THE WINTER’S TALE
by William Shakespeare
Music by Cole Porter
Directed by Drew Mason
Contact info: drew.mason@optusnet.com.au Ph. 9382 6284
Auditions
Saturday 15 February 11am
Monday 17 February 7pm
Open call audition, no appointments – all auditionees at the same time:
Audition will consist of presenting one short, prepared sonnet or speech from Shakespeare as well as presenting selected scenes from the play with other auditionees. Please be prepared to spend some time at the audition. Also looking for actors who are confident with singing.
Performances
May 29 to June 7 (will be 8 shows over two weekends-Thu to Sun; Weds to Sat)
Audition and Performance location: STAG, Strathmore Community Hall, corner of Loeman and Napier streets, Strathmore
Synopsis
Jealousy. Betrayal. Retribution. Fate. Forgiveness?
Convinced that his wife Hermione, the Queen of Sicilia, is pregnant by his closest friend Polixenes, the King of Bohemia, Leontes, King of Sicilia, enacts a plot to destroy everyone he believes has caused him harm. But will it cost him all he holds dear? Has he chosen to ignore fate and instead destroy himself and his kingdom?
One of Shakespeare’s last plays, The Winter’s Tale is a powerful exploration of the consequences of jealousy. Combining elements of tragedy and comedy, and spanning over sixteen years, this epic play is magical.
This production is set in the lavish court of Sicilia during the jazz age of the 1920s and travels to the Great Depression era court of Bohemia. With music by Cole Porter, and some bawdy physical comedy, The Winter’s Tale is sure to dazzle and amaze.
Characters (Ages are suggested playing ages—not fixed in most cases)
Males:
Leontes: 30+. King of Sicilia. Hot headed; jealous.
Polixenes: 30+ King of Bohemia; gentle, caring, wise.
Camillo: 30+ Lord of Sicilia, loyal, but cautious.
Antigonus: 30+. Caring, gentle. Meets an horrific fate.
Mamillus: under 10. Very wise. Small role.
Florizel: 18+. Prince of Bohemia. Carefree…a classic lover.
Shepherd: 40+. Bohemia. Kind father, but wary of those in power.
Autolycus: 20+. Very bawdy, physical comedy. Confident singer preferred.
Females:
Hermione: 25+. Queen of Sicilia. Beautiful, loyal, caring.
Paulina: 25+. Highly intelligent and crafty. Resolves the plot of the play.
Perdita + others: 16+: believes she is of low status, innocent, kind.
Mopsa + others: 20+. Low in status and morals.
Dorca + others: 20+. Low in status and morals.
The following roles can be played by either male or female actors:
Clown: 20+. Comical, physical. Kind, but cautious.
Cleomenes: 20+. Lord of Sicilia. Cautious.
Dion: 20+ Lord of Sicilia. Cautious
Any of the above characters will be able to sing and /or play instruments, should the actors wish.
Some doubling of roles will be essential.
Please note: I am looking for strong actors, even if they have no Shakespeare experience. A few actors who are confident with singing and physical humour will be required (for some of the roles). Actors who can also play instruments would be amazing, as I wish to provide the music live on stage. If interested in being part of the musical aspect of the show, please prepare a song from Cole Porter of your choice should you wish to be a singer.
As we are likely to have actors under 18, cast will be required to have a valid Working With Children check.
Audition information
For the audition, please come with a prepared short Shakespearean soliloquy, monologue or sonnet (not from the play) and be ready to also read from the script with your fellow auditionees. Auditioners for Autolycus, or to be part of the singing ensemble, should also prepare a short Cole Porter song.
You do not need to come both days, just one.
As the auditions will be open call, please plan on spending at least an hour with us.
Rehearsal period: most likely will be Tuesday and Thursday evenings and either Saturdays or Sundays at a time to suit cast and director. There will be some early text workshops before commencing rehearsals on the stage; as such, this will be a slightly longer rehearsal period than some shows. Time will also be allocated to music rehearsals should the need arise.
For more information or to book an audition, please contact:
Drew Mason, director drew.mason@optusnet.com.au or Ph. 9382 6284.