either a Classic or Contemporary play.

Callbacks will be held on Friday, January 16th from 7-10pm  We will email you by 12:00pm/noon on January 14th if we would like to see you at callbacks. Even if you are not called back, that does not mean you have not been cast in the show. We will be calling back for specific roles in the production. You will be sent material to prepare and be prepared to dance/move as well. You may also be asked to read cold sides with other actors and participate in some improv activities. The cast list will be emailed and posted on all social media platforms on Wednesday, January 21st corresponding with the first rehearsal.

Fill out our audition form here: https://forms.gle/NAqwTjHp2CL4i2q87 

SIGN UP for a 30-minute audition block on either January 11th or 13th. Walk-ins will be accepted but may have to wait until there is an opening to join a group. We recommend arriving at the very beginning of auditions that day if you’re planning to walk in. You can fill out our audition form to bring with you ahead of time, or fill one out on-site. If you plan to fill it out on-site, please be sure to arrive early so you have time to check in and fill it out. Make sure to check our rehearsal calendar to indicate possible conflicts on your audition form. We do make casting decisions based on conflicts and may not be able to accept new, non-emergency conflicts after rehearsals begin on Tuesday, February 3rd.  If you are unable to make one of our three audition dates, please email us at elizabethsuzanne24@gmail.com by January 13th at 5pm to submit a video audition.

Questions? Contact elizabethsuzanne24@gmail.com.

Character Breakdowns

Cast of 8-10

ELINOR DASHWOOD - The eldest Dashwood sister; sensible, “still waters run deep”, Elinor is responsible and reserved and actively conscious of the world in which she and her family reside.  F 18-22

MARIANNE DASHWOOD - the middle Dashwood sister; sensitive, “heart on her sleeve”, passionate and sincere with complete disregard for the rules of society, F 16-20

Elinor and Marianne are the only singular roles. All others will be playing multiple roles from those listed below

MARGARET DASHWOOD - the youngest Dashwood sister; still finding her footing and personality, F playing 10-13 (an adult actor)

MRS. DASHWOOD - mother to the Dashwood sisters, gets carried away in the thrill and despair of it all, F or M 40’s - Early 50’s

JOHN DASHWOOD - half-brother to the Dashwood sisters (from their father's side; no blood relation to Mrs. Dashwood), well-meaning but easily persuaded, M 30’s

EDWARD FERRARS - a gentleman; a bachelor, shy and selfless, M or F Mid 20’s

FANNY (FERRARS) DASHWOOD - wife to John Dashwood and sister to Edward; nasty, F or M 30's

COLONEL BRANDON - an older bachelor; kind and serious, M Late 30's - Mid 40's

JOHN WILLOUGHBY - an unusually handsome and charismatic young man, M 20s

SIR JOHN MIDDLETON - a country gentleman; distant relation to Mrs. Dashwood, loud in volume and personality, M or F 40's

MRS. JENNINGS - a good-natured, boisterous woman, mother-in-law to Sir John and terror to the countryside, F or M 60's

LADY MIDDLETON - an over-bred lady, M or F 40's

LUCY STEELE - a young woman from no fortune, interested in her own gain, F or M Early 20's

ANNE STEELE - Lucy's sister; indiscreet and unobservant, F or M Early 20's

ROBERT FERRARS - a callow young man; Edward & Fanny's younger brother, M or F Early 20's

Other Roles to be doubled with the above

THE GOSSIPS - a chorus of high-society creatures, M and F 20s - 60s

SERVANTS - various household staff, M and F, 20s-60s

DOCTOR - aids and advises., M or F, 20s-60s