Male/Female Actors For 2022-2023 Season Shows

John Proctor’s wife. Elizabeth is a righteous, honest, and proud woman who sees in shades of right and wrong-- she doesn’t traffic in gray areas. At one point in Act Two, John refers to his wife as “goodness.” At times, her principled virtuousness makes Elizabeth seem cold. Yet although Elizabeth is wounded by her husband’s adulterous affair with Abigail Williams, she still loves him with a fierceness that balances out her austere manner. "The Crucible"

A farmer who lives just outside of Salem Village with his wife, Elizabeth, and three sons. John Proctor is known to be a principled man with a profound sense of personal integrity and a keen hatred of hypocrisy. Miller saw Proctor as hero in the form of a common, hardworking man with distinct flaws: namely, that Proctor engaged in an affair with his 17-year-old servant girl, Abigail Williams, before his wife discovered the tryst and sent Abigail away. "The Crucible"

Parris is the new reverend of Salem Village, having taken the position after spending a long period of time as a merchant in Barbados. Unlike previous reverends in Salem, Parris holds property and takes payment, which makes some residents of Salem suspicious of his intentions. In addition to Parris’ un-Puritan acquisition of land and wealth, he is also disliked in town for his sermons, which tend to feature themes of hellfire and damnation. "The Crucible"

The Deputy Governor of Massachusetts, called to Salem in order to preside over the Salem Witch Trials. Danforth is a traditionalist, but wellrespected as a level-headed and thoughtful judge. At times, Danforth’s moral certainty makes him pompous in his righteousness. Eventually, this confidence leads him to become trapped in the horrific situation he helped create in Salem . He demands respect, and on rare occasions lapses into angry outrage in order to secure it. "The Crucible"

Hathorne is a judge in Salem, described by Miller as “bitter [and] remorseless.” He is second-in-command to Judge Danforth. Hathorne is utterly convinced of his moral certitude, which leads him to dismiss any dissent as mutinous and inherently false. Hathorne usually serves as prosecutor and interrogator, and he executes his interviews with viciousness, arrogance, and certainty in the accused person’s guilt. Hathorne’s ultimate goal is to elicit confessions of witchcraft. "The Crucible"

Hale is a well-respected minister and an expert in witchcraft, who has been summoned to Salem from his home in Beverly. He is a Harvard-educated man. Hale believes earnestly in the existence of witchcraft, and even more importantly, that he has seen proof of it. Furthermore, Hale believes he has the power to rescue the afflicted from the clutches of Satan and bring them to God. "The Crucible"

72 years old. Rebecca, the wife of Francis Nurse, is one of the most respected members of the Salem community. She is kind, intelligent, and pious. As a grandmother twentysix times over, Rebecca understands children and their complexities, obsessions, and tendencies to misrepresent themselves. She falls victim to the witch-hunt hysteria when the Putnams accuse her of being a witch and she refuses to confess. She is morally upright, though physically withered. "The Crucible"

83 years old. Giles Corey is a feisty, old Salem farmer who is known for his tendency to file lawsuits against his fellow townspeople. He is impatient, firm, and possesses a uniquely strong will. Despite his age, Corey can hold his own both intellectually and physically. He’s a curious man, and when he asks Reverend Hale about why his wife, Martha, might be struggling to remember the Lord’s Prayer, he inadvertently sets her up for an eventual accusation of witchcraft. "The Crucible"

An elderly, (in his 70s) well-respected, and wealthy man of the village, Francis Nurse is the kind of person implicitly trusted by those on both sides of an argument. He is the husband of Rebecca Nurse, a well-loved and trusted woman in Salem. Nurse is a good, Puritan man, and considered by his fellows to lack any touch of selfishness or ill-intent. "The Crucible"

A wealthy landowner in Salem; the husband of Ann & father of Ruth, one of the afflicted girls. Putnam is well-known in the community for his family’s wealth, greediness in the acquisition of land, & litigious acts against his community. Even in times of chaos during the trials, Putnam remains clear-eyed and opportunistic, always looking for a chance to make a profit: he accuses people of witchcraft in order to better his own interests, buying their land once they are in jail. "The Crucible"

45 years old; the wife of the wealthy landowner Thomas Putnam. Ann has given birth to eight children -- but seven died before they were a day old, and Ann is convinced that they were murdered by supernatural means. As such, she is easily convinced of the veracity of the witch hunt hysteria. In Miller’s words, she is a “twisted soul,” haunted by death and terrible nightmares. "The Crucible"

Caribbean accent. Originally from Barbados, Tituba was brought with Reverend Parris to Salem as his slave. Although Tituba is by far the lowest-ranking person in the Salem community, she earnestly cares for Betty Parris and applies herself to each task with humility and intelligence. Tituba is a faithful woman, and because her native religious tradition is seen by the residents of Salem as something to be feared and exorcised, Tituba graciously accepts her master’s faith. "The Crucible"

Cheever has been appointed as an officer of the court, and he does his duty with earnestness and determination -- even when his duty requires him to arrest his friends. Cheever is honest and just, and tries to do right by all. In the trials, however, Cheever must wrestle with his personal morality when he finds it in conflict with his sense of duty. "The Crucible"

40 years old. Herrick is a marshal of the court. He executes his duties with compassion & sympathy, treating the accused with dignity & kindness. Herrick is dutiful and follows orders to the letter, but never exerts undue influence or acts with zealousness. Eventually, Herrick’s guilt over his part in the trials leads him to numb his pain with alcohol. This role is often doubled with Ezekiel Cheever and Hopkins, the jailer. The role of Herrick is based on the historical figure. "The Crucible"

18 years old. Described by Miller as a “fat, sly, merciless girl,” Mercy is Abigail Williams’ most loyal follower and a servant in the home of the Putnam family. She joins Abigail in bullying the other girls, and is quick to fake her own afflictions in order to gain Abigail’s favor. She is aware of Abigail’s indiscretion with John Proctor and seems to admire her for it. "The Crucible"

One of the first women accused of witchcraft, Sarah Good is a homeless woman who confesses to witchcraft in order to save her own life. She descends into something like madness in jail, and thinks she speaks to Satan. Sarah appears old, as she has been broken by life, but may in fact be much younger than she seems. The role of Sarah Good is based on the historical figure. "The Crucible"

Hopkins is a jailer in Salem’s prison. This role is often doubled with Marshal Herrick and Ezekiel Cheever, or cut entirely, as Hopkins has no lines. "The Crucible"

2 females & 3 males presenting multiple “vignettes”.

Arrogant, superior, domineering, athletic. "Rope"

Weak and easily led. Nervous and fidgety. Dominated by Brandon. "Rope"

A fawning hanger-on. Has a soft spot for Leila Arden. "Rope"

Demonstrative friend of Brandon and Granillo. Likes being the center of attention. "Rope"

Elderly book collector, the father of the murdered man (50/60s or older). "Rope"

A rather silly, upper-class woman. "Rope"

An older acquaintance of Brandon and Granillo. Poetic and a dreamer. Gradually unravels the murder plot using old fashioned detective work. "Rope"

A surly manservant to Brandon and Granillo. "Rope"

The murdered student friend of Brandon and Granillo. (non-speaking part, seen briefly at the beginning and end of the play.) "Rope"

A Franciscan friar, friend to both Romeo and Juliet. Kind, civic-minded, a proponent of moderation, and always ready with a plan, Friar Lawrence secretly marries the impassioned lovers in hopes that the union might eventually bring peace to Verona. As well as being a Catholic holy man, Friar Lawrence is also an expert in the use of seemingly mystical potions and herbs. "Romeo and Juliet"

A kinsman to the Prince, and Romeo’s close friend. One of the most extraordinary characters in all of Shakespeare’s plays, Mercutio overflows with imagination, wit, and, at times, a strange, biting satire and brooding fervor. Mercutio loves wordplay, especially sexual double entendres. He can be quite hotheaded, and hates people who are affected, pretentious, or obsessed with the latest fashions. "Romeo and Juliet"

Juliet’s nurse, the woman who breast-fed Juliet when she was a baby and has cared for Juliet her entire life. A vulgar, long-winded, and sentimental character, the Nurse provides comic relief with her frequently inappropriate remarks and speeches. But, until a disagreement near the play’s end, the Nurse is Juliet’s faithful confidante and loyal intermediary in Juliet’s affair with Romeo. "Romeo and Juliet"

A Capulet, Juliet’s cousin on her mother’s side. Vain, fashionable, supremely aware of courtesy and the lack of it, he becomes aggressive, violent, and quick to draw his sword when he feels his pride has been injured. Once drawn, his sword is something to be feared. He loathes Montagues. "Romeo and Juliet"

The patriarch of the Capulet family, father of Juliet, husband of Lady Capulet, and enemy, for unexplained reasons, of Montague. He truly loves his daughter, though he is not well acquainted with Juliet’s thoughts or feelings, and seems to think that what is best for her is a “good” match with Paris. Often prudent, he commands respect and propriety, but he is liable to fly into a rage when either is lacking. "Romeo and Juliet"

Juliet’s mother, Capulet’s wife. A woman who herself married young (by her own estimation she gave birth to Juliet at close to the age of fourteen), she is eager to see her daughter marry Paris. She is an ineffectual mother, relying on the Nurse for moral and pragmatic support. "Romeo and Juliet"

Romeo’s father, the patriarch of the Montague clan and bitter enemy of Capulet. At the beginning of the play, he is chiefly concerned about Romeo’s melancholy. "Romeo and Juliet"

Romeo’s mother, Montague’s wife. She dies of grief after Romeo is exiled from Verona. "Romeo and Juliet"

A kinsman of the Prince, and the suitor of Juliet most preferred by Capulet. Once Capulet has promised him he can marry Juliet, he behaves very presumptuous toward her, acting as if they are already married. "Romeo and Juliet"

Montague’s nephew, Romeo’s cousin and thoughtful friend. Benvolio makes a genuine effort to defuse violent scenes in public places, though Mercutio accuses him of having a nasty temper in private. He spends most of the play trying to help Romeo get his mind off Rosaline, even after Romeo has fallen in love with Juliet. "Romeo and Juliet"

The Prince of Verona. A kinsman of Mercutio and Paris. As the seat of political power in Verona, he is concerned about maintaining the public peace at all costs. "Romeo and Juliet"

A Franciscan friar charged by Friar Lawrence with taking the news of Juliet’s false death to Romeo in Mantua. Friar John is held up in a quarantined house, and the message never reaches Romeo. "Romeo and Juliet"

Romeo’s dedicated servant, who brings Romeo the news of Juliet’s death, unaware that her death is a ruse. "Romeo and Juliet"

Servant of the house of Capulet, who, like his master, hate the Montagues. At the outset of the play, he successfully provokes some Montague men into a fight. "Romeo and Juliet"

Servant of the house of Capulet, who, like his master, hate the Montagues. At the outset of the play, he successfully provokes some Montague men into a fight. "Romeo and Juliet"

Montague’s servant, who fights with Sampson and Gregory in the first scene of the play. "Romeo and Juliet"

An apothecary in Mantua. Had he been wealthier, he might have been able to afford to value his morals more than money, and refused to sell poison to Romeo. "Romeo and Juliet"

A Capulet servant who invites guests to Capulet’s feast and escorts the Nurse to meet with Romeo. He is illiterate, and a bad singer. "Romeo and Juliet"

The woman with whom Romeo is infatuated at the beginning of the play. Rosaline never appears onstage, but it is said by other characters that she is very beautiful and has sworn to live a life of chastity. "Romeo and Juliet"

The Chorus is a single character who, as developed in Greek drama, functions as a narrator offering commentary on the play’s plot and themes. "Romeo and Juliet"

Jack is a nice, young Oxford student who loves Kitty. He and Charley are both stereotypes of the well-meaning, slightly ineffectual, upper-middle-class Oxford student of the Victorian era. Jack's father arrives and informs him that their financial situation will be limited in the near future because of debt. Jack decides that his father should marry Charley's rich aunt. "Charley's Aunt"

Charley is an orphan whose Oxford education has been paid for by his mysterious Brazilian aunt. He has never met her, but she is coming for lunch just in time to chaperone his date with Amy, whom he intends to marry. Charley is a nice, young man, intent on doing the socially correct thing. When the aunt is late for lunch, Charley is desperate for a chaperone, so he and Jack convince their friend Babbs (who conveniently shows up in drag) to stand in. "Charley's Aunt"

Babbs is Jack and Charley's friend at school. He is a theatrical sort, loud and funny, and prone to showing up in drag. The young men decide to invite him to their lunch. When Charley's aunt is late, the whole luncheon is in jeopardy, but Babbs shows up on his way to a play rehearsal, clad in an old woman's prim and proper clothing. "Charley's Aunt"

Kitty is the ward of Amy's uncle, Stephen Spettigue. She and Jack are in love, but her guardian is very strict and protective of her. She behaves properly at all times, although she annoys her guardian by dining with Jack without his permission. Kitty accepts Jack's proposal and the couple are finally able to wed. "Charley's Aunt"

Amy is Stephen Spettigue's niece. She loves Charley, but she is a very proper young lady, and she can't come to Charley's rooms without a chaperone. She is about to go away to Scotland with her strict uncle, which prompts Charley's desperate search for an older woman to join them at lunch. Fortunately, the situation is resolved, and Amy accepts Charley's marriage proposal. "Charley's Aunt"

Donna Lucia is Charley's aunt, a very elegant, beautiful woman in her forties. She was the secretary to a very wealthy man in Brazil, whom she married on his deathbed. She now holds his fortune, and she has paid for Charley's education. She is coming to lunch, but she has been delayed. When she arrives, she finds an impersonator, in the form of Babbs, chaperoning the lunch. Donna Lucia pretends to be Mrs. Beverley-Smythe so that she won't disrupt the hilarious proceedings. "Charley's Aunt"

The Colonel is Jack's father. He surprises Jack by showing up at lunch and telling his son that they are in reduced financial straits due to debt. Jack hatches a plan, which his father agrees to, in which the Colonel will court and marry Charley's wealthy aunt. "Charley's Aunt"

Uncle Stephen is Amy's uncle and Kitty's guardian. He is prissy and fastidious, and he insists that the young women adhere strictly to his rules, including no lunches with young men without a chaperone present. He is suspicious that something is afoot at the luncheon, but when he realizes that the "old woman" is Charley's rich aunt, he is immediately drawn to her. "Charley's Aunt"

A waiter at Oxford. "Charley's Aunt"

Ela is the young woman Babbs fell in love with while he was cruising the Mediterranean. She disappeared, and he thinks she is lost to him. However, Ela was orphaned and has become the ward of Donna Lucia, although she has her own considerable wealth. When Babbs's true identity is revealed, the couple are happily reunited. "Charley's Aunt"

Oedipus is a proud and confident king who assumed the throne owing to his wit and intellect. He cares deeply for his people, and seems unaffected by his past, as the adopted prince of Corinth. He believes that knowledge and truth are of the utmost value, and his ambition and even aggression to find out truth, sometimes at the expense of others, ultimately leads to his downfall. He is known as a great literary example of “hubris,” which is often interpreted as pride. "Oedipus Rex"

Creon is a character and name that appears in multiple Greek dramas, and while the relationships between he and the other characters and his identity are not always the same, the role he plays in Greek tragedy remains consistent. In Oedipus, Creon is the brother to Jocasta, and the brother-in-law/uncle to Oedipus. He had assumed power temporarily in previous absences of the king, both when out of the kingdom and when deceased. "Oedipus Rex"

Jocasta is the loving wife of Oedipus, discovered to also be his mother. It is important that she appears slightly older than he, although her age does not have to be drastically above that of Oedipus, since women often bore children in their mid-late teens in Greek culture. Jocasta is well respected by her people as a widow who mourned her murdered husband, and then offered power to the man who would save her city and its people from the sphinx. "Oedipus Rex"

Tiresias as a character is a trope of Greek drama, appearing in multiple plays, but always as the same character. He is a blind seer, a wise old man who delivers messages and prophecies. He usually appears as frail and sickly, oftentimes as a beggar or homeless person. This creates the contrast of him having little/lacking stature and knowing all or being the wisest, compared with royal and youthful Oedipus, who knows nothing. "Oedipus Rex"

The Priest is an old religious leader who implores Oedipus to solve the problem of the plague on the city. He cares for his people, but fears he is too old and will die too soon to be able to save them. He laments that his prayers and role as religious leader has not been able to save them. The Priest admires Oedipus for his intellect and his abilities that brought him to Thebes and made him king. "Oedipus Rex"

The Messenger reveals a number of vital facts from his past that inform Oedipus’ downfall. He reveals that at one time he was a compassionate character, taking a child from a herdsman to be raised by the king and queen, but speaks aggressively and selfassuredly about his past. He is confident in his past actions in a situation in which other characters know less than he, and are fearful of the truth. "Oedipus Rex"

The Second Messenger only appears briefly in Oedipus but bears the most powerful news of the play. It is clear this Messenger is familiar with the troubles of Thebes and its people, and laments the trouble that has come to his city and his leaders. He sadly and mournfully delivers the story of Jocasta’s suicide by hanging and Oedipus’ lamentation. "Oedipus Rex"

The Herdsman is brought in by the Messenger to verify the story of Oedipus’ unknown past. He is usually portrayed as feeble and compassionate, and becomes the victim of Oedipus’ hubris and aggression in search of the truth. The Herdsman has knowledge of the prophecy around Oedipus’ fate and wants to avoid bringing pain through the knowledge he carries. He is torn between regretting his actions of saving a helpless baby and bringing pain to others through his act of compassion. "Oedipus Rex"

The Chorus (multi-generational and multi-gendered in this production) provide extensive backstory of the Oedipus myth for the audience. They also provide introductions and reactions to most major scenes in the play, guiding the audience through the emotional journey of the performance. The Chorus is a highly emotional, expressive group. "Oedipus Rex"