AUDITION INFO
DIGITAL AUDITIONS
by Bekah Brunstetter
It’s 1997. Alone in her computer lab, 13-year-old Jane finds her escape from the awkward throes of puberty by joining her sister and her unattainable high school crush in a covered wagon headed west on “The Oregon Trail.” Under the guidance of the all-powerful Voice of the Game, we watch “Then Jane” and her family navigate the deadly perils of 1850s frontier life, while present day Jane navigates the different but all-too-real dangers of high school, college, and eventually adulthood. Jane soon finds herself in her 20s, unemployed and battling an undefinable lifelong sadness she cannot name, even as “Then Jane” continues to face the tribulations of the trail. With nearly two centuries between them, both Janes face hardships that seem impossible to overcome—until they find one another.
The Oregon Trail is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
CASTING CONSIDERATIONS:
All roles are open.
At Hershey Area Playhouse, we are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all individuals. We encourage actors of all races, ethnicities, backgrounds, identities, abilities, body types, and experiences to audition for our productions.
Production is non-Equity and non-paid.
PRODUCTION STAFF:
Sarah Carson, Director (sarah.nic.carson@gmail.com)
Producer: Rosemary Bucher
PRODUCTION DATES:
November 13-15th, 2025
IMPORTANT DATES:
Auditions: Monday September 22nd 6:30-9pm and Tuesday September 23rd 6:30-8pm lower level of Hershey Area Playhouse. (These will be on a first come, first served basis.)
Callbacks will be held Thursday September 25th from 6-8pm by invitation only at the discretion of the production team. You will receive notification via email shortly after the audition sessions to inform whether you will be required to attend or not.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Please prepare a 1 minute contemporary monologue in the style of the show, actors may be asked for a contrasting monologue if necessary. Actors that have musical instruments are encouraged to bring them and play a short snippet of their choosing to showcase their skill level.
If you are unable to attend either audition date, please email the director (sarah.nic.carson@gmail.com) to determine if a digital submission is possible.
Movement REQUIREMENTS
A movement call will be part of the call back process, but is not required of initial auditions. If you are invited to call backs, please wear comfortable clothing and well-fitted shoes.
CHARACTER LIST
JANE: (Female, 20’s to early 30’s) The Quintessential Weird Middle School Girl™ turned adult down on her luck. This actor will play both the 13 year old version and nearing-thirty version of Jane. As she ages, she’s still uncomfortable in her own skin, but trying her best. Outcast, unemployed, and living in the shadow of her perfect older sister. Must be comfortable with mild/awkward intimacy. Singing (not necessarily quality singing) required.
MARYANNE (Female, 20’s to early 30’s) A well-adjusted and well rounded young lady. Pretty and put together, to the point of being a bit controlling. Loves a to-do list. Suffers severely from eldest daughter syndrome in all its forms, but loves her sister in spite of it all. This actor will play several iterations of MaryAnne as a modern 17 year old, early 30 year old, and young pioneer girl. Persistently upbeat and plucky in all realities. Singing required, violin proficiency preferred.
THEN JANE: (Female, teens to 20’s) A gangly and growing pioneer girl, forced to pack up all she’s ever known and traverse one of the most dangerous journeys in the current world with her moody father and annoying older sister. There is a constant weight on her shoulders and not just the grief of losing her mother… something more. Singing (not necessarily quality singing) required.
CLANCY: (Male, mid 30’s to 40’s) A pioneer father packing up his life and two young daughters to traverse the Oregon trail after the death of his beloved wife. Gruff, yet boisterous man with conviction. Girl dad that is navigating how to persist as a single father.
BILLY: (Male, 20’s to early 30’s) The heartthrob of Jane’s middle school years. His family enters a rough patch as he navigates high school and the damage lingers with him into adulthood. Piqued in highschool and knows it. This actor will play a 15 year old version and late 20’s version of Billy. Must be comfortable with mild/awkward intimacy.
GAME: (any age or gender presentation) The persistent narrator and driving force of life within the play. Strong movement skills required. Strong vocal presence, able to fill the space to overflowing. Will appear on stage interacting with Jane and the world around them. Able to move seamlessly between past and present.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT:
Hershey Area Playhouse is actively committed to anti-racism and anti-oppressive practices in the theatre and specifically in casting. We affirm our commitment to equity, inclusivity, and diversity, and strive to foster an artistic environment that is dedicated to social equality.