AUDITIONS FOR ‘AS YOU LIKE IT’
BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
DIRECTED BY FRED ZIRM
MUSIC DIRECTION BY ARIELLE BAYER
PRODUCED BY LAUREN PACUIT AND MICHELLE HESSEL
One of Shakespeare’s most beloved romantic comedies is transported to the Woodstock era as Rosalind decides to flee from her tyrannically uptight uncle to the Forest of Arden, where her free-spirited father has been banished, along with his band of hippie followers. Colorful country folk, comic and romantic complications, the cynical observations of Jaques (“All the world’s a stage.”) and Shakespeare’s poetry make for a richer mixture than your typical romcom. Folk and rock music popular in the 60s and 70s will be performed in place of songs from Shakespeare’s time.
NOTE: Prepare a one minute monologue (modern or Shakespeare) and 30 seconds of a prepared song (around 16 bars). A capella is fine or an accompanist will be provided if you bring sheet music. Guitar players welcome. There may be readings from the script.
We will accept virtual auditions submitted to Director Fred Zirm: bikebard@gmail.com by Tuesday, December 12th at 9pm. Virtual auditions should include a one minute monologue and 30 second song.
ALL CALLBACKS WILL BE IN PERSON BY INVITATION ONLY ON DECEMBER 14th. All roles are open and unpaid and actors of all ages, ethnicity, and genders will be considered.
Bring a completed audition form and headshot if available. Please look at the rehearsal calendar on the audition form and come with any conflict dates. These forms can be found at https://britishplayers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Audition-form-As-You-Like-It.pdf Please use the sign up genius below to secure an audition slot.
Audition Sign up Genius Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044BA9AC2AA57-asyoulike
Auditions Dates
Monday, December 12th and Tuesday, December 13th 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Bannockburn Community Club
6314 Bannockburn Drive
Bethesda, MD 20817
Callbacks – By Invitation Only
Wednesday, December 14th 7:00pm-10:00pm.
COVID19 Requirements: All Auditioners, Cast, and Crew for this production must be vaccinated. Proof of Vaccination will be checked prior to audition. Please have a copy of your vaccination record or a scan copy available. Masks will be worn at auditions except while acting or singing.
Important Dates
Tech Week Fri March 10 – Thu March 16
Performances at Kensington Town Hall
Fri March 17 – 8:00 pm, Sat March 18– 8:00 pm, Sun March 19 – 2:00 pm.
Fri March 24 – 8:00 pm, Sat March 25– 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm, and Sun March 26 – 2:00 pm.
Thu March 30 – 8:00 pm, Fri March 31 – 8:00 pm Sat April 1 8:00 pm.
Sun April 2– 12 noon Strike – all cast and crew.
Character List:
Rosalind a rebel in her late teens or twenties
Duke Senior Rosalind’s banished father, a hippie, middle aged
Celia Rosalind’s BFF, but more of a preppy, also in her late teens or twenties
Duke (or Duchess) Frederick(a) Celia’s mean parent, middle aged
Touchstone the court jester, indeterminate age
Audrey Touchstone’s country wench girlfriend
Orlando Rosalind’s love, late teens or twenties
Adam Orlando’s aged servant
Oliver Orlando’s cruel older brother, young to middle aged
Le Beau a fastidious courtier to Frederick, young to middle aged
Attendant 1 One of Frederick(a)’s lackeys, young to middle aged
Attendant 2 One of Frederick(a)’s lackeys, young to middle aged
Charles the Wrestler a jock, young to middle aged
Sir Oliver Martext a drunken priest, middle aged
Amiens a hippie follower of Duke Senior (preferably a guitar player), young to middle aged
Jaques(a) a cynical follower of Duke Senior, probably a Vietnam vet (might play the guitar)
First Lord a hippie follower of Duke Senior, young to middle aged
Second Lord a hippie follower of Duke Senior, young to middle aged
Corin an older shepherd
Silvius a young shepherd, teens to twenties
Phebe a young country woman but with a touch of Valley Girl, teens to twenties
