LOUISA MAY ALCOTT’S LITTLE WOMEN
by Lauren Gunderson
Directed by Erin McGrath
Pragmatic Meg. Sweet Beth. Vibrant Amy. And ambitious, independent, beloved Jo. In this charming new adaptation, Louisa May Alcott plays Jo March as she recounts how she wrote her famous novel for her real-life sisters, who in turn play the characters inspired by them. Under the loving guidance of their mother, Marmee, these infamous sisters each take their own path toward womanhood in a challenging world of social expectations thanks to the love, support, and antagonism of one another.
Captivating readers for generations, this beloved story continues to delight with this energetic and novelistic approach using dialogue, description and interior thoughts just as Alcott wrote them. Relive this timeless tale of goodwill, resilience, and family told by a determined young writer who sought and found her way in the world on her own terms.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:
All roles are available, and actors are welcome to submit for the role with which they feel alignment. Character descriptions provided, including age range and gender, describe character traits only. The age range listed also reflects their aging process throughout the story. Actors of all race and ethnicity are encouraged to apply.
Roles
| Role | Type | Gender | Number |
| JO | Lead | Female Identified | |
|
(she/her), teens – late 20s:
Independent, ambitious, and fiercely determined to pursue her dreams of becoming a writer. Jo is outspoken and adventurous, with a visceral sense of justice and loyalty, but also self-critical and quick tempered. Also plays Louisa May Alcott (she/her), 30s. |
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| MEG | Lead | Female Identified | |
|
(she/her), 20s – 30s:
The eldest March sister is responsible, compassionate, traditional, vibrant, and romantic. Meg is thoughtful but also sometimes vain and longing for the ease of wealth that she never had. |
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| BETH | Lead | Female Identified | |
|
(she/her), late teens – 20s:
Quiet, gentle, and musical. She is shy, selfless, and deeply empathetic. She is dedicated to the home and family. A girl, never a woman. *Playing the piano is not a requirement. |
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| AMY | Lead | Female Identified | |
|
(she/her), teens – late 20s:
The youngest March sister. Amy is artistic, vivacious, determined, loving and passionate. Often impatient, and self centered with a quick sense of humor and temper that rivals and sparks with Jo’s. |
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| MARMEE | Lead | Female Identified | |
|
(she/her), 40s – 50s:
Marmee, mother of the March sisters is wise, nurturing, and compassionate, resilient, and patient. She guides her daughters toward selflessness and level-headedness but also shares their sense of humor and delight for life, family and independence. Also plays Aunt March (she/her), 70s – fussy, rich, judgemental, sharp, and witty. |
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| LAURIE | Lead | Male Identified | |
|
(he/him), late teens – 30s:
The wealthy and charming neighbor welcomed into the March family. He is impulsive, witty, and playful, with a love of music and literature. Laurie is kind-hearted and deeply devoted to the March family, especially Jo. |
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| MALE ENSEMBLE TRACK, | Supporting | Male Identified | |
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• JOHN, 20s – 30s Laurie's tutor. He is intelligent, earnest, hardworking, and respectful.
• FRIEDRICH, 30s – 40s – German immigrant and intellectual. He is cultured, kind-hearted, and a passionate lover of literature and philosophy. He embodies principles of intellect, integrity, and genuine affection. • MR. MARCH, 40s – 50s – the March sisters’ father • MR. LAURENCE, 60s – 70s – Laurie’s Grandfather |
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SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
Please submit a headshot and resume (PDF format only) to Olivia Swerhone-Wick by April 15, 2026 at [email protected] with the subject line: LITTLE WOMEN. Please indicate which role(s) you would like to be considered for.
If there is a potential barrier that might prevent you from being able to audition, we encourage you to let us know so we can work with you to dissolve it. Due to the volume of submissions, only those selected for an audition will be contacted. Reading copies of the script are available upon request.
Submission Deadline
April 15, 2026
AUDITION DATES: May 3 & 4, 2026
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: April 15, 2026
CONTRACT DATES: November 5 to December 20, 2026 (potential holdover until December 27)
Artists will be engaged under the CTA, with anticipated rates set at “C” House category.
REHEARSALS START: November 5, 2026
OPENING: December 4, 2026
CLOSING: December 20, 2026 (potential holdover until December 27)
ABOUT PERSEPHONE THEATRE:
Persephone Theatre is located on the beautiful lands of Indigenous peoples who have lived here since time immemorial, including the Nêhiyawak, Nêhithawak, Anishinabek, Nakawe, Nakota, Nehinawak, Lakota, Dakota and Dene peoples. This place is also the homeland of the Métis. At Persephone, we also like to acknowledge the contributions of the Whitecap Dakota and Round Prairie Métis peoples in establishing our city of Saskatoon. Persephone Theatre is located on Treaty 6 territory and is committed to living in good relations with our Indigenous neighbours, in the spirit with which the Treaties were intended.
Persephone Theatre is committed to a reflecting the rich diversity of our community in the stories we tell and the ways in which we undertake creating our work. We prioritize a workplace culture that centres equity, inclusion, and authentic representation. We strongly encourage submissions from artists who self-identify as members of historically excluded communities, which includes (but is not limited to) those who identify as IBPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, d/Deaf, or who have a disability or chronic illness. We also strongly encourage artists to submit for the roles they feel align with their gender identity and/or gender expression.
Persephone Theatre encourages submissions from diverse artists of all backgrounds, regardless of race, colour, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
