AUDITIONS

We are committed to inclusive, diverse casting. We believe that all performers, regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, disability, race, color, national origin, gender identity, or any other basis protected by law, should have the opportunity to audition for our roles. Please see our Statement on Diversity & Inclusion. If you have any questions or require any reasonable accommodation, please let us know at info@caryplayers.org.

Steel Magnolias

by Robert Harling

Directed by Mark Arthur Zumbach

ABOUT THE PLAY:

Synopsis:  The play is set in Chinquapin, Louisiana, in the beauty salon of Truvy Jones, which serves as the social hub for the town’s women. The story begins with Truvy hiring a shy newcomer, Annelle Dupuy, who is trying to find her place in the world. The salon is soon filled with regulars: Shelby Eatenton, a young nurse preparing for her wedding; her mother, M’Lynn Eatenton, a mental health counselor; Clairee Belcher, a witty and wealthy widow; and Ouiser Boudreaux, the town’s eccentric curmudgeon.

The narrative explores the bond among these women, blending humor, gossip, and heartfelt conversations. Shelby, who has Type 1 diabetes, dreams of having children despite the health risks, which causes tension and concern, particularly for M’Lynn. As the seasons pass, the women share joys, sorrows, and life’s challenges. Throughout the play, the women support each other through laughter, advice, and emotional strength, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. The title, “Steel Magnolias,” symbolizes the characters’ dual nature: delicate like magnolias yet strong and enduring like steel. The play is both a celebration of female friendship and a poignant exploration of love, loss, and community support. 

CAST OF CHARACTERS:

Truvy Jones – (stage age: 40s to early 60s) The owner of the beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, Truvy is quick-witted, kind, and funny. She uses hair and beauty as a way to connect with others and make sense of the world. Truvy has never met a stranger and enjoys conversation, dispensing advice and humor to her clients while maintaining a warm, welcoming presence.

Annelle Dupuy / Desoto – (stage age: Late teens to mid-20s) A young, beauty school graduate, Annelle is new to town and uncertain about her personal life, including her marriage. She is finding her voice and learning to navigate independence, discovering what inspires her and how to assert herself. Annelle is shy but grows in confidence as she becomes part of the salon community.

M’Lynn Eatenton – (stage age: late 40s to early 60s)  Shelby’s mother, M’Lynn is smart, intuitive, and compassionate. She is the emotional rock of her family and community, balancing her protective instincts with a desire to empower her daughter. M’Lynn faces profound challenges, particularly surrounding Shelby’s risky pregnancy - demonstrating resilience and deep maternal love.

Shelby Eatenton / Latcherie – (stage age: 20s)  M’Lynn’s daughter, Shelby is strong-willed, determined, and fiercely independent. She is outgoing, charismatic, and caring, often taking on a caregiver role despite her Type 1 diabetes, which imposes physical limitations. Her health challenges and her desire to live fully shape much of the play’s emotional arc.

Clairee Belcher – (stage age: 50s to early 80s) A widow of the former mayor, Clairee is sharp-tongued, classy, and humorous. She enjoys teasing her friends but is deeply caring and supportive. Clairee navigates life after her husband’s death, exploring independence and the joys of friendship while maintaining her social charm.

Ouiser Boudreaux – (stage age: 50s to early 80s) A wealthy, eccentric curmudgeon. Ouiser is blunt, sarcastic, and critical of societal norms. Despite her gruff exterior, she is fiercely loyal and deeply loves her friends. Her sharp humor and eccentricities provide both comic relief and emotional depth to the group dynamic.

Notes on Characters: The women in this play are witty, intelligent, and above all - real characters. They are in no way, shape or form meant to be portrayed as cartoons or caricatures. Characters in Steel Magnolias are written on the binary with she/her pronouns as noted in the character descriptions above.

That said, Cary Players seeks to be as inclusive as possible and ask gender non-conforming, transgender, and non-binary actors to list on the audition form the roles with which they most identify. 

Important Dates, Times, Locations

Monday, January 25, 2027

Check in: 6:30 - 7:30 pm

Auditions: 6:30 - 9:30 pm

Location: Cary Arts Center, Room M-10

Tuesday, January 26, 2027

Check in: 6:30 - 7:30 pm

Auditions: 6:30 - 9:30 pm

Location: Cary Arts Center, Room M-10

Thursday, January 28, 2027

Check in: 6:50 pm

Callbacks: 7:00 pm

Location: Cary Arts Center, Room M-10

Monday, February 15, 2027

First rehearsal*: 6:30 pm

Kick-off meal & Read-thru: 6:30 - 9:30 pm

Location: Cary Arts Center, Room M-10

Performances:

Evening shows: 7:30 pm, April 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 2027

Matinees: 3:00 pm, April 18, 25, 2027

Location: Cary Arts Center, Main Stage

* Rehearsals will typically be four to five weeknights.

Auditions & Callbacks

  • Auditionees need only attend one of the two nights.  Auditions will begin at approximately 6:45pm

  • Prepare a One- to Two-minute monologue from a contemporary play. 

  • Auditionees may be asked to perform individual or group cold readings (sides will be provided).  

  • Auditions may include a brief interview and potentially some movement and scene work.

  • Individual anticipated audition time can be between 60 and 90 minutes before being excused.

  • Print out and bring the completed following forms:

  • Video Submissions (if unavailable to attend audition)

    • Record a short monologue and complete the Audition Form & Conflict Calendar.

    • Create email with Subject Line:  Video Audition (Your name)  

    • Submit video and both completed forms to jerisummer@caryplayers.org. 

    • Submit prior to 6:30 pm, Tuesday, January 27, 2026 

    • Submissions will receive an email acknowledgement of receipt.

  • Call Back Announcements: Wednesday, January 27, 2027

    • Notifications will be distributed via email. 

    • Public notifications will be posted on Social Media (Facebook/Cary Players website) 

  • Perusal Scripts 

    • Cary/Wake County Public Library 315 Kildaire Farm Road / 2nd Floor Adult Reference Desk

About the Director

Mark Arthur Zumbach is a current Cary Players Board Member and long-time resident of Cary. He has directed several shows for Cary Players, including Red Herring, Blind Date, A Trip to Bountiful, and Deathtrap. In addition to his work with Cary Players, he has worked with East Carolina University Theater, Cape Fear Regional Theatre, Flying Machine Theatre, Manbites Dog Theatre, and Theatre in the Park. He’s a proficient street busker, clown, and Emcee having worked with the local flow arts and burlesque communities – including Revolution Raleigh, Bloke City, Raleigh’s SparkCon and Durham’s Beaver Queen Pageant. He is a regular participant in Cary’s Final Friday drum circle and fire dancing, with One Tribe in Downtown Cary.

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