Written by Jaclyn Backhaus
Directed by Laura Frye

Audition Date: Sunday, November 22
Audition Time: 12:00pm Noon—3:00pm
All actors should arrive promptly by noon. Please be prepared to stay from noon—3pm to allow time for group movement call.

Are all auditions in person? Video submissions will be considered. Please submit videos and résumés by noon November 22 to info@the5anddime.org

Audition Preparation: Actors should prepare to read from sides provided at the audition as well as a brief movement call.

Performance Dates: February 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21 | 2027
Audition & Performance Location: The 5 & Dime (in residency at The Florida Ballet), 10131 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL

About the Play

Ten explorers. Four boats. One Grand Canyon. Men on Boats is the true(ish) history of an 1869 expedition, when a one-armed captain and a crew of insane yet loyal volunteers set out to chart the course of the Colorado River. With the adventurers being played by an ensemble of women and gender-expansive actors, Men On Boats reframes masculine arrogance as a farcical, thrilling exploration of everything that goes into, well, exploration.

Available Roles

John Wesley Powell | (35-40) One‑armed leader of the 1869 Green & Colorado River expedition; fiery, adventurous, optimistic, and the expedition’s official voice.

William Dunn | (35-40) Experienced riverman; pragmatic, sometimes skeptical of Powell’s leadership. Go’s head to head with Powell throughout the play.

John Colton Sumner | (25-40) Enthusiastic explorer; suggests naming “Knife’s Point” and other features. He is a man of the wilderness and enjoys outdoor adventures.

Bradley | (19) Youngest crew member with a mix of humor and self‑doubt.

O.G. Howland | (20-25) Brother to Seneca and crew member; loyal and steady. Also plays Johnson.

Frank Goodman | (30-35) British explorer and Crew member; provides comic relief.and camaraderie. Also plays Mr. Asa, the man who discovers the crew.

Hall | (25-30) Map maker and Crew member, is Hawkins boat mate.

Hawkins | (35-40) Cook and Crew member; part of the close‑knit group.

Seneca Howland | (20-25) O.G’s brother and crew member; shares the Howland family’s presence in the expedition. Also plays Just Jim.

Old Shady | (45-50) Oldest crew member and veteran riverman; wise and experienced. John Wesley’s older brother.

Rehearsals

November 30, 2026, through January 29, 2027
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays | 7—10pm
Sundays | noon—4pm
Tech week January 30 through February 4, 2027
There will be a rehearsal break December 22, 2026 through January 2, 2027

Questions? Contact: laurafryeactor@gmail.com