WAITRESS
Directed by: ASHLEY COIA
Presented in the WILSON AUDITORIUM
SYNOPSIS:
Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker, is stuck in a small town and a loveless marriage. Faced with an unexpected pregnancy, Jenna fears she may have to abandon the dream of opening her own pie shop…until a baking contest in a nearby county and the town’s handsome new doctor offer her a tempting recipe for happiness. Supported by her quirky crew of fellow waitresses and loyal customers, Jenna summons the secret ingredient she’s been missing all along — courage.
AUDITION/CALLBACK INFORMATION:
Audition/Callback location: South Bend Civic- 403 N. Main Street, South Bend, Indiana — Enter through front doors off Main Street
AUDITIONS
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE:
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
What To Prepare
Please prepare 32 bars (about 1 minute) of music in the style of the show that best showcases your vocal and acting ability. (Pop/Rock/Folk)
Additional Information
Audition/Callback location: South Bend Civic- 403 N. Main Street, South Bend, Indiana — Enter through main doors off Main Street
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
*NOTE: This show includes scenes of staged intimacy and physical violence. All roles that involve engaging in staged intimacy and/or physical violence are notated below, but all adult actors may be onstage during these moments at different points. We will be working with an Intimacy Director to create safe, respectful, and sustainable practices throughout rehearsals and performances.
Due to the intimate nature of the material, we are only seeing 18+ actors in this round of auditions. Child actors will be cast at a later date.
JENNA– Female-identifying, late 20s–mid 30s, any ethnicity. A soulful, kind-hearted woman stuck in an unhappy marriage, working as a waitress in a small town. Living paycheck to paycheck, she finds solace in pouring herself into the pies she bakes and the support of her close friends, Dawn and Becky. Though she feels trapped by her controlling and abusive husband, Earl, she secretly dreams of a fresh start. Her unexpected pregnancy becomes a catalyst for change, forcing her to confront her fears and find the strength to reclaim her life. Must have a fantastic pop/rock voice with great range. Vocal range: F#3-F5 (Mezzo-Soprano)
*NOTE: This role engages in multiple scenes of staged intimacy including close proximity, kissing, embracing, and simulated sexual acts. This role is on the receiving end of staged physical violence.
BECKY– Female-identifying, mid-30’s-early 50’s, any ethnicity. The oldest of the three waitresses, Becky is loud, brash, and irreverently funny, with a wicked sense of humor and sharp comedic timing. She’s been through it all and come out the other side, maintaining her resilience and no-nonsense attitude. A fiercely loyal and protective friend to Jenna and Dawn, she provides comic relief while also carrying her own personal struggles beneath the surface. Must have a soulful pop voice with an excellent pop belt. Vocal range: Eb3-E5 (Alto/Mezzo-Soprano)
*NOTE: This role engages in moments of staged intimacy which may include close proximity, kissing, embracing, and simulated sexual acts.
DAWN– Female-identifying, 20’s, any ethnicity. The youngest of the three waitresses, Dawn is shy, socially awkward, and endearingly eccentric. Meticulous and highly organized, she takes comfort in routine—down to ensuring each salt and pepper shaker is perfectly placed. Though she struggles with self-esteem, she is sweet-natured, hopeful, and full of charm. A bit of a nerd who’s spent too much time watching The History Channel, she eventually finds unexpected love with Ogie, offering a bright contrast to Jenna’s more complicated romantic journey. Must have excellent comedic timing and a strong pop/rock/folk voice. Vocal range: G3-E5 (Mezzo-Soprano)
*NOTE: This role engages in moments of staged intimacy which may include close proximity, kissing, embracing, and simulated sexual acts.
DR. POMATTER– Male-identifying, 30’s-early 40’s, any ethnicity. A handsome, endearingly neurotic gynecologist who recently moved from Connecticut. Warm and caring yet clumsy and awkward, he has a quirky sense of humor and an undeniable charm. Despite his genuine affection for Jenna, he finds himself swept into an unexpected affair with her, balancing his big heart with questionable choices. Sweet and well-meaning but somewhat clueless in his personal life. Must have impeccable comedic timing and possess a strong pop/rock tenor capable of navigating Sara Bareilles’ musical style with ease. Vocal range: Bb2-Bb4 (Tenor)
*NOTE: This role engages in multiple scenes of staged intimacy including close proximity, kissing, embracing, and simulated sexual acts.
EARL– Male-identifying, any ethnicity, late 20’s-early 40’s. Jenna’s abusive and possessive husband. Peaked in high school and has been haunted by his unfulfilled dreams ever since. Handsome in a gruff way, his charm in public masks the insecurity, narcissism, and volatility he unleashes on Jenna in private. Prone to explosive anger followed by desperate, sobbing apologies, he is controlling and emotionally manipulative—not purely malicious, but deeply damaged. A nearly talented musician whose “almost” success fuels his resentment. Guitar playing is a plus! Vocal range: Eb3-G4 (Tenor/Baritenor)
*NOTE: This role engages in moments of staged intimacy including close proximity, kissing and embracing. This role initiates staged physical violence including grabbing and shoving.
CAL-Male-identifying, 30’s-40’s, any ethnicity. The gruff yet oddly charming cook and manager at Joe’s Diner. A no-nonsense “guy’s guy” surrounded by strong-willed women. Brash, impatient, and unsentimental, he maintains a tense, sometimes antagonistic relationship with Jenna and the other staff. Though often controlling and blunt, glimpses of vulnerability peek through his tough exterior. Must have excellent comedic timing and a strong contemporary baritone (tenor range a plus) that suits Sara Bareilles’ musical style. Vocal range: D3-F4 (Tenor/Baritenor)
*NOTE: This role engages in moments of staged intimacy which may include close proximity, kissing, embracing, and simulated sexual acts.
OGIE– Male-identifying, 30’s, any ethnicity. A charming, irresistibly nerdy tax auditor with a big heart and an even bigger enthusiasm for life. Endearingly odd yet lovable, he becomes hilariously obsessed with Dawn after a brief five-minute date, winning her over with his relentless persistence, grand romantic gestures, and quirky sincerity. An amateur magician, competitive clog dancer, poetry lover, and Pavarotti enthusiast, Ogie is as eccentric as he is sincere. Must have excellent comedic timing and a strong pop/rock tenor or baritenor voice. Vocal range: C3-F4 (Tenor/Baritenor)
*NOTE: This role engages in moments of staged intimacy which may include close proximity, kissing, embracing, and simulated sexual acts.
JOE– Male-identifying, 60’s-70’s, any ethnicity. The feisty, curmudgeonly owner of Joe’s Diner. Has a tough exterior but a buttercream center, especially when it comes to Jenna (and her pies). Sarcastic, no-nonsense, and keenly perceptive, he’s both hilariously blunt and unexpectedly warm. A wise and caring presence, he serves as a surrogate father figure to Jenna, offering her guidance and support when she needs it most. Very funny with sharp comedic timing. Vocal range: B2-G#4 (Tenor/Baritenor)
FRANCINE POMATTER– Female-identifying, late 20’s-30’s, any ethnicity. Doctor Pomatter’s wife, a resident at the local hospital. Kind and calming. Doubles as ensemble member.
NURSE NORMA– Female-identifying, late 30s-60s, any ethnicity. A nurse who works at Doctor Pomatter’s office. Wise and feisty- she knows everything that goes on in the office. Doubles as ensemble member.
ENSEMBLE– Any gender, any ethnicity. Seeking dynamic performers with strong movement/dance ability and excellent pop/rock vocals in the style of Sara Bareilles. Must have strong comedic timing and the ability to portray a variety of characters that bring the story’s community to life, including Jenna’s Mother, Jenna’s Father, Joe’s Diner customers, and more.
*NOTE: Jenna’s Mother is on the receiving end of staged physical violence. Jenna’s Father initiates staged physical violence.
Ashley Coia
Director