Casting Marcela 13y Ethel 15y | Direct Link
Follow these steps and you’ll have a professional, safe, and enjoyable casting experience for both Marcela (13) and Ethel (15). Good luck with your project! 🎬✨
The air in the basement of the Starlight Community Theater smelled like dust and old velvet.
, thirteen, sat on a stack of folding chairs, kicking her heels against the metal legs. She was humming a tune from The Sound of Music, her eyes fixed on the door to the audition room.
Beside her, Ethel, fifteen, was meticulously smoothing the lace collar of her vintage dress. Ethel didn’t hum. She studied her script as if it were a tactical map.
“You’re going to be great, Marce,” Ethel said, not looking up. “Just remember to breathe during the high notes.”
“I know, I know,” Marcela sighed. “But what if they think I’m too young? What if they want someone… taller?”
Ethel finally looked at her younger sister. Her gaze was steady, the kind of look that had earned her the lead in three school plays already. “Height isn’t talent. You’ve got the voice of an angel and the dramatic timing of a heart attack. You’ll be fine.”
The door cracked open. A woman with a clipboard and a messy bun stepped out. “Marcela and Ethel Reed? We’re ready for you.”
They stood in unison, a synchronized motion born from years of practicing together in their living room. As they walked into the audition room, the bright stage lights blinded them for a moment. Three judges sat behind a long table, their faces obscured by shadows.
“Whenever you’re ready,” the director’s voice echoed. casting marcela 13y ethel 15y
Marcela took a deep breath. She looked at Ethel, who gave a tiny, almost imperceptible nod. Then, they began.
Marcela started first, her voice clear and sweet, filling the room with a surprising depth for a thirteen-year-old. She moved with a natural grace, her every gesture purposeful. When Ethel joined in, their voices blended in a perfect harmony that sent shivers down the judges' spines. Ethel’s performance was more grounded, more nuanced, providing the perfect counterpoint to Marcela’s youthful energy.
They performed a scene from Little Women, playing the roles of Jo and Beth. The chemistry between them was undeniable—it wasn't just acting; it was the raw, complicated love of sisters. When Marcela’s character whispered her final goodbye, there was a heavy silence in the room.
The judges didn't say anything for a long time. Finally, the director leaned forward. “That was… remarkable.”
Marcela and Ethel walked out of the theater into the cool evening air. They didn't speak until they reached the car.
“Do you think we got it?” Marcela asked, her voice small.
Ethel smiled, a genuine, proud smile. “I don't think they have a choice, Marce. We were brilliant.”
Two days later, the phone rang. It was the Starlight Community Theater. They hadn't just been cast; the director had decided to build the entire production around them. Marcela and Ethel, the Reed sisters, were going to be the stars of the season.
To prepare a casting piece for characters aged 13 and 15, the focus should be on the transition from childhood to mid-teens and the shifting bond between siblings or friends. Follow these steps and you’ll have a professional,
Below is an original scene and casting breakdown designed for auditions or acting workshops. Scene Title: "The Time Capsule" Characters:
Nostalgic but energetic. She is clinging to childhood hobbies while eyeing the future.
Pragmatic and focused on the future. She is trying to declutter her life to make room for high school responsibilities. A garage or attic filled with cardboard boxes. [SCENE START] (Holding up a dusty trophy)
You’re really throwing this out? Third place in the science fair? The volcano actually erupted, Ethel. It was a masterpiece. (Sorting through a stack of notebooks) It was paper-mâché and vinegar,
. It’s taking up a whole shelf. I need space for my textbooks.
Textbooks don't have memories. This trophy has... character. It has a dent from when the cat knocked it over.
The dent is exactly why it’s going in the donation bin. We’re moving forward, remember? New year, new room.
You’re moving forward so fast you’re going to trip. I’m just saying, if we throw everything away, how will we know who we were? (Stops and looks at her)
We’ll know because we’re right here. I don’t need a plastic volcano to remember you helped me paint it until midnight. (Small smile) You got red paint in your hair. It stayed there for a week. The names suggest a possible Latin American or
See? Memory intact. Now, help me tape this box shut or we’ll be in this attic until we’re both eighty. Fine. But I’m keeping the volcano. I figured you would. [SCENE END] Casting Notes
The actress should emphasize the sentimental value of the items. The goal is to show her desire to keep a connection with her older sister through shared history.
The actress should portray a sense of "moving on" without being cold. The subtext is that she is growing up, but she still finds her younger sister’s persistence endearing. The Dynamic:
This is about the "bridge" between ages. One character is firmly in the teen years, while the other is just beginning them. The chemistry should feel lived-in and supportive.
"For the roles of Marcela (13 years old) and Ethel (15 years old), we are looking for talented young actresses who can bring these characters to life. If you have a 13-year-old or 15-year-old who is interested in acting, please consider submitting their information for consideration. We are open to working with actors of various backgrounds and experience levels."
The names suggest a possible Latin American or European context (Marcela is common in Spanish/Portuguese-speaking countries; Ethel has English/Germanic roots but is used globally). Their ages – 13 and 15 – place them in distinct developmental and legal categories:
In casting notices, always write "Seeking minors aged 13 and 15 for roles" – never post personal contact info, photos without parental consent, or suggestive requests.
If you are a parent of a 13-year-old Marcela or 15-year-old Ethel seeking acting work, here is the safe path:
Never pay for a casting – legitimate productions pay you, not the other way around.
For productions seeking to cast a specific Marcela or Ethel (real individuals), you must have a signed release form from both parents, a Child Performer Permit, and a trust account (Coogan account in CA) where 15% of earnings go.