AUDITIONS

Character Descriptions

NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR: I welcome actors of all racial, gender, body, and ability identities to audition for any and all roles that resonate with them. The descriptions below include character genders and approximate ages for context, but these should not be viewed as barriers for consideration. For the different Mary Page Marlowes, I am not actively seeking five performers who physically resemble one another - I value storytelling over visual continuity, and casting will prioritize performance and interpretation.

 

Mary Page Marlowe, ages 59, 63, & 69

Character Gender: Female

Age: Late 50s-Early 70s

A complex and deeply introspective woman, sharp-witted, stubborn, and emotionally layered. She has lived through significant personal struggles and triumphs, and her dialogue often carries the weight of experience and regret. Despite her sometimes dry and sarcastic humor, she possesses a vulnerability that emerges in quiet moments. She is intelligent, but not infallible, and can be both argumentative and affectionate. Role includes some intimacy (one kiss). An intimacy choreographer will be on the production team.

 

Mary Page Marlowe, ages 40, 44, & 50

Character Gender: Female

Age: Early 40s-Early 50s

An intelligent, complex woman navigating the struggles of marriage, motherhood, and personal identity. At these ages in her life, she is dealing with the emotional fallout of her choices. She is both vulnerable and strong-willed, capable of moments of tenderness but also prone to self-destruction. The actor should bring nuance and depth, conveying both regret and resilience.

 

Mary Page Marlowe, ages 27 & 36 

Character Gender: Female

Age: Mid 20s-Late 30s

A complex, introspective woman navigating the contradictions in her life. She is sharp, articulate, and self-aware but struggles with a deep sense of detachment from her own choices. Beneath her composed exterior, there’s a simmering restlessness, an inner conflict between societal expectations and personal desires. Looking for an actor who can balance naturalism with depth, someone who can make her emotional dissonance feel lived-in rather than performative. Role includes some intimacy (two kisses as part of a sexually driven scene). An intimacy choreographer will be on the production team.

 

Mary Page Marlowe, age 19

Character Gender: Female

Age: Late Teens-Mid 20s

An introspective and intelligent young woman searching for a sense of self. She is wrestling with big life choices - romance, independence, and her future. Though reserved, she has a quiet strength and depth that draws others to her. Looking for an actor who can balance subtle emotional shifts, conveying inner conflict while maintaining an air of quiet confidence. A naturalistic, thoughtful performance is key.

 

Mary Page Marlowe, age 12

Character Gender: Female

Age: 10-14

A bright but sensitive girl on the cusp of adolescence. She longs for connection, particularly with her mother, but is met with deflection and harsh honesty. She is observant, questioning, and quietly affected by the world around her. She tries to assert her own preferences but is often dismissed, leaving her uncertain of her own worth. Looking for a young actress who can bring a natural and nuanced performance. Should feel comfortable singing a short song acapella, but does not need to be an amazing singer.

 

Roberta Marlowe

Character Gender: Female

Age: Early 20s-Mid 30s

Mary Page’s mother. Seen at the ages of 19 and 32. Full of fire and frustration. When she’s younger, she’s passionate and headstrong, desperately seeking attention and affection from a husband who has emotionally shut down. When she’s older, she is hardened by disappointment and cynical and exhausted. She masks her struggles with humor, sharpness, and alcohol. 

 

Wendy Gilbert

Character Gender: Female

Age: Late Teens-Mid 20s

Mary Page’s daughter. Seen at the ages of 15 and 20. She is sharp, perceptive, and emotionally charged, struggling to process her family’s situations. She is both defiant and desperate for clarity. The actor should capture the volatility and heartache of a young woman caught between loyalty and resentment.

 

Lorna

Character Gender: Female

Age: Late Teens-Mid 20s

Mary Page’s college friend. A free-spirited, intuitive young woman with a fascination for tarot cards and spirituality. Lorna is warm, insightful, and acts as the group’s emotional guide. Takes her tarot reading seriously. Must be able to convey both lighthearted banter and moments of genuine wisdom.

 

Connie

Character Gender: Female

Age: Late Teens-Mid 20s

Mary Page’s other college friend. Outspoken, humorous, and direct, she is the most cynical of the group. She masks her deep affection for her friends with sarcasm and wit, often using humor to deflect serious conversations. While she can be brash, she has a big heart and a loyal nature. Strong comedic timing and natural ability for playful banter is essential.

 

Nurse

Character Gender: Female

Age: Mid 20s-Early 40s

A compassionate and pragmatic caregiver, direct but kind. She is accustomed to dealing with patients in delicate emotional states but maintains a practical approach. She brings warmth and a sense of perspective to Mary Page’s final days. Looking for an actor with a subtle ability to shift between professional composure and personal connection. NOTE: Specifically seeking a Latinx or BIPOC performer for this role.

 

Shrink

Character Gender: Any

Age: Any age between Late 30s-Mid 60s

Mary Page’s therapist. A patient, analytical professional who maintains a calm, methodical approach to therapy. Compassionate, but direct. This role requires subtlety; the tension in the scene comes from the actor’s ability to probe without being overly confrontational.

 

Ray

Character Gender: Male

Age: Early 40s-Early 50s

Mary Page’s second husband, a salesman with a straightforward, no-nonsense demeanor. He is pragmatic and tries his best to be emotionally contained. Though he cares for Mary Page, their marriage is strained.

 

Andy

Character Gender: Male

Age: Late 50s-Early 70s

Mary Page’s third husband. Patient, warm, and humorous, often balancing his wife’s strong personality with good-natured teasing and affection. He is logical and persistent, but also deeply devoted to his wife. He is a source of stability in these later years of her life, offering support and light-hearted banter even in serious moments. Role includes some intimacy (one kiss). An intimacy choreographer will be on the production team.

 

Dan

Character Gender: Male

Age: Mid 30s-Late 40s

Mary Page’s boss. A confident, slightly arrogant man who enjoys the thrill of power dynamics. He is smooth, self-assured, and used to getting his way, but there’s an insecurity lurking beneath his bravado. He asserts control through flirtation and manipulation. He is not malicious, but his entitlement and lack of self-awareness create an uncomfortable tension in his interaction with Mary Page. Looking for an actor who can play charm and self-interest in equal measure. Role includes some intimacy (two kisses as part of a sexually driven scene). An intimacy choreographer will be on the production team.

 

Ed Marlowe

Character Gender: Male

Age: Mid 20s-Mid 30s

Mary Page’s father. A young WWII veteran struggling to adjust to civilian life. He is emotionally withdrawn, quick-tempered, and prone to drinking as a way to escape. He avoids confronting his trauma, pushing away his wife instead of opening up to her. There is an underlying sadness in him, a quiet despair that seeps into his interactions. He is not outright cruel, but his detachment and resentment create an emotional wall. Should feel comfortable singing a short song acapella, but does not need to be an amazing singer.

 

Louis Gilbert

Character Gender: Male

Age: 10-14

Mary Page’s son, an observant and sensitive boy caught in the emotional turbulence of his mother’s life. He is at an age where he is beginning to understand more than adults realize, and while he may not always express his emotions outright, he feels things deeply. The actor should convey a mix of quiet curiosity, vulnerability, and the budding independence of a child on the cusp of adolescence. 

 

Ben

Character Gender: Male

Age: Mid 20s-Late 30s

A dry cleaner with a quiet charm. Methodical, polite, and a bit reserved, but has a sincerity that makes him instantly likeable.