Horton Foote’s classic American drama tells the story of Carrie Watts, an elderly woman, who longs to escape the cramped Houston apartment where she lives with her son, Ludie, and her daughter-in-law, Jessie Mae. Carrie longs to return to her beloved hometown of Bountiful, Texas, one final time before she dies. She escapes to the bus station and begins the trip to Bountiful, befriending a young woman, Thelma, on the bus. When she arrives in nearby Harrison, Texas, she begins to learn that Bountiful isn’t the same as she remembered it.

When:

• Monday, June 23, 2025 at 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Where: Wheelice Wilson Jr. Theatre at Coppell Arts Center - 505 Travis St, Coppell, TX 75019

Directions: Google Maps to Event Venue Apple Maps to Event Venue

By Horton Foote

Director: David Willie
Assistant Director: Katie Ritcheske

• Sign up: https://forms.gle/e9f6VspcnbaZH4UU6 or https://bit.ly/TriptoBountiful
• Appointments will be given priority; walk-ins will be taken as time allows
• Auditions will include readings from the script
• Sides will be available at the audition
• Those auditioning should be prepared to list all conflicts or potential conflicts and availability for the rehearsal period as specified in the Audition notice
• A small one-time stipend will be offered to cast members

No conflicts accepted during performance dates.

Send an email to info@TheatreCoppell.com if you have any questions regarding the audition.

Rehearsals

• The first read-through will be held on Monday, July 7
• Rehearsals will begin Monday, July 14
• Generally held on weeknights
• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Sunday afternoons from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• A detailed rehearsal schedule will be made available upon the completion of casting
• Tech / dress rehearsal week: August 3, 4, 5, 7

Performances

• August 8, 9,10, 15,16, 17, 22, 23, 24
• Friday & Saturday evenings at 8:00 PM
• Sunday matinees at 2:30 PM

Available Roles

Carrie Watts
Female
70s – 80s

Mrs. Watts is unhappy and lonely. She feels trapped and is not in good health. She dreams of escaping for one last visit to her childhood home in Bountiful. She is religious, stubborn, crafty, resilient and loves her son fiercely. She is very connected to her past and her memories of country life. She will move heaven and earth to get back to Bountiful.

Ludie Watts
Male
35 - 45

Mrs. Watts’ son. Ludie is disappointed and has been knocked around by life. He’s climbing his way up from the bottom, but he’s a little passive. He’s well-meaning and a hard worker. He tries to do the right thing, but has trouble standing up for himself. He loves his wife and mother and is caught between the two of them.

Jessie Mae Watts
Female
30 - 40

Ludie’s wife. Jessie Mae is a powerful personality. She is bossy and needs to rule the roost. She wants to be social and have nice things. She is demanding of Ludie and irritated by her mother-in-law. Her bossiness covers a deep disappointment that she can’t have children. 

Thelma
Female
20s

Young traveler that Mrs. Watts meets. Sweet, generous, innocent, optimistic. 

Roy
Male
Older

Harrison Ticket Agent. Kindly, but a rule follower. Could double with another character(s).

Sheriff
Male
Mature

Good at his job. Chivalrous. Firm, but understanding. Could double with another character(s).

First Ticket Agent
Any gender
Any age range

Could double with another character(s).

Second Ticket Agent
Any gender
Any age range

Could double with another character(s).