|
AUDITIONS FOR SPRING
PRODUCTION
OF
MICE AND MEN
SUNDAY,
NOVEMBER 8, 2026 AT
6:30 p.m.
MONDAY,
NOVEMBER 9, 2026 AT
6:30 p.m.
at
The Ghent Playhouse
Open auditions for our
spring production,
adapted from John
Steinbeck’s classic
1937 novella, OF MICE
AND MEN, to be
directed by Brian
Sheldon.
The play aims to
reflect the lives of
middle-class Americans
during the Great
Depression, by telling
the story of two
migrant farm workers,
George and Lennie who
dream of one day
owning their own
land.
PERFORMANCE
DATES
April 9-18, 2027
Friday and Saturday
Evenings at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday matinees at 2:00
p.m.
Preview Performance
Thursday April 8, 2027
at 7:30 p.m.
THE
STORY
George and Lennie take
a job as ranch hands
in hopes of earning
enough money to see
their dream of owning
their own farm come
true, but when the
ranch boss’s
promiscuous wife stirs
up trouble, it causes
George to worry about
his and Lennie’s
safety. Realizing that
he can no longer keep
running away, George
is faced with a moral
question: How should
he deal with Lennie
before the ranchers
find him and take
matters into their own
hands?
CHARACTER
DESCRIPTIONS
GEORGE
MILTON – (Mid 30’s –
mid 40’s) – A smart, small, and
cynical migrant worker
who protects and cares
for Lennie. George is
quick-witted,
protective, and driven
by the dream of owning
land with Lennie, to
whom he is devoted.
Though good-natured,
he has a short temper,
particularly when
Lennie is
threatened. Actor
needs to convey
intelligence,
authority, and
emotional depth,
balancing his
toughness with genuine
care and loyalty
toward Lennie.
LENNIE
SMALL – (Mid 30’s –
mid 40’s) – A giant, gentle-hearted
man with an
intellectual
disability who
possesses immense
physical strength and
loves soft things. He
is deeply reliant on
George for guidance
and protection,
showing awe, respect,
and affection toward
him. The actor must
convey innocence,
kindness, and
vulnerability, while
also portraying a lack
of control over his
immense physical
strength.
CANDY
– (Over 60) – An aging ranch
handyman, missing one
hand, who offers his
savings to be part of
George and Lennie’s
dream of owning
land. Actor must
convey deep emotion,
vulnerability, warmth
and a genuine
affection for his dog.
CURLEY
– (Mid 20’s – mid
30’s) – Antagonist. The boss’s
confrontational,
insecure, and jealous
son. Short-tempered
and aggressive, with a
Napoleon Complex, he
seeks to assert
dominance over those
bigger than him and
constantly brags about
his status. The actor
must convey arrogance
and explosive
volatility,
demonstrating the
character’s
intimidation and
aggression.
CURLEY’S
WIFE – (Mid 20s – mid
30’s) – The only female,
nameless character in
the play. She is
young, beautiful, and
lonely, desperately
seeking out male
attention to relieve
her unbearable
life. She is trapped
by her circum-stances
and societal
expectations. The
actor must project
confidence and
sensuality, while also
conveying
vulnerability and
emotional depth.
SLIM
– (Mid 40’s – mid-late
50’s) – Referred to as the
“prince of the ranch,”
Slim is strong and
well-respected by the
other men. He is a
highly skilled jerk
line skinner who acts
as a moral compass and
voice of authority on
the
ranch. Contemplative
and observant, he has
a deep understanding
of the bond between
George and Lennie. The
actor should convey
calm authority,
intelligence, and
virtue.
CROOKS
– (30-50) – An intelligent, yet
embittered black
stable hand, set apart
from the other men by
both his race and a
debilitating back
injury. Years of
persistent prejudice
have made him guarded
and quick to distrust
any show of
kindness. Despite
this, beneath his
hardened exterior lies
a profound loneliness
and desire for
connection. The actor
should convey
intelligence, dignity
and emotional depth. Casting
Note: This role requires a
black actor.
CARLSON
– (Mid 30’s –
mid-50’s) – A practical, blunt
ranch hand who can be
bitter and
self-centered. Unafraid
to speak harsh truths,
he proposes the
killing of Candy’s
dog, reflecting a
pragmatic but
unsentimental view of
the world. The actor
should convey
toughness, directness,
and a no-nonsense
attitude.
WHIT
– (Mid-20’s –
mid-30’s) – A friendly,
good-natured young
ranch hand who is
likeable but easily
led. The actor should
convey warmth and
approachability.
THE
BOSS – (Over 50) – The ranch owner and
Curley’s father. Stern
but fair-minded, he
commands respect while
occasionally showing
generosity to the
ranch hands. The actor
should convey
authority, presence,
and a controlled
temperament.
AUDITIONERS
WILL BE ASKED TO READ
SIDES FROM THE SCRIPT.
NOTE: This
is an open call for
auditioners. ALL roles
are available. Actors
who are outside the
age ranges listed, but
feel they can play
within those ranges,
are strongly
encouraged to
audition.
THE
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
WILL BE BASED UPON THE
AVAILABILITY OF THOSE
WHO ARE
CAST. THEREFORE,
AUDITIONERS ARE
REQUESTED TO BE AS
SPECIFIC AS POSSIBLE
IN LISTING ANY AND ALL
CONFLICTS ON THEIR
AUDITION APPLICATION.
For further
information, please
visit the Ghent
Playhouse website or
contact the director,
Brian Sheldon by email
at [email protected], noting
OF
MICE AND MEN AUDITION
QUESTION on the SUBJECT line.
|
