Leading Ladies
CHARACTERS
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
(five men and three women)
Casting age is relative and flexible. The actor’s ability to portray a particular age range on stage and realistically relate to other characters is more important than chronological age.
MEG SNIDER (approximate age range 30s/40s) is a young woman who dreams of a bigger world beyond York, PA. Meg is vivacious, warm, loyal, and has a great sense of humor. She loves Shakespeare and dreams about being an actor. During the play, Meg becomes a self-confident woman.

LEO CLARK (approximate age range 30s/40s) is, as Leo, a Shakespearean actor with a British accent who masterminds the plot to steal Meg’s millions … until he falls in love with her. As Maxine, she’s a chic and flamboyant diva who commands the stage and all those around her. A comedic tour-de-force, he/she must be able to switch between genders and voices constantly.

JACK GABLE (approximate age range 30s/40s) is, as Jack, a Shakespearean actor with a British accent who is the faithful accomplice to Leo’s schemes. As Stephanie, she is shy and demure at first, but she eventually grows more comfortable with her feminine side. This role requires great comedic timing, physical humor, and a willingness to do anything to win the love of Audrey. He/She must be able to switch between genders and voices constantly.

AUDREY (approximate age range 20s/30s) is an innocent young woman who is kind and gullible, but she’s trying to improve herself and her vocabulary. Attractive, very sweet and good-natured, she is pursued both by Butch and Jack. She enjoys playing Sebastian in Twelfth Night.

DUNCAN WOOLEY (approximate age range 40s/50s) is the local minister. He’s a good man at heart, but he's rather fussy, set in his ways, scatter-brained, and lives in his own world. He distains actors and is very suspicious of Leo and Jack. His telephone conversations with the police should demonstrate comedic timing and contrast his mild manner with occasional bursts of temper.

FLORENCE SNIDER (approximate age range 70s) is Meg’s aunt and the richest woman in York. Florence is extremely crusty, has terrible eyesight, and is a tough old broad. She must switch quickly between sweetness and anger, as well as life and apparent death.

DOC MYERS (approximate age range 50s/60s) is the country doctor, a cantankerous, likeable curmudgeon that takes no guff from anyone and often spars with Duncan and Florence. He’s also the Chief Moose in the local Moose Lodge. Doc is a loving father to Butch. He also plays a “rollicking” Sir Toby Belch in the Twelfth Night scenes.

BUTCH MYERS (approximate age range 20s/30s) is a former high school football star. He isn’t the brightest bulb, but he is earnest and sincere with a good heart. He loves Audrey. He argues with Doc, but they adore each other. He steals the Twelfth Night scenes as Sir Andrew.