Bijou presents
Jane Austen’s
Emma
Adapted by Michael Bloom
Auditions:
Sunday 13 April
Bijou is delighted to announce auditions for its 2025 production, a stage adaptation of Jane Austen’s comedy masterpiece, Emma, at the Playhouse Theatre, Hobart from 24 July to 2 August.
Please read the information below and fill out the form to book an audition.
About the show
One of Jane Austen’s most beloved works, Emma has been transformed into a playful, highly theatrical stage adaptation. Emma follows a clever, spirited young woman who delights in matchmaking – certain she knows what’s best for everyone’s love life. But as her meddling leads to mismatched couples and emotional chaos, Emma must untangle the consequences and reckon with her own heart. With sharp dialogue, romantic blunders and a colourful cast of characters, Emma is a fast-paced period comedy full of wit and warmth.
Our vision
This is Bijou’s first ever play and we’re excited! It’s the 250th anniversary of Austen’s birthday this year, and even now, her works still resonate. This production will bring a modern edge to Austen’s classic – staying true to its Regency roots while embracing a fresh, stylised take on the world. We’re looking for a strong ensemble of actors with sharp comic instincts, playful energy and a love of storytelling. We’re particularly excited for the opportunity to work with a wider group of actors of the non-singing, non-dancing persuasion (although there will be a bit of dancing in this one – what’s an Austen story without a ball!?)
Creative + Production team
Director + Producer – Karen Kluss
Assistant Director – Zoë Vandervelde
Costume Designer – Nicole Ottrey
Lighting Designer – Gareth Kays
Marketing + Associate Producer – Adelaide Reisz
Season Dates
Thursday 24 July 7.30pm (Opening night)
Friday 25 July 7.30pm
Saturday 26 July 2pm
Saturday 26 July 7.30pm
Sunday 27 July 3.30pm
Tuesday 29 July 7.30pm (TBC)
Wednesday 30 July 7.30pm
Thursday 31 July 7.30pm
Friday 1 August 7.30pm
Saturday 2 August 2pm
Saturday 2 August 7.30pm
Rehearsals
Rehearsals will be two nights a week and one full weekend day from Sunday 11 May 2025 onwards. Not everyone will be called to every rehearsal. Rehearsals will gear up in the final weeks leading up to opening night, with the possibility of three nights a week and a full weekend in the week preceding production week, with calls every night in production week.
Honorarium
Although this is a community theatre production, Bijou offers performers a small honorarium of $150 for their participation in the show, as a token of appreciation.
Roles
There are twelve roles in this show – six women and six men. Emma, as expected, features most heavily in the show, with all other characters appearing as supporting roles.
All roles in this show are open for audition. Indicative age ranges are listed below. We are open to actors playing characters that may be older or younger than they are.
Auditions are open to those aged 18+.
The women
Emma Woodhouse (20s to 30s)
Clever, confident and charming – with just enough mischief to get herself into trouble. Emma fancies herself a gifted matchmaker, though her meddling often backfires. She’s the emotional and comic centre of the play, undergoing real growth as she learns humility, empathy and self-awareness. A dynamic role for a versatile actor who can carry both quick wit and vulnerability.
Jane Fairfax (20s to 30s)
Elegant, reserved, and deeply self-controlled. Jane is everything Emma is not – accomplished, modest, and emotionally restrained. Her storyline is underscored by sacrifice and hidden emotion. Requires an actor with strong presence and subtle emotional range.
Harriet Smith (18 to 30s)
Naive, sweet, and eager to please. As Emma’s protégée, Harriet is easily influenced – leading to heartbreak and confusion. She’s sincere and well-meaning, with comic potential in her earnestness. A lovely arc as she gradually gains confidence and independence.
Augusta Weston (20s to 30s)
A scene-stealer. Social-climbing, tactless, and hilariously full of herself. She barges into Highbury life and immediately begins throwing her weight around. This role offers broad comic potential and room for creative interpretation.
Miss Bates (40s to 50s)
Incessantly cheerful and endlessly talkative. She’s kind-hearted but often the butt of jokes – especially from Emma. A fantastic comedic role with warmth and pathos. Requires great rhythm and a touch of poignancy beneath the chatter.
Mrs Weston (30s to early 40s)
Emma’s former governess and closest confidante. Sensible, maternal, and kind. She gently calls Emma out when needed, and her marriage to Mr Weston is a model of happiness. A grounding presence in the ensemble.
The men
George Knightly (30s to 40s)
Steady, principled and intelligent – the moral compass of the play. Knightley sees through Emma’s schemes but genuinely cares for her, even when they clash. Their verbal sparring is laced with affection. Requires a grounded performer who can balance warmth, frustration and romantic restraint.
Frank Churchill (20s to 30s)
Charming, lively and enigmatic. Frank keeps everyone – including Emma – guessing. He flirts, flatters, and hides a secret, all with a smile. A charismatic role with a bit of edge; perfect for an actor who can play charm and duplicity with equal flair.
Phillip Elton (20s to 30s)
Ambitious and self-important, with a healthy dose of awkwardness. Elton believes himself to be quite the catch, and his bruised ego leads to an ill-advised marriage. A comic role, well suited to an actor with bold choices and timing.
Mr Woodhouse (60s to 70s)
Emma’s anxious, hypochondriac father. He dreads change and fusses over everything from draughts to digestion. A gentle, comedic presence, full of one-liners and old-fashioned charm. Best suited to an actor with comic timing and physical expression.
Mr Weston (40s to 50s)
Cheerful, sociable and ever-optimistic. A warm-hearted father figure who believes the best of everyone. His good humour smooths over social bumps. Often paired in scenes with his wife and stepson Frank.
Robert Martin (20s to 30s)
A solid, sincere young farmer – a good man from a humble background. He’s in love with Harriet and must weather Emma’s meddling. A smaller role with a quiet dignity, best suited to a grounded actor.
Ready to audition?
Fill out the registration form below and we will be in touch to confirm your audition time along with more details, including the audition location.
To prepare for your audition, we will send through some small excerpts of the script to familiarise yourself with (you do not need to learn these by heart, and we will have copies on the day). Consider your English accent and how you might bring your individuality and comic sensibility to a role.
Auditions will take place on Sunday 13 April with potential callbacks on the evening of Monday 14 April.
Auditions will take place in pairs or small groups and should take between 10 to 15 minutes.
You’ll be given a piece of script to read on the day, so you don’t need to prepare anything. But consider your English accent and how you might bring your individuality or comic sensibility to a certain role.
Once your audition time is confirmed, please send through a recent photo and a copy of your theatre CV.
Got questions about the show or auditions?
Send us an email and we’ll get back to you.