The How And The Why Auditions

What to Prepare:

• Prepare a 1–2-minute dramatic monologue.
• Cold readings from the script may be requested.
• Please bring a current headshot and resume (if available).

About the Show:

Two brilliant female evolutionary biologists, who also happen to be mother and daughter meeting for the first time, share a bold, contrarian approach to their male-dominated field. But the younger challenges the older with a radical new theory—one that could change society’s basic understanding of female sexuality. This keenly perceptive play explores the difficult choices of modern American women and generational divides in feminism.

“A smart, densely textured work about men and women, love and conflict, genes and destiny.”– The New York Times.

Available Roles (The Lake Worth Playhouse encourages people of all races, abilities, and genders to audition for the roles they most identify with.):

Zelda Kahn (50s, Female, Biologist): A brilliant evolutionary biologist near the end of her career. Zelda has built her reputation on her work advancing the “grandmother hypothesis.” Sharp, formidable, and deeply intellectual, she carries the authority of someone who has fought hard to be taken seriously in a male-dominated field. Beneath her rigor lies vulnerability — age, legacy, and relevance weigh heavily on her. Requires emotional depth, precision with language, and strong command of scientific text.

Rachel Hardeman (20s, Female, Biologist): An ambitious young evolutionary biologist at the start of her career. Passionate and intellectually fearless, Rachel arrives eager to present a bold, controversial hypothesis. She is idealistic, driven, and hungry to make her mark — but also grappling with insecurity and a longing for validation. Requires emotional openness, intensity, and the ability to spar verbally at a high intellectual level.

Online submissions are on a case-by-case basis.

Additional Information:

• This is a non-paid production.
• The How And The Why will be staged in an intimate Black Box setting.
• Please bring a current headshot and résumé if available.
• Conflicts should be listed at the time of audition.

We believe great storytelling comes from many voices. Our casting is inclusive and open to performers of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, body types, abilities, and backgrounds. We encourage everyone who feels connected to this story to audition.

For questions or to request further information, please contact Artistic Director Daniel Eilola at daniel@lakeworthplayhouse.org.

The Lake Worth Playhouse encourages people of all races, abilities, and genders to audition for the roles they most identify with. The Lake Worth Playhouse strives to make all of our staff and volunteers feel valued, appreciated, and free to be who they are at work regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, citizenship, or any other aspect which makes them unique. Please let us know if you have any questions, concerns, or if there are any accommodations we can provide.