The Secret Garden, an enchanting, Tony Award-winning musical based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s 1911 novel, is a compelling tale of forgiveness and renewal. With a sweeping score by Lucy Simon and a book and lyrics by Marsha Norman, the story follows Mary Lennox, a young orphan sent to live with her reclusive uncle in a mysterious Yorkshire manor. There, she discovers hidden family secrets, a locked garden, and the healing power of hope, love and friendship. This show offers a wide range of rich roles for both adults and young performers, combining hauntingly beautiful ballads with powerful ensemble numbers. It’s a story of transformation, resilience, and connection that resonates with audiences of all ages ~ and a rewarding challenge for any actor.
Auditions will be held on Sunday, December 7 and Monday, December 8 at 7:30 PM. The show will run March 13-29 with direction by Jane Cato, music direction by Michael Simmons and choreography by Carly Grosse.
Please prepare 16-32 measures of a song, preferably in the style of the show. Bring your sheet music or a karaoke track (no vocals). An accompanist and Bluetooth speaker will be provided. No a cappella vocal auditions, please. All auditionees will be asked to learn a short movement piece with the option to stay for an additional ballet dance audition. Readings from the script will take place at callbacks (invitation only).
What you need to do:
- Sign up HERE to let us know when you are coming to auditions.
- Bring a headshot or recent photo with you (a small one is fine).
- Download and complete your audition form below. Bring it with you to auditions.
- Feel free to attach a theatrical résumé.
Can’t attend in person?
Sign up HERE and email your completed form and photo shannon@towntheatre.com no later than December 8.
All roles are available. Ideally, all characters will have British accents unless otherwise noted.
MARY LENNOX – Female, pre-teen (Vocal Range: Young Voice, Ab3-D5) A ten-year-old girl sent to live with her uncle, Archibald, when her parents die from cholera in India. Quite the curious explorer, and often finding herself in trouble. Stubborn and always fighting for what she believes in. Must be a strong actress capable of carrying a show. British accent required. *This role may be double cast.
ARCHIBALD CRAVEN – Male, 30s-40s (Vocal Range: Baritone, C3-A4) Mary’s uncle and lord of Misselthwaite Manor. He has a hunch-back. Haunted by the past and afraid of the future, he locks himself away both physically and mentally. Mary painfully reminds him too much of his wife, Lily, who died ten years ago.
LILY – Female, mid 20s-30s (Vocal Range: Soprano, Bb3-D6) Mary’s aunt and Archibald Craven’s wife. Died of a tragic accident in her garden and haunts Misselthwaite Manor. A passionate woman who followed her own instincts, she reaches from beyond the grave to ensure the happiness of those she cares for.
DR. NEVILLE CRAVEN – Male, mid 30s-mid 40s (Vocal Range: Baritone, C3-F#4) Archibald’s younger brother. Trapped by the idea that he is responsible for the caretaking of his brother and young Colin. Even though his one-sided infatuation with Lily continues after her death. Because of this he clings to Misselthwaite Manor.
MARTHA – Female, age flexible (Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano Belt, G3-D5) A young and spunky housemaid. Grew up near Yorkshire and has the accent to prove it. Although she is from a lower-class family, her wisdom is often far beyond her age.
DICKON – Male, teens-early 20s (Vocal Range: Tenor, D3-G4) Martha’s younger brother. Looks after the plants and animals within the Misselthwaite grounds. He is a young man who is between the world of child imagination and adult reasoning. Open, honest, and energetic. He befriends Mary and convinces her to take care of the Garden.
COLIN CRAVEN – Male, pre-teen (Vocal Range: Young Voice, A3-E5) Archibald’s ten-year-old son. He’s spent his life in bed due to a heart condition. He is very stubborn and throws temper tantrums to get what he wants. He believes his father hates him for causing Lily’s death. Strong Falsetto appreciated. *This role may be double cast.
BEN WEATHERSTAFF – Male, Age Flexible (Vocal Range: E3-D#4) Head gardener. Secretly entrusted to take care of the garden after Lily’s death. Knows a great deal about the history of the garden and the grounds it sits on. He has worked for the family for many years. He calls himself “an old man.”
MRS. MEDLOCK – Female, Age Flexible (Vocal Range: Flexible) Archibald’s housekeeper. As cold as Misselthwaite Manor.
MRS. WINTHROP – Female, Age Flexible (Vocal Range: Flexible) Headmistress of a private school. Prides herself on nurturing girls with tempers. Mary seems to be more than she can handle.
THE DREAMERS – These characters, referred to collectively as The Dreamers, are people from Mary’s life in India, who haunt her until she finds her new life in the course of this story. They support the production vocally and physically sometimes as a collective, and other times as the following supporting characters (some roles may be doubled as needed):
ROSE LENNOX – Female, late 20s-mid 30s (Vocal Range: Soprano, A3-D6) Mary’s mother. She doesn’t understand how her sister Lily could truly love Archibald. She is very loyal to her husband and daughter but struggles to show affection. She dies during a cholera outbreak in India at the beginning of the story and haunts Mary until she finds her new life in the course of the story.
CAPTAIN ALBERT LENNOX – Male, 30s-40s (Vocal Range: Tenor, D3-A5) Mary’s father and British officer. Caring to a fault, he, too, dies during the cholera outbreak in India and haunts Mary until she finds her new life in the course of the story.
ALICE – Female, Age Flexible (Vocal Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Rose’s friend.
LIEUTENANT WRIGHT – Male, Age Flexible (Vocal Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Officer in Mary’s father’s unit.
LIEUTENANT SHAW – Male, Age Flexible (Vocal Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Fellow officer.
MAJOR SHELLEY – Male, Age Flexible (Vocal Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Officer.
MRS. SHELLEY – Female, Age Flexible (Vocal Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Major Shelley’s wife.
MAJOR HOLMES – Male, Age Flexible (Vocal Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Officer.
CLAIRE HOLMES – Female, Age Flexible (Vocal Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Major Holmes’ wife.
FAKIR – Male, Age Flexible (Vocal Range: Tenor, C3-B4)
AYAH – Female, Age Flexible (Vocal Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Mary’s nanny in India.
THE RESTORERS – These performers support the production through movement and dance (primarily in the styles of ballet and contemporary). They will assist The Dreamers in bringing the story physically to life primarily by representing the elements of nature inherent in the story. They symbolize healing and bringing the garden and the family back to life. Looking for an ensemble of 4-8 dancers.
