character breakdowns

Stageworks Theatre is committed to inclusive casting. Performers of all ethnicities, body types, gender identities, and abilities are encouraged to audition.

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All roles require strong comedic instincts, confident singing, and a willingness to embrace the playful, interactive style of the Nunsense series. Character ages are flexible. Performers of all ethnicities are encouraged to audition.

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SISTER MARY REGINA, REVEREND MOTHER

Female, approximately 40s–70s

The feisty Mother Superior of the Little Sisters of Hoboken. Reverend Mother works hard to maintain order, but her carefully planned Christmas special repeatedly veers out of control. Raised in a circus family, she has an unmistakable love of show business beneath her stern exterior. Requires excellent comic timing, a commanding stage presence, strong audience interaction skills, and a versatile singing voice.

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SISTER MARY HUBERT

Female, approximately 30s–60s

The Mistress of Novices and Reverend Mother’s practical, capable second-in-command. Hubert has wanted to be a nun her entire life and is frequently exasperated by the problems she believes Reverend Mother has created. Their friendly rivalry is one of the show’s central comic relationships. Requires warmth, authority, strong comedic chemistry, and a powerful voice capable of leading the show’s gospel-style finale.

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SISTER ROBERT ANNE

Female, approximately 30s–60s

A tough, streetwise nun from Brooklyn with a generous heart and undeniable theatrical ambition. Robert Anne connects naturally with the students and is always looking for her opportunity to become the star of the program. Bold, energetic, quick-witted, and emotionally grounded. Requires a strong character actor and confident singer who can balance broad comedy with genuine heart. Also provides the voice of the puppet Sister Mary Annette.

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SISTER MARY PAUL, ALSO KNOWN AS AMNESIA

Female, approximately 20s–50s

Sweet, innocent, and delightfully unpredictable. After once losing her memory when a crucifix fell on her head, she discovered that she was Sister Mary Paul, a successful country singer. Although her memory has returned, she remains somewhat absent-minded. Requires excellent comic instincts, an endearing personality, strong audience interaction, and a versatile singer comfortable with country-style material.

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SISTER MARY LEO

Female, approximately 20s–40s

A former novice who dreams of becoming the world’s first famous ballerina nun. She is thrilled to perform in the convent’s version of The Nutcracker, but an unexpected mishap prevents her from participating in most of the Christmas program. This is a brief featured appearance near the beginning of the show and may be combined with a backstage or production assignment. Dance or ballet ability is strongly preferred.

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FATHER VIRGIL MANLY TROTT

Male, approximately 30s–60s

Sister Mary Leo’s brother, a Franciscan priest, radio personality, and former member of the Trott Family Singers. Father Virgil has been invited to help the sisters produce their television special, but soon becomes part of the chaos himself. He impersonates convent cook Sister Julia, Child of God, and participates in the show’s increasingly disastrous Nutcracker ballet. Requires a strong singer, fearless comedian, excellent character work, and comfort with physical comedy.

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LOUISE

Girl, approximately 10–14

One of Mount Saint Helen’s featured students. Bright, energetic, and comfortable performing as part of a close-knit group. Requires singing, movement, clear line delivery, and strong focus throughout the production.

 

MARIA

Girl, approximately 10–14

One of Mount Saint Helen’s featured students. Enthusiastic, expressive, and ready to embrace the show’s comedy. Requires singing, movement, clear line delivery, and strong focus throughout the production.

 

JOHN

Boy, approximately 10–14

One of Mount Saint Helen’s featured students. Lively, confident, and comfortable participating in musical numbers and comic scenes. Requires singing, movement, clear line delivery, and strong focus throughout the production.

 

BILLY

Boy, approximately 10–14

One of Mount Saint Helen’s featured students. Playful, energetic, and able to work well within an ensemble. Requires singing, movement, clear line delivery, and strong focus throughout the production.

 

CASTING NOTE

The four student roles function primarily as a featured ensemble and appear throughout the convent’s Christmas television special. While the roles are designated as two girls and two boys in the licensed standard edition, their exact ages may vary based on talent, maturity, and ability to manage the material. All four performers should be confident singers and movers with strong personalities and dependable stage discipline.