AUDITIONS
Audition Information
In this play-within-a-play, the New Vistas Theatre Company sets out to put on Romeo and Juliet with its multiracial cast. Wendy, the determined white director, has cast her long-time black friend, Georgia, in the role of Juliet. Georgia plays opposite Chris, the white son of a New Vistas board member. The nurse is played by Lorraine, a feisty black friend of Georgia’s who has a secret yen for Chris. Dave, the stage manager, is the company’s founding member and a seasoned Shakespearean actor who has serious concerns about the production. Tempers flair and friendships are strained when Jimmy, Georgia’s maintenance-man boyfriend, tries to prevent her from playing Juliet. Issues of race, class, gender and nontraditional casting emerge as the Bard brings out surprising fears, animosities, love and laughter in this company of players.
Casting Othello. Fresh from a hit production of Romeo and Juliet, New Vistas Theatre Company tackles Othello. Chris is directing. Dave is cast as Iago, Wendy as Desdemona, George as Emilia, and Lorraine as Bianca. But who will be cast as Othello? Jimmy, now married to the pregnant Georgia, has grown accustomed to working set crew and being a blocking stand-in for the lead. Despite his lack of training, Wendy thinks Jimmy could do Othello in performance. The atmosphere is charged as Georgia and Dave vigorously oppose this casting. Shakespeare’s controversial tragedy is deconstructed as the actors’ politics, loves and friendships are put on the line.
All Roles Open, Non-Union, Non-Paid
Thespians Ages: 18+
Audition Dates & Times:
- Monday, November 3 (6:30 pm – 8:30 pm)
- Tuesday, November 4 (6:30 pm – 8:30 pm)
Please Bring:
- Photo / Headshot
- Resume or List of previous shows (if applicable)
- List of schedule conflicts from November 24 to January 30 (no tech week or show conflicts will be accepted)
- Approx. 1-2 minute monologue
- Script sides will be provided
DIRECTOR: Temple Fortson
Show Dates & Times:
A One-Night Reading and Talk Back
- January 31 @ 8:00pm
- Run time: 100 minutes + 15 minute intermission
Location:
Artistic Synergy of Baltimore @Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
8212 Philadelphia Road (Basement) Rosedale, MD 21237
Audition Forms & Rehearsal Details
- Click here to fill out the Online Audition Form.
- Or you can download the printed Artistic Synergy of Baltimore Audition Form
Minimal rehearsals, some virtual.
Tech Nights*: January 26 – January 27
Exact timing subject to finalized cast availability.
CHARACTERS LIST
Lorraine (Juliet’s Nurse/Bianca) — Light-skinned African-American Female-identifying
Chris (Romeo/ Cassio) — (Caucasian Male-identifying)
Wendy (Director / Desdemona) — (Caucasian Female-identifying)
Georgia (Juliet/Emilia) — Dark-skinned African-American Female-identifying
David (Capulet & Stage Manager/Iago) — Caucasian Male-identifying
Jimmy (Georgia’s Boyfriend/ Set Carpenter) — African-American Male-identifying
All Roles Open, Non-Union, Non-Paid
Thespians should be ages 18+
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Please Note (Intimacy & Caution Warning):
Some stage kissing and light physical touch, always fully-clothed, may be requested between characters in couples. Please indicate if you are unable to accept such a role, keeping in mind all information in the posting pertaining to the casting of these characters.
Some well-timed dodging-of-thrown-objects and other physical comedy moments may be requested of certain characters. Please indicate if you are unable to accept such an “active” role.
Artistic Synergy of Baltimore is a consent-based and trauma-informed organization and all ensemble members will be led through intimacy- and consent-based practices to choreograph and block all movements of the show. If you have questions regarding details or want more information about these practices, please email us at ArtisticSynergyBaltimore@gmail.com.