AUDITIONS: HARVEY

AUDITIONS: HARVEY

Playing in the Long Beach Playhouse’s Mainstage Theater

By Mary Chase

Directed by Bob Fetes

AUDITION DATES:  Feb. 9 – 11, 2026

• Monday, February 9, 2026 – 7pm – 9pm: Open Call
• Tuesday,  February 10, 2026 – 7pm – 9pm: Open Call
• Wednesday,  February 11, 2026 – 7pm – 10pm: Callbacks – By invitation only.

(Auditioners only need to come to one night of open call auditions.  We are only seeing in-person auditioners during audition times – no video submissions.)

PERFORMANCE DATES:  April 4 – May 2, 2026

AUDITION NOTICE:

TITLE: HARVEY

AUTHOR: Mary Chase

DIRECTOR: Bob Fetes

RUN: April 4 – May 2, 2026

Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 pm, Sundays at 2:00 pm. Special performances on Thursday and Sunday nights may be added for private parties and special events.

This is a volunteer community theater production.  Non-Equity.  There is no pay. 

AUDITION DATES:

Open Call:

Dates: Monday, Feb. 9 & Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026

(Auditioners only need to come to one night of Open Call Auditions.)

Times: 7 pm – 9 pm

Location: Long Beach Playhouse  

Callbacks: By Invitation Only.

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 11, 

Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

REHEARSALS:

First Read-Through: Saturday, Feb. 14, Noon – 4:00pm

Regular Rehearsal: Starting Monday, Feb. 16; Monday through Thursday 7:00pm – 10:00pm and Saturdays 11:00am – 2:00pm. 

(Please see beginning rehearsal schedule BELOW for specific dates and times.)

Location: Long Beach Playhouse

NOTE: Open to working with some limited minor conflicts, but we will not be casting people with conflicts on tech dates and performances.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

Bring a headshot and resume. 

Sides for cold readings will be provided at the auditions.

SHORT SYNOPSIS:  

Harvey is a warm, whimsical comedy centered on Elwood P. Dowd, a charming and gentle man whose constant companion is an invisible 6’3″ rabbit—Harvey, a “pooka.” Through a series of comedic misunderstandings, the play explores whether a little kindness and imagination might be more valuable than conformity. The play blends warm humor with magical whimsy, ultimately celebrating compassion and individuality.

CASTING THE FOLLOWING ROLES:

NOTE:  All roles are open to anyone of any ethnicity. 

ELWOOD P. DOWD (M, 40s–60s): A genial, gentle, eccentric man who wholeheartedly believes in his invisible friend, Harvey.
Actor qualities: Warmth, sincerity, comedic subtlety, strong timing.
Notes: Elwood is never played as “crazy”—his kindness is genuine and grounded.

VETA LOUISE SIMMONS (F, 40s–60s): Elwood’s social-climbing sister, constantly exasperated by his behavior.
Actor qualities: Strong comedic chops, expressive physicality, emotional range from frantic to heartfelt.

MYRTLE MAE SIMMONS (F, 18–30): Veta’s daughter, desperate for a normal family image to secure her social future.
Actor qualities: Energetic, expressive, youthful, comedic timing.

DR. SANDERSON (M, 25–40): A young, ambitious psychiatrist at Chumley’s sanitorium
Actor qualities: Professional demeanor with dry humor; romantic chemistry with Nurse Kelly.

NURSE RUTH KELLY (F, 20–35): A kind and competent nurse with a soft spot for Dr. Sanderson.
Actor qualities: Warm, grounded, capable of balancing romance with farce.

DR. CHUMLEY (M, 40–70): Head of the sanitarium; authoritative, stressed, and ultimately transformed by Harvey’s influence.
Actor qualities: Strong stage presence, ability to pivot from serious to comedic.

JUDGE GAFFNEY (M or F, 40–70): The Dowd family’s lawyer and trusted friend.
Actor qualities: Solid, grounded, gravitas mixed with warmth.

E.J. LOFGREN (M or F, any adult age): A down-to-earth cab driver with a surprisingly philosophical take on life.
Actor qualities: Down-to-earth, strong monologue delivery.

WILSON (M, 20–50) –The muscle of the sanitarium; blunt, practical, often comedic.
Actor qualities: Physicality, gruff charm.

MRS. ETHEL CHAUVENET (F, 50 –70): A wealthy friend from a socially elite family.  She is sophisticated and elegant.
Actor Qualities: Socially commanding, with comedic timing.  (Appears in Act 1 only and may double with Betty Chumley.)

BETTY CHUMLEY (F, 50-70): Kind and talkative wife of Dr. Chumley, she is warm and friendly.
Actor Qualities: Outgoing and slightly concerned with social niceties rather than professional seriousness.  (Appears in Act 2 only.  May double as Mrs. Chauvenet.)

MISS JOHNSON (F, Age Open): The maid in Veta Luise Simmon’s household.
Actor qualities: Sharp, clear, and able to complement other characters’ comedic beats. (Very brief appearance largely confined to Act 1.)

BEGINNING REHEARSAL SCHEDULE: