"The Shawshank Redemption" Auditions
Based on the novella by Stephen King, this adaptation of The Shawshank Redemption hearkens to the 1994 critically acclaimed film, bringing audiences to the edge of their seats. Andy Dufresne is convicted of the murder of his wife and her lover and sentenced to life imprisonment at Shawshank prison. While at Shawshank, Andy befriends some of the other inmates, namely a character known as Red. Over time Andy finds a way to live out life with as much relative ease as one can find in prison, leaving a message for all that while the body may be locked away in a cell, the spirit can never be truly imprisoned.
AUDITION DATES: Sunday, August 3rd 7:00 PM, and Tuesday August 5th 7:00 P.M..
AUDITION LOCATION: Zion UCC, 51 W. Central Avenue, Delaware, OH
PRODUCTION DATES: October 24-26, 2025
DIRECTOR: David Hejmanowski
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS: Auditions will consist of selections from the script. With the exception of Red, roles are open to all races and ethnicities. Please contact the Director, at davidhejman@gmail.com if you have any questions.
ROLES TO BE FILLED:
**All characters are male and must be clean shaven for performances and publicity photos (prisons frown on facial hair!) Note that this show is an intense, dramatic production that is largely true to both the novella and film adaptation and therefore includes substantial language and depictions of prison life including assault and sexual violence between inmates. Ages are as listed in the script, but are somewhat negotiable in many areas. Warnings about adult language and intense themes will be included in all advertising.**
Andy Dufresne (30-35)
Andy Dufresne is a man of quiet dignity and intelligence. Often seen as a "fish out of water" in Shawshank, his calm demeanor and clean-cut appearance set him apart. Despite enduring brutality and injustice, Andy retains his humanity and dignity. His character symbolizes hope and resilience as he navigates the prison's harsh environment, ultimately outsmarting the corrupt system and escaping. Andy's friendship with Red and his journey highlight themes of redemption, trust, and the enduring human spirit.
“Red,” Ellis Boyd Redding (40-45) *Seeking African-American actor for this role*
Red is the seasoned inmate who serves as the narrator, providing insight into the harsh realities of prison life. With a background as a salesman and a tragic past, Red initially embodies cynicism and survival instinct. His charm and resourcefulness make him the "guy who can get things" inside Shawshank. Through his friendship with Andy, Red's perspective shifts, allowing him to believe in the possibility of a better future. His eventual parole and reunion with Andy underscore themes of hope, redemption, and the transformative power of friendship.
Warden Gregory Stammas (40-50)
Warden Stammas is a cruel and corrupt figure, embodying the abuse of power within Shawshank. With a history of unethical behavior and a ruthless approach to maintaining control, he exploits the inmates for personal gain. His downfall comes from underestimating Andy's intelligence and resilience. Stammas represents the moral decay and injustice inherent in the prison system, serving as a foil to Andy's ingenuity and determination.
Bryan Hadley (40-45)
Hadley is the head prison guard, known for his brutality and lack of subtlety. He maintains control through fear and violence, embodying the physical cruelty of the prison environment. Despite his harsh exterior, he becomes entangled in Andy's financial schemes, revealing a pragmatic side. Hadley's character highlights the complex dynamics of power and the dehumanizing effects of institutionalization.
Bogs Diamond (35-40)
Bogs Diamond is a formidable and feared inmate, known for his violent tendencies and keen intelligence. As the leader of the prison gang known as the "Sisters," he poses a significant threat to Andy. Bogs' interactions with Andy highlight the constant danger and power struggles within Shawshank. His character represents the internal threats inmates face, adding tension and conflict to the story.
“Brooksie,” Brooks Hatlen (65-70)
Brooksie is an elderly inmate who has been incarcerated in Shawshank since the 1920s. Once a college-educated man with a degree in animal husbandry, his downfall came through a gambling addiction that led to the murder of his wife and daughter in a drunken rage. Brooksie became a model prisoner, running the prison library trolley, which gave him a sense of identity and purpose. When he is eventually paroled, he struggles to adapt to life outside the prison, feeling lost and disconnected after decades behind bars. Brooksie's tragic story illustrates the devastating effects of long-term incarceration and the difficulty of reintegration into society, highlighting themes of institutionalization and the loss of personal identity. His fate serves as a poignant counterpoint to Andy's hope and Red's eventual redemption.
Mert Entwistle (35-40)
Mert Entwistle is a prison guard who follows in the shadow of the more dominant Hadley. Known for his compliance and occasional acts of kindness, Entwistle is a complex figure who sometimes tries to emulate Hadley's toughness but often falls short. His moments of compassion add depth to the story, highlighting the human element within the harsh prison environment.
Rooster Coogan (25-45)
Rooster Coogan is a dangerous and conflicted inmate, serving two life sentences for a violent crime. Hailing from a troubled background, Rooster is both a feared figure and a product of the brutal prison system. His character reflects the complex dynamics of survival and the darker aspects of prison life. Rooster's relationship with other inmates, particularly Bogs, reveals the power hierarchies and the struggle for dominance within Shawshank. Rooster often appears to be having a devilishly fun time, whether he is hanging out with his fellow inmates or brutalizing his fellow inmates.
Paul “Rico” Rodriguez (35-40)
Rico is a troubled and pious inmate, originally from Detroit, with a Portuguese background. With a bipolar disorder and a tragic past, he has found solace in religion. Despite his violent crime, Rico's character is marked by his naïveté and sexual repression. His journey highlights the psychological struggles faced by many inmates and the ways in which they cope with their circumstances.
Tommy Williams (20-25)
Tommy Williams is the youngest inmate in Shawshank, characterized by his youthful energy and desire for redemption. Raised in foster care and with a history of car theft, Tommy's good heart and determination to improve himself make him a sympathetic figure. Andy becomes a mentor to him, helping him with his studies. Tommy's story underscores themes of transformation and the impact of mentorship within the prison system.
Jordan Dawkins (35-40)
Dawkins is a tough and violent inmate with a short fuse, serving a life sentence for murder. His background in organized crime and gambling addiction define his character. Despite his violent tendencies, Dawkins can be seen as an "ordinary decent criminal" who struggles with his vices. His interactions with other inmates and his obsession with gambling add to the narrative's exploration of prison life and the coping mechanisms of its inhabitants.
Pinky (25-35)
Pinky is a minor character and one of the "Sisters," involved in scenes of sexual violence. His character allows for flexibility in portrayal, offering an opportunity to explore the darker aspects of prison life and the predatory behaviors that exist within Shawshank. Pinky's interactions with other inmates contribute to the tension and danger present in the story.
