Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen

 

Audition Format Update 7-17-20

 

Westfield Playhouse is excited to announce auditions for Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen. 

While we put the finishing touches on the new Westfield Playhouse, we're restructuring our auditions for the forthcoming show HEDDA GABLER.  If you want to audition, please do the following:

• Create a video of you performing a dramatic monologue of 1-2 minutes' length to msp.westfield.playhouse@gmail.com from now through July 31.

• Send the video — no greater than 20 megabytes — with the completed audition form (including all scheduling conflicts) to msp.westfield.playhouse@gmail.com with a subject line of HEDDA GABLER AUDITION: [Your Name]

• Receipt of videos will be confirmed via email with 48 hours. If you don't hear back from someone, please write to the address above.

If needed, callback auditions from actors being considered will be requested during the week of August 3. Depending on the availability of the actors and the new playhouse, these will either be done virtually via Zoom or in person at the new building.  In-person callback auditions will be held using appropriate social distancing in the building and masks with be REQUIRED.

 

Due to the current and changing situation with Covid-19, those auditioning should be aware that masks are REQUIRED inside Westfield Playhouse.  Masks will be worn during rehearsals.  Closer to performance dates, decisions will be made regarding masks or face shields in the performances.  The timeline for those decisions will be determined by state and local guidelines as well as input from the cast and crew members.  While the current hope is to perform this show on stage in front of a live audience, we understand it may not be possible.  If it is decided it is not safe or if state and/or local regulations prevent us from performing in front of a live audience, we have other performance options planned.  Anyone who auditions for this show needs to be prepared to be flexible.  

​

Audition Dates:  

Auditions are through video submission now through July 31.

​

• Create a video of you performing a dramatic monologue of 1-2 minutes' length to msp.westfield.playhouse@gmail.com from now through July 31.

​

• Send the video — no greater than 20 megabytes — with the completed audition form (including all scheduling conflicts) to msp.westfield.playhouse@gmail.com with a subject line of HEDDA GABLER AUDITION: [Your Name]

​

• Receipt of videos will be confirmed via email with 48 hours.  If you don't hear back from someone, please write to the address above.

 

If you have any questions, please contact the director Adam Davis at

​

Performance Dates: 

September 24, 25, 26, 27 and October 1, 2, 3, 4.  Thursday, Friday, and Saturday shows begin at 7:30. Sunday shows begin at 2:30.  

​

Rehearsals:

A full cast read through will be scheduled the week of August 10th based on actor availability.  Rehearsals will generally be scheduled Monday - Thursday from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm with times extending closer to performance dates.  Tech week will include a “long Sunday” as well as extended rehearsal times throughout the week.

​

Synopsis: 

Hedda Gabler focuses on the frustrated existence of its title character, exploring core issues of power, control, and social expectation. Bored and restricted by her middle-class environment, Hedda plays out her own fantasies and psychological games with those nearest to her to an ultimately costly end. 

 

Roles to be cast:

​

Hedda Tesman (née Gabler) — (Stage age late 20s - 30s.)  The main character, newly married and bored with both her marriage and life, seeking to influence a human fate for the first time. She is the daughter of General Gabler (an aristocrat). She believes she is an aristocrat, yet she has no funds.

​

George (Jørgen) Tesman — (Stage age late 20s - 30s.)   Hedda's husband, an academic who is as interested in research and travel as he is enamored with his wife, although blind to Hedda's manipulative ways.

​

Juliana (Juliane) Tesman — (Stage age 60+.)  George's loving aunt who has raised him since early childhood. Desperately wants Hedda and her nephew to have a child.

 

Thea Elvsted — (Stage age late 20s - 30s.)  A younger schoolmate of Hedda and a former acquaintance of George. Nervous and shy, Thea is in an unhappy marriage.

 

Judge Brack — (Stage age 45 - 55.)  An unscrupulous family friend. It is implied that the Judge has a lascivious personality, which he directs towards Hedda.

 

Eilert Lövborg (Ejlert Løvborg) — (Stage age late 20s - 30s.)  George's former colleague, who now competes with George to achieve publication and a teaching position. Eilert was once in love with Hedda. Destroyed his reputation in society by spending his money on depravity.

 

Bertha (Berte) — (Stage age 45+.)  A servant of the Tesman's. Wants to please Hedda at all times.

 

​

 

​