HOMEGROWN THEATRE
HOMEGROWN TALENT
Franklinia Playhouse will be holding auditions for the play HARVEY By Mary Chase. Harvey was the first play that Franklinia Playhouse ever did and is our special 50th anniversary celebratory play for our local community theatre!
Audition Dates: January 19-20, 2026 6pm – 8pm
Location: Southeastern Technical College - 3001 E 1st St, Vidalia, GA 30474
(Auditioners only need to come to one night auditions. We are only seeing in-person auditioners during audition times – no video submissions.)
Performance Dates: March 6, 7, and 8, 2026
Audition Requirements: Must be 18 or older. Sides for cold readings will be provided at the auditions.
Short Play Synopsis: Harvey is a warm, whimsical comedy centered on Elwood P. Dowd, a charming and gentle man whose constant companion is an invisible 6’3″ rabbit—Harvey, a “pooka.” Through a series of comedic misunderstandings, the play explores whether a little kindness and imagination might be more valuable than conformity. The play blends warm humor with magical whimsy, ultimately celebrating compassion and individuality.
CASTING THE FOLLOWING ROLES:
NOTE: All roles are open to anyone of any ethnicity.
ELWOOD P. DOWD (M): A genial, gentle, eccentric man who wholeheartedly believes in his invisible friend, Harvey.
Actor qualities: Warmth, sincerity, comedic subtlety, strong timing.
Notes: Elwood is never played as “crazy”—his kindness is genuine and grounded.
VETA LOUISE SIMMONS (F): Elwood’s social-climbing sister, constantly exasperated by his behavior.
Actor qualities: Strong comedic chops, expressive physicality, emotional range from frantic to heartfelt.
MYRTLE MAE SIMMONS (F): Veta’s daughter, desperate for a normal family image to secure her social future.
Actor qualities: Energetic, expressive, youthful, comedic timing.
DR. SANDERSON (M): A young, ambitious psychiatrist at Chumley’s sanitorium
Actor qualities: Professional demeanor with dry humor; romantic chemistry with Nurse Kelly.
NURSE RUTH KELLY (F): A kind and competent nurse with a soft spot for Dr. Sanderson.
Actor qualities: Warm, grounded, capable of balancing romance with farce.
DR. CHUMLEY (M): Head of the sanitarium; authoritative, stressed, and ultimately transformed by Harvey’s influence.
Actor qualities: Strong stage presence, ability to pivot from serious to comedic.
JUDGE GAFFNEY (M or F): The Dowd family’s lawyer and trusted friend.
Actor qualities: Solid, grounded, gravitas mixed with warmth.
E.J. LOFGREN (M or F): A down-to-earth cab driver with a surprisingly philosophical take on life.
Actor qualities: Down-to-earth, strong monologue delivery.
WILSON (M) –The muscle of the sanitarium; blunt, practical, often comedic.
Actor qualities: Physicality, gruff charm.
MRS. ETHEL CHAUVENET (F): A wealthy friend from a socially elite family. She is sophisticated and elegant.
Actor Qualities: Socially commanding, with comedic timing. (Appears in Act 1 only and may double with Betty Chumley.)
BETTY CHUMLEY (F): Kind and talkative wife of Dr. Chumley, she is warm and friendly.
Actor Qualities: Outgoing and slightly concerned with social niceties rather than professional seriousness. (Appears in Act 2 only. May double as Mrs. Chauvenet.)
MISS JOHNSON (F): The maid in Veta Luise Simmon’s household.
Actor qualities: Sharp, clear, and able to complement other characters’ comedic beats. (Very brief appearance largely confined to Act 1 and may double with Betty Chumley.)
