ABOUT

Emma is a fresh, wildly funny, feminist take on Jane Austen’s beloved heroine. Emma is too clever for her own good; she decides to find the perfect romantic match for everyone around her, but can’t find a partner for herself. Hamill captures Austen’s wit, language, and flirtatious charm in a romantic comedy for all.

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CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

EMMA WOODHOUSE – Clever, handsome, rich … and she knows it. Emma is beloved by all in her little village, and indulged by many. She is very educated, but is not allowed to have a profession—and thus is a bit like a border collie without any sheep. She puts her considerable energies into meddling and playing matchmaker for her friends. A natural comedienne who often directly addresses and interacts with the audience. (Note: this character has a few scripted kisses.)

HARRIET SMITH – A likeable and naive lower-class girl who attends Miss Bates’ school for girls. Sweet and enthusiastic, but not the brightest flame in the stove. A born follower who has a desperate, adoring friend-crush on Emma. She wants to be in love, and leaps way before she looks when it comes to romance.

JANE FAIRFAX / MRS. ELTON / MRS. BATES – Niece to Miss Bates. Jane always seems to do everything right. An overachiever, she is poised, beautiful, accomplished, and smart—if a little stiff. Under all her decorum, she is hiding deep passions, and a love affair with Frank Churchill. This actor will also play Mrs. Elton, the intolerably amorous new wife of the village vicar, with a laugh that would make a hyena tear its ears off. (Note: this character performs comedic onstage public displays of affection.) This actor may also play Mrs. Bates as needed (see description under Mrs. Weston / Mrs. Bates).

MRS. WESTON / MRS. BATES – Emma’s former governess. A smart woman with a good sense of humor, who is perceptive, grounded, and unafraid to tell it like it is. Much like a cool aunt who dispenses great advice. (Note: this character grows steadily more pregnant throughout the play.) This actor may also play Mrs. Bates, the elderly and opinionated mother of Miss Bates. She communicates exclusively in grunts and gestures, and is perpetually wrapped in a mountain of shawls and scarves.

MISS BATES / SERVANT – The headmistress of a struggling school for girls. She is good-natured and well-intentioned, but a little daft and motor-mouthed. Very proud of her niece Jane Fairfax, whom she talks about obsessively. This actor will also play a long-suffering servant to the Woodhouse family.

GEORGE KNIGHTLEY – A handsome, charming, and upright fellow—a genuinely good guy, if a bit of a stick in the mud and a know-it-all. The perfect foil to his longtime friend Emma. He is preoccupied with her, and they get under each others’ skin in a delightful way as they banter. He gets quite jealous of Frank Churchill. He ultimately learns how to open up and share his feelings. (Note: this character has a few scripted kisses.)

MR. ELTON / FRANK CHURCHILL / ROBERT MARTIN – An unctious clergyman and born social climber who adores poetry and fancies himself a ladies’ man. Thinks he oozes charm. (Note: this character performs comedic onstage public displays of affection.) This actor will also play Frank Churchill, Mr. Weston’s handsome, charismatic, mischievous son. The kind of man who gets away with everything because he’s so irresistible. A little spoiled and manipulative. He flirts with all the ladies, even though he is in love with Jane Fairfax. This actor will also play the nonspeaking role of Robert Martin, a sweet and earnest groundskeeper who is in love with Harriet.

MR. WOODHOUSE / MR. WESTON – Emma’s over-anxious father. A hypochondriac whose love language is fretting and predicting fatal illness. He is a nice man under it all, if obsessed with the healing powers of gruel. This actor will also play Mr. Weston, Mrs. Weston’s new husband. The kind of man who makes awkward “dad jokes.” He is very proud of his son, Frank Churchill. A good man who thinks ill of no one, but sometimes blurts out the wrong thing.

SIDES

Familiarize yourself with the sides found here. Sides may be assigned at your audition.