It’s audition time!!!
Application deadline – Tuesday 6th February
We are now looking to cast No Drama’s Summer Production 2024, ‘Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead’, by Tom Stoppard, directed by Shivvy Hickey!!!
The play will run this June 11th – 15th, in Smock Alley Boys School!
Audition dates:
Wednesday 7 February (from 7pm on Synge Street)
Thursday 8 February (from 7pm on Synge Street)
Sunday 11 February (from 12pm on Camden Street Lower)
Callbacks will take place on Sunday 18 and Monday 19 February.
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THE PLAY:
“Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” is an absurdist reimagining of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” from the perspective of two of the minor characters from the original play, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.
It revolves around these two bewildered and often (comically) inept characters as they are thrust into the complex world of “Hamlet.” They deal with existential questions, chance, fate, and the meaning of life as they become pawns in the larger tragedy of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead is full of clever and witty wordplay and philosophical discussions (but never highbrow enough as to alienate the audience!), all while examining the blurred line between reality and illusion.
It is a thought-provoking exploration of identity, the human condition, and the role of the individual in a world where they have little control over their own destinies.
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THE CHARACTERS:
Rosencrantz – any gender – playing age 25-35 – Friend of Hamlet. Somewhat passive and bewildered character, often questions the absurdity of the situations they find themselves in with Guildenstern. The more easygoing and accepting of the two main characters. Provides comic relief in the play and the character that really explores existential themes.
Guildenstern – any gender – playing age 25-35 – Friend of Hamlet. More assertive and analytical figure compared to Rosencrantz. Often takes the lead in trying to make sense of their puzzling situation and understand their roles in the larger narrative of “Hamlet”. Curious, often considers our existence. Adds depth to the exploration of fate, free will, and the absurdity of human existence.
Hamlet – male – playing age 25-35 – Prince of Denmark. Presented as in Shakespeare’s Hamlet but through the eyes of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Wonders about life, death, the human condition. Consumed by grief over his father’s death and suspicious around his uncle.
Ophelia – female – playing age 20-30 – Young, romantic interest of Hamlet – true to Shakespeare’s telling. Innocent and vulnerable, caught in what’s happening around her. Descends into madness – highlighting themes within the play. Lines will be additions from “Hamlet”. Ophelia spends the play in a state of shock and anguish as a result of Hamlet’s bizarre conduct. Must be good at physicality and conveying emotions without words.
Claudius (king) – male – playing age 45-60 – King of Denmark. Main antagonist in Hamlet. Brother to the deceased king, now king, married to Gertrude (Hamlet’s mother). Responsible for the death of the king. Spies on Hamlet. Cunning and manipulative. Highlights greed, power and moral ambiguity.
Gertrude (queen) – female – playing age 45-60 – Queen of Denmark and Hamlet’s mother. Complex character who plays a pivotal role in the drama of the play. Swift transition from mourning to marriage. A significant source of tension and conflict. Connects the events in Hamlet’s story.
Polonius – any gender – playing age 40-60 – Parent to Ophelia and chief counsellor to Claudius. Well-meaning but somewhat bumbling/foolish. Adds to comedic and absurd moments of the play. Serves as link between the events in Hamlet and the existential moments in this play.
The Player – any gender – playing age 30+ – Leader of the Tragedians. Complex character – both an actor and a philosopher. Blurs the lines between reality and performance. Challenges the boundaries of the world within the play and the audience’s world. Dramatic character who serves as a symbol of theatricality and the existential themes.
The Tragedians – any gender (approx. 6/7 roles available) – any age – A group of traveling male actors. The Tragedians specialise in melodramatic and sensationalistic performances, and they are willing to engage in any entertainments… providing the price is right. Roles are mostly mime. Alfred – only named player.
Note: There are some additional roles available. You may be cast for a role you didn’t audition for.
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HOW TO APPLY:
To register your interest in auditioning, please fill in the form in the link below and we will be in touch with audition pieces and the date/time of your audition.
https://form.jotform.com/240265731548054
The deadline for applications to audition is Tuesday 6 February.
We look forward to hearing from you!
