AUDITIONS for THE TRAGEDY OF KING LEAR

 

The Shakespeare Initiative at Brundage Park Playhouse will hold auditions for THE TRAGEDY OF KING LEAR on Monday, March 22, and Wednesday, March 24, from 7:00 until 9:00 PM. All roles are open.

Shakespeare’s most elemental tragedy, KING LEAR features certifiable insanity, internal family intrigue, class struggles and a dramatic coup d’etat. A daughter’s love is put to the test and two families tear themselves apart, as a community teeters on the verge of disintegration. Can change ever come without loss? KING LEAR is a thought-provoking classic that is often considered the greatest masterpiece by William Shakespeare.

Auditioners are encouraged to prepare a Shakespearean monologue. Cold readings will be provided for those who do not have a monologue. Please bring your theatrical resume and a recent headshot/snap shot to the audition. There will be stage combat involved in the show so there will also be a movement section to the audition.

Performance dates are June 4, 5, 11, 12 at 8:00 PM and June 6 and 13 at 2:00 PM.

AVAILABLE ROLES:

LEAR (King of England) – a tired ruler of England, he plans to divide his kingdom between his three daughters.

GONERILL (wife to The Duke of Albany) – Lear’s selfish, ruthless older daughter.

REGAN (wife to The Duke of Cornwall) – Lear’s middle daughter.

CORDELIA – Lear’s youngest daughter.

DUKE of BURGANDY – suitor for Cordelia’s hand (will double other roles)

KING OF FRANCE – suitor for Cordelia’s hand (will double other roles)

DUKE OF CORNWALL (Regan’s husband) – matches his wife in his capacity for ruthlessness and calculated cruelty.

DUKE OF ALBANY (Gonerill’s husband) – while supporting his wife in the beginning, he grows increasingly hostile toward the cruelty of the older daughters and becomes an agent of good by the play’s end.

EARL OF KENT – Loyal to Lear. Remains Lear’s protector, in disguise, after being banished.

EARL OF GLOUCESTER (Father of Edgar and Edmund) – An ally of Lear. Blinded by the Duke of Cornwall.

EDGAR (son of Gloucester) – suffers from his father’s poor judgment but ends up caring for him towards the end of the play. Ultimately defeats his brother in battle.

EDMUND (illegitimate son of Gloucester) – frames his brother and betrays his father in order to gain favor with Gonerill and Regan. Is also the source of romantic rivalry between the two daughters.

OSWALD – Steward to Gonerill. Killed by Edgar when he attempts to kill Gloucester.

FOOL – His comic asides often reveal the foolishness of Lear’s actions. Is hanged by those against Lear.

DOCTOR – tries to restore Lear’s sanity (will double other roles).

There are also roles for SERVANTS and SOLDIERS that have lines. Both men and women will be considered for these roles.  SERVANT/SOLDIER roles will probably involve stage combat.

For further information please email: director@theshakespeareinitiative.org or call the theater at 973-989-7092

The Shakespeare Initiative Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=8740554898