Little Women

A play based on Louisa May Alcott’s novel

Directed by Corinne Nairn and Colleen Bishop

Presented at the Pumphouse Theatre
January 30 to February 14, 2026

Be a part of this timeless and enduring classic about the March sisters’ journey from childhood to maturity during the American Civil War.  Audiences of all generations will enjoy acquainting — or reacquainting — themselves with the sisters:  Meg, the eldest; Jo, the high-spirited tomboy; Amy, the self-centered beauty; and gentle Beth, as well as their beloved Marmee and Father.  Together the March family learns to endure both good times and bad as they share the joys and pains of growing up.  Penned by Louisa May Alcott 140 years ago, this much-loved classic tale’s message is still relevant for audiences today.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

Doubling for 9 actors

ACTOR 1 – MARMEE MARCH/AUNT MARCH – Female-identifying, age 40-65 (also plays aunt 70+)
MARMEE MARCH. The matriarch of the March family. A social revolutionary, ahead of her time. Good sense of humor. Keeps the family together. Tough. Strong. Intelligent. Warm. Generous. Loving and beloved.
AUNT MARCH. The most unpleasant old woman imaginable. Has lots of money; privileged. Strong political and personal opinions, which people endure due to her wealth. Judgmental. Has an intermittent, hacking, disgusting cough.

ACTOR 2 – MEG MARCH – Female-identifying, age 18-30
The oldest March daughter. Wears glasses. Acts as Marmee’s second in the house. A romantic at heart-likes to dress up and have little luxuries in life.

ACTOR 3 – JO MARCH – Gender non-conforming, age 18-30
The second-oldest March. Does not fit comfortably within the parameters of her given gender role. Extremely ambitious and frustrated by the distance between where she is and where she wants to be. Impatient. A deep fire within her and desires to change the world. Very smart and knows it. A mix of insecurity and aspiration. ‘Boyish’ and rough-and-tumble. Can be quite awkward and abrupt; bad temper when riled and is very stubborn. A great sense of humor. Sometimes antagonistic. Passionate. Ahead of her time. Has a special relationship with Beth.

ACTOR 4 – BETH MARCH – Female-identifying, age 15-25
* The ability to play the piano, at least with the ability to play simple melody and chords is an asset.
The third March. An extremely special person. Very sweet, paralytically shy; had to be removed from school because of her paralyzing social anxieties. Agoraphobic. Almost incapable going out in the world; sheltered by her family. Loves deeply and has deep empathy for everyone. Loves life’s simple things so much that it hurts. Sees much more than anyone realizes. Brave and sensitive; quick to forgive and heal wounds. An observer.

ACTOR 5 – AMY MARCH – Female-identifying, age 15-25
The youngest March. Opinionated, spunky; popular, style-focused and socially intelligent. Not very tolerant of differing viewpoints. Sometimes puts on airs. Perhaps a bit spoiled. A perfect little lady-except for her temper, and her not-so great command of “vocabiblary.” Grows up to be quite beautiful and elegant. Madly in love with Laurie, around whom she is never cool.

ACTOR 6 – HANNAH/MRS. MINGOTT/MESSENGER – Female-identifying, age 35-55
HANNAH. Irish. The March’s long-time housekeeper, cook, and defacto babysitter. A treasure; a traditionalist. Takes no nonsense. Matter-of-fact; she’s the boss of that kitchen, for sure.
MRS. MINGOTT. A very rich, stylish woman. Vanderbilt-esque, condescending, not terribly pleasant; fancies herself charitable.
MESSENGER. A female messenger.

ACTOR 7 – THEODORE “LAURIE” LAURENCE – Male-identifying, age 20-30
A handsome young man. Sensitive. Funny, charming, and caring. In his fantasies he’s a white knight: riding in to rescue damsels in distress. A natural musician. Wealthy thanks to his inheritance; generous, does not have to think about money. Does not always fit comfortably within the parameters of his given gender role. He doesn’t want to grow up to be a soldier or tedious man of business. Finds a family in the Marches.

ACTOR 8 – JOHN BROOKS/PARROT – Male-identifying, age 30-40
JOHN BROOKS. Laurie’s sometimes stiff and awkward tutor. A rule follower. A poor man, well-educated Has a very noticeable limp. Likely served in the war and was sent home, although may have been disqualified from service altogether. Feels deeply. Quite madly in love with Meg.
PARROT. Aunt March’s evil parrot. A musty, disgusting bird. Probably an actual demon in parrot form.

ACTOR 9 – MR. LAURENCE/ROBERT MARCH – Male-identifying, age 55+
MR. LAURENCE. Laurie’s grandfather, responsible for Laurie’s upbringing. A wealthy man. A gentleman in the strictest sense. Not comfortable with emotion and expresses himself poorly. Has a rigid sense of what is appropriate behavior, especially for a man. Tends toward gruffness or temper. Probably quite unintentionally frightening, Deeply regretful of incidents in his past, but unable to express it. Complex and layered.
ROBERT MARCH. Father to the March girls. Never speaks, but his presence looms large. Wounded in the war; never quite recovers. A significant limp. Struggles with his injuries, both emotional and physical. This actor will have his work cut out for him— we need to be interested in this character and understand how important he is, but he has no lines.

Actor 8 or Actor 9 will also double the part of:
MR. DASHWOOD. A publisher of cheap newspapers and novels. A businessman, working in a man’s world. Fancies himself a realist. Not a nice guy but fancies himself as one.
DOCTOR. (nonspeaking)

Audition Requirements:

• Auditions for Little Women will take place In-person in ten minute time-slots.
• Please prepare a short monologue (no longer than 2 minutes)
• Also, please select a Character Reading from the document below.  Printed copies will be available at the audition.
• Auditioners are asked to complete an online audition form, with an acting resume and headshot.
• Selected auditioners will be requested to attend an in-person callback to read with other performers.

Morpheus Theatre encourages individuals of all genders, ethnicities, and abilities to audition. Not a traditional actor?  That is okay, get in touch with us and we will find a way for you to showcase what you have to offer.