Lady Susan
Paperback Productions is seeking eight actors for Lady Susan, an original adaptation of the novella by Jane Austen, written by Claire F. Martin and directed by Felix Ferris. All performances are staged readings presented at our partner venues. To audition, submit a monologue tape, headshot, and resume via the Google Form linked here.
Synopsis
Hell hath no fury like a widow scorned. 35-year-old Lady Susan Vernon has lost everything: her husband, her home, and—most painfully of all—her fortune. Forced to retreat into the dull English countryside, Lady Susan devises a scheme to reclaim her position in society. She will marry off her teenage daughter Frederica to a wealthy fop, while poaching a handsome young suitor for herself. Unfortunately for Lady Susan, Frederica has other ideas about her future. And that handsome young suitor might not be as naïve as he appears.
Audition Guidelines
Please note any potential scheduling conflicts when submitting your audition tape. A finalized rehearsal schedule will be announced following the release of the cast list and will be determined based on actor availability.
Audition submissions are due November 13 at 6:00 PM.
Compensation
Actors will be compensated through a profit-sharing model based on pay-what-you-can audience contributions. Selected actors will receive a written performance agreement outlining compensation, expectations, and scheduling prior to rehearsals. This agreement is intended to ensure clarity, transparency, and shared expectations throughout the process.
Characters
Lady Susan: A cunning, penniless widow
Reginald: Her much younger suitor
Mrs. Johnson: Her loyal accomplice
Frederica: Her daughter
Johnson: Mrs. Johnson's husband
Sir James: A dimwitted baronet
Mrs. Vernon: Lady Susan's sister-in-law
Mrs. Manwaring: A scorned wife
Production Details
Lady Susan will rehearse in the evenings from November 16-19, 6:00 to 10:00 PM.
Rehearsals will be held at the Blagg-Huey Library at Texas Woman’s University.
Performances will take place November 20-22 at partner venues in Denton.
Actors must be 18 or older to participate.