A South Canterbury theatre company is on the hunt for actors to help bring another Jane Austen story to life.
Aidan Theatre are seeking adult actors of all experience levels to help bring the story of Sense and Sensibility to audiences this July.
The company had staged previous Austen works in recent years, such as Pride and Prejudice in 2024 and Emma in 2023.
Director Kimble Henderson said the play could be put on with as few as nine actors but adult audition expressions had been lacking.
‘‘I would love to encourage actors of all looks and experiences to audition for this play, it’s a beautiful mix of dialogue and physicality.
‘‘Kate Campbell has written it, it’s a world-renowned script. She has won a lot of prizes for her script, it’s fastpaced, a little physical, it’s a little fun and very quirky.
‘‘I’m really hoping some people come and do it, because I really want to direct this play.’’
She was looking for any adult actors that were brave and simply wanted to have a go, she said.
‘‘I am looking to help people who want to upskill and really develop these characters, both internally and physically, because they’re delightful.’’
Sense and Sensibility follows the story of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, who are left financially destitute after their father’s death.
The sisters must navigate societal pressures, love and heartbreak as they seek new homes and financial security.
Mrs Henderson said it was just a delightful story that even non-rom-com fans would enjoy.
‘‘I can’t give too much away, but it’s so fast, energetic and it’s really good for the imagination.’’
Audition workshops for the production are being held on Wednesday, May 27 and Saturday, May 30 at the Aidan Theatre space on Beswick St.
The audition process was more informal and would involve auditionees taking part in team games and discussing the script, Mrs Henderson said.
‘‘They’re not scary, you don’t really have to get up and do something by yourself at this point of the auditions or maybe even later.
‘‘For me, it’s more about building a team, interacting and creating things together as an ensemble.
‘‘It’s having a coffee and something to eat together. It’s just discussing character things and taking it from there.’’
Further information and instructions on how to sign up for the audition workshops can be found on the Aidan Theatre Company Facebook page.
