Audition Information
Silent Sky
Following the true story of Henrietta Leavitt and her team at Harvard Observatory, Silent Sky reveals the astonishing discoveries Leavitt made while battling for recognition in a man’s world of early 20th century astronomy.
Production dates
- Tech/dress rehearsals: March 6 & March 8-11, 2027
- Performances: March 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 & 21, 2027
How to audition
- Sign up for an audition slot via JotForm.
- Select one of the approved monologues and memorize the material; the director needs
to see your acting choices, being memorized will support this; audition monologues are
available on the JotForm, or physical copies are on the Call Board. - Initial auditions will take place in Cowles Auditorium Main Stage via individual time slots,
during the following dates and times:- Thursday, Nov. 12, starting at 4 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 13, starting at 4 p.m.
Callbacks
Actors invited to callbacks will be notified either in person or via email no later than the
evening of Friday, Nov. 13. Callbacks will occur on Saturday, Nov. 14, noon-2 p.m.
- All actors will be called at noon, then paired with scene partners and assigned scenes to
work and then share with the director. - Please note that not receiving a callback does not indicate final casting decisions; this
director has cast people from initial auditions. - Final casting will be emailed out and posted before Monday, Nov. 16.
Tips and tricks for auditioning
- Select the monologue that you connect with the most; a piece that excites or inspires
you. - Use the audition as an opportunity to portray the character as YOU see them; consider
what they want, who they are and what the monologue tells you about their nature. - Have fun!
Character descriptions
Henrietta Leavitt (LEH-vit) (F): Raised in Wisconsin, the daughter of a minister, and hired as a
Harvard College Observatory “computer”; Henrietta is a non-traditional early 1900s woman.
Henrietta has a passion for science and the stars and is constantly questioning: “Who are we,
why are we, where are we?” After hearing Harvard is in search of mathematicians, the young
scientist excitedly takes the job ... only to find she will simply log the stars her male coworkers
discover. Not easily discouraged, Henrietta makes a discovery that will change the world of
astronomy forever. Energetic and brilliant, Henrietta is inspiring.
Margaret Leavitt (F): Henrietta’s sister, homebody, sweet, creative, plays piano. Henrietta’s
younger sister and a gifted musician. Because she is more family-oriented, she encourages her
sister to take time to visit her nephew and father. Margaret does have a passion of her own
though, and plays the piano, composing music when she isn’t caregiving. If you want to audition
for Margaret, please prepare an a cappella hymn or folk song of your choice.
Peter Shaw (M): Apprentice to Dr. Edward Pickering, Peter often visits Henrietta, Annie and
Williamina to “oversee” their work, although we soon find he has ulterior motives for doing so.
Although a bit awkward, it is obvious that the scientist has feelings for Henrietta. In contrast to
Henrietta, he is not passionate about astronomy, although he enjoys the work. He wanted to be
an actor.
Annie Cannon (F): Henrietta’s coworker, she has made important scientific discoveries of her
own and is a suffragette Although she can be a bit terse, she grows close to Henrietta and
Williamina in their studies, and Annie’s sureness helps as the women advocate for themselves
in a male-dominated work environment. The astronomer developed the Harvard spectral
system.
Williamina Fleming (F): Scottish, smart and quick-witted, she is also Henrietta’s coworker. A
former housekeeper for Dr. Pickering, head of the Harvard College Observatory, was hired
because Dr. Pickering felt she would do better than the men he had working for him. Often
cracking jokes and making fun of Peter’s crush on Henrietta, Williamina brings humor and levity
to the play. The astronomer is also known for her discovery of the Horsehead Nebula.
Our 2026-27 Season
- October 2026 – The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
- March 2027 – Silent Sky
If you have questions, please contact theatre-dept@whitworth.edu or call 509.777.3707.