Missed the Boat Theatre, a Catholic community theater, is holding auditions for Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon, directed by Jaclyn Mack. Performances will be at Upson Hall at the Church of St. Mary (St. Paul), December 10-20, 2026.
Audition Location: Upson Hall @ The Church of St. Mary, Lowertown, Saint Paul
Audition Dates: September 8 and 9, 6-8 PM in 30 minute increments. Callbacks will be Tuesday, September 15, 6-9 PM.
We are casting 8 principal roles (5 women and 3 men), along with a small ensemble of ushers/manor servants. We welcome actors of all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. Principal roles are open to performers who can play ages 17-30, while ensemble roles are open to performers of all adult ages.
Actors do not need to be Catholic, but must be okay with working with lots of Catholics who love being Catholic, and performing for a largely Catholic audience.
For the Audition:
Please bring a headshot (any photo clearly showing your face is okay) and a resume, if available. We will audition groups of 6 in 30-minute slots; plan to be available the entire 30 minutes. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time to fill out an audition form.
Auditions will consist of reading sides from the script. Sides will be posted online here and emailed to everyone who has already signed up at least two weeks in advance of auditions; you are encouraged to review and prepare sides in advance.
If you’re unable to be present at auditions, please contact us about submitting a video audition.
Please Note: The director will be present during the New Works Lab auditions. Actors seen during these auditions will also be considered for Christmas at Pemberley if requested and do not need to audition again on September 8 or 9. If we would like to see you for a specific role, you will be contacted and invited to callbacks.
About the Show:
In this imagined sequel to Jane Austen’s beloved Pride and Prejudice, we find Mary Bennet grown and wishing for a place in the world to call her own. When she visits the Darcys at Pemberley House and reunites with her sisters, they must all learn to see each other as they actually are. This leaves the men to navigate their new family's dynamics and manage some unexpected guests all while attempting to keep Christmas full of lots of laughter, warmth, and love.
Roles:
Ages listed are approximate ages to be portrayed.
Principals:
MARY BENNET (female, 20) - Finally coming into her own, she is no longer the plain, boring girl she once was.She has a fire in her now. She is intelligent, curious, and lively, but her family only sees her as a future spinster. She does not suffer fools. She wants to live.
ARTHUR DE BOURGH (male, 25) - A studious, unsociable only child who has never been around women or large families. He is a loner who prefers books to people. He has recently inherited a large estate and has no idea what to do next.
ELIZABETH DARCY (female, 22) - Married to Mr. Darcy. Confident, charming, and witty. She makes a fun and surprising lady of the house. She is best friends with her sister Jane.
FITZWILLIAM DARCY (male, 30) - A loving, generous, and smart (if slightly stiff) husband. He is quiet and vigilant and thus sees what others often miss. He knows what being lovelorn is like.
JANE BINGLEY (female, 24) - Married to Mr. Bingley. She is seven months pregnant with her first child and is sweet and optimistic as ever. The kindest heart in the house.
CHARLES BINGLEY (male, 25) - Gracious, happy, and ever focused on the love of his life, Jane. A good friend and always ready with a smile.
LYDIA WICKHAM (female, 17) - Flirtatious, youthful, self-centered. Her marriage to Mr. WIckham is a sham but she will not admit this.She is the person you want to have at your party: energetic, engaging, unstoppable. (Note: this role should be played by someone at least 18 years of age.)
ANNE DE BOURGH (female, 20s) - Only daughter of the late Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Lived in her mother’s very large shadow, never having to ask for anything or speak for herself her entire life. Judgmental and impatient, just like her mother.
Ensemble:
Ushers/Manor Servants: Seeking a small ensemble to help bring the world of Pemberley to life. Ensemble members will portray household staff onstage and create an immersive audience experience by serving as functional front-of-house ushers while in character as costumed manor servants. These roles will be called for significantly fewer rehearsals than the principal cast.
Rehearsal and Performance Dates:
Rehearsals are typically Mon-Thurs, 6:30-9:30 starting October 12. There will be no rehearsal November 25 or 26 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
It is not permitted to miss a rehearsal during tech week, December 4-9 (one day off therein, likely Dec 6)
You must be available for all of the following performance dates:
Thursday, December 10, Evening
Friday, December 11, Evening
Saturday, December 12, Evening
Sunday, December 13, Matinee
Thursday, December 17, Evening
Friday, December 18, Evening
Saturday, December 19, Evening
Sunday, December 20, Matinee
All actors are expected to attend Strike on Sunday, December 20 following the closing performance.