Hedda Gabler - Auditions

About the Show

Hedda Gabler is a gripping psychological drama by Henrik Ibsen that centers on Hedda, a fiercely intelligent and restless woman trapped in a life she never truly chose. The play explores themes of power, control, societal expectation, and personal freedom, offering rich, emotionally complex roles for actors. Those auditioning should be ready to tap into layered motivations, sharp dialogue, and tension-filled relationships—this show asks its cast to dig deep and bring nuance, truth, and bold choices to the stage.

Performances for Hedda Gabler will run from Feb. 20-March 1, 2026. Cast members should be prepared for a focused rehearsal period leading up to these dates and commit to all performances to ensure a strong, cohesive production.

Auditions will be held Dec. 2 from 6:30-9 pm and Dec. 5-6 from 6-8:30 pm. Due to short notice, we may schedule additional audition times based on attendance. If these dates do not work for you, please contact Producer Christina Frake to arrange an alternative time.

What to Prepare

Everyone auditioning should:

1. Prepare a one minute monologue to perform.
   (If you are unable to do so, scenes from the script will be provided for you to read.

2. Fill out an audition form.

3. Sign up for an audition time slot.

Please email the director if you have questions.

Character Descriptions

Ages can be flexible based on casting needs.

• Hedda Gabler
  Suggested Age: 25–35
  Who she is: The daughter of a famous general, recently married to George Tesman. Hedda is intelligent, restless, and deeply unsatisfied with the life she feels trapped in.
  Role in the story: Hedda drives the action of the play. She manipulates the people around her in an attempt to feel powerful and in control. Her choices create the major conflict and ultimately shape the tragic outcome.
  Why audition for Hedda: This is a powerhouse, emotionally complex lead role with psychological depth and intense scenes.

• George (Jørgen) Tesman
  Suggested Age: 30–40
  Who he is: Hedda’s kind, optimistic, and academically focused husband. A little naïve but very devoted to his work and family.
  Role in the story: Tesman tries to advance his academic career while navigating Hedda’s dissatisfaction. He is caught between loyalty to Hedda and competition with Lövborg.
  Why audition for Tesman: This is great for actors who enjoy portraying warm, earnest, good-hearted characters with both comedic and dramatic moments.

• Judge Brack
  Suggested Age: 40–55
  Who he is: A wealthy, socially powerful man in Hedda’s circle. Charming, polished and quietly manipulative.
  Role in the story: Brack inserts himself into Hedda’s marriage and life, positioning himself as an “advisor” while pushing for control over her. He becomes one of Hedda’s main antagonists.
  Why audition for Brack: This is ideal for performers who enjoy layered villains—smooth, intelligent, and subtly dangerous.

• Ejlert Lövborg
  Suggested Age: 30–45
  Who he is: A brilliant but self-destructive writer and Tesman’s rival. He has a charged, complicated past with Hedda and is trying to turn his life around.
  Role in the story: Lövborg’s return disrupts everyone’s lives. His work threatens Tesman’s career, and his emotional ties to Hedda fuel major conflict.
  Why audition for Lövborg: This is a passionate, intense role full of emotional highs and lows—great for actors who like dramatic, vulnerable characters.

• Thea Elvsted
  Suggested Age: 25–35
  Who she is: A gentle, determined woman who fled her unhappy marriage. Deeply devoted to helping Lövborg with his work and sobriety.
  Role in the story: Thea becomes a foil to Hedda—empathetic, caring, emotionally open. Her presence reveals Hedda’s jealousy and insecurity.
  Why audition for Thea: This is a heartfelt, sincere role with touching moments and emotional strength.

• Aunt Juliana Tesman (Aunt Julle)
  Suggested Age: 55–70
  Who she is: Tesman’s loving aunt who helped raise him. Traditional, warm and eager to be accepted by Hedda.
  Role in the story: She represents security, family and the expectations of Tesman’s world. She provides both humor and tenderness.
  Why audition for Aunt Julle: This is a wonderful character role for mature actors who excel at warmth, sincerity and gentle humor.

• Berte (the Maid)
  Suggested Age: 40–60
  Who she is: The Tesmans’ hardworking, nervous maid who is easily intimidated by Hedda.
  Role in the story: She provides stability in the household while unintentionally highlighting Hedda’s coldness and dissatisfaction.
  Why audition for Berte: This is a solid supporting role for character actors who bring energy, subtle humor or grounded realism.