Audition Dates: July 24 & 25 at 7pm

from the Novella by Henry James | A classic thriller adapted by: Jack Neary

Directed by Jennifer Applebee

Isolated in a sprawling manor in 19th century England, a governess is hired to watch a precocious young brother and sister in this haunting adaptation of Henry James’ classic novella. Though the governess bonds with the children at first, she quickly begins to suspect something is wrong when she sees the grotesque figures of the former governess and caretaker of the manor — both of whom are supposedly deceased. Is she seeing actual ghosts, or merely figments of her imagination? Fearing for her life and sanity, the governess begins an investigation to find out what happened to her predecessors and who else knows of their presence.

Characters: 

• THE MASTER: 25 to 45 (yrs), male, extremely attractive London businessman. A confident bachelor with a large Essex estate, Bly Manor, guardian of his niece and nephew, Flora and Miles.
• THE GOVERNESS: 18-30(yrs), female, young, impressionable, daughter of a parsonage vicar, with tales of Jane Eyre swirling in her mind. An attractive, educated woman with dreams beyond her sheltered existence.
• FLORA: 8-12(yrs), female, a beautiful and angelic little girl. Has a playful and innocent charm. (note: requires use of profanity – i.e female dog/ said 3 times consecutively)
• MILES: 10-15 (yrs), male, young master who studies at a boarding school in London, mischievous yet respectful and charming. Clever and precocious. (Note: requires use of profanity – i.e female dog/ said once)
• MRS. GROSE: 25+ (yrs), female, direct and plain, confident caretaker of Bly manor.
• MISS JESSEL: 18-30(yrs), female, former governess of Bly Manor who died under mysterious circumstances and whose spirit may be lingering. (Non-speaking role)
• PETER QUINT: 20-40(yrs), male, former caretaker of Bly Manor, deceased presence whose alleged spirit is roaming the grounds. (Non-speaking role)

Preparation for Auditions: 

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. Note: accents are highly encouraged.