Calling all actors and actresses, or anyone who wants to join in the excitement of live theater! Northland Pioneer College (NPC) will hold auditions for the theatrical production of Jane Austen’s classic novel, Emma, from 7 to 10 p.m., on Tuesday, Jan. 13, at the Performing Arts Center, located on the Silver Creek Campus at 1611 S. Main St. in Snowflake.

Adapted for the stage by the play’s director and Arizona talent, Katherine Stewart, Emma centers on the wealthy, witty, want-to-be matchmaker Emma Woodhouse and her well-intended, yet flawed, hobby of playing cupid. Although Emma is certain she herself will never marry, she is determined to find true love for all around her and poke her nose into everyone else’s business. Oblivious to the real feelings of others, her plotting and planning go fantastically awry when the truth unravels.

“This production aims to capture the spirit of Jane Austen while still being relatable to a modern audience,” said Stewart. “The characters in this play need actors who can play adult roles ranging in age from 18 to 80. You don’t need to be an adult,” she said, “so long as you can convincingly portray one.” Auditions are open to anyone, not just current NPC students.

Actors wishing to audition should prepare one classic monologue of their choice, no more than 90 seconds long. They should also memorize and perform one of the following monologues in their best British accent:

Lady’s Monologue:

“I have none of the usual inducements of women to marry. Were I to fall in love, indeed, it would be a different thing! But I never have been in love; it is not my way or my nature; and I do not think I ever shall. And, without love, I am sure I should be a fool to change such a situation as mine. Fortune I do not want; employment I do not want consequence I do not want: I believe few married women are half as much mistress of their husband’s house as I am of Hartfield; and never, never could I expect to be so truly beloved and important; so always first and always right in any man’s eyes as I am in my father’s.”

Gentleman’s Monologue:

“Depend upon it, Elton will not do. Elton is a very good sort of ma and a very respectable vicar of Highbury, but not at all likely to make an imprudent match. He knows the value of a good income as well as anybody. Elton may talk sentimentally, but he will act rationally. He is as well acquainted with his own claims, as you can be with Harriet’s. He knows that he is a very handsome young man, and a great favorite wherever he goes; and from his general way of talking in unreserved moments, when there are only men present, I am convinced that he does not mean to throw himself away. I have heard him speak with great animation of a large family of young ladies that his sisters are intimate with, who have all 20,000 pounds apiece.”

Appointments to audition must be made online at www.npc.edu/auditions. See the website for more information, including descriptions of the play’s characters and tips on auditioning.

Spring performances of Emma will be held at NPC’s Performing Arts Center in Snowflake, AZ, in April. For audition questions, contact Carson Saline at carson.saline@npc.edu or call 928-536-6247.