PENNSYLVANIA SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL 2023 SEASON - CENTER VALLEY, PA EPA
PENNSYLVANIA SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
NEW
Labuda Center For Perf Arts
2755 Station Ave
Center Valley, PA 18034-9565
Thu, Jan 12, 2023
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (EST)
Lunch 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Please email casting@pashakespeare.org to schedule a 3-minute audition time. Walk-in auditions are welcome.
LOA
$825 weekly minimum (LOA ref. to LORT) $775 weekly minimum (SPT 9)
Equity actors for roles in Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival's 2023 Season (See breakdown).
All principal roles will be understudied.
Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival is committed to hiring actors who reflect the diversity of our world; actors of all backgrounds, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, and abilities are encouraged to audition.
Season includes:
HENRY IV, PART 2
IN THE HEIGHTS
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (abridged) [revised][again]
THE TEMPEST
SENSE AND SENSIBILITY
LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL
Please prepare a monologue no longer than three minutes OR a short song from your book OR a 90-second monologue AND 32 bars of a song. Auditions should not exceed 3 minutes. An accompanist will be provided. Also, please bring a copy of your headshot and resume.
Expected to attend:
Dennis Razze - Associate Artistic Director/Director of THE TEMPEST
Megan Castallane - Casting Intern
Accompanist will only be present until lunch at 12:30.
See breakdown for show specific personnel.
See breakdown for show specific dates.
http://pashakespeare.org" target="_blank">pashakespeare.org
An Equity Monitor will not be provided. The producer will run all aspects of audition.
Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination. Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition.
Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.
Equity encourages everyone participating in the auditions to wear a two-ply cloth face mask, surgical mask, singer’s mask or respirator (N95, KN95 or KF94). Single-ply face masks, gaiters and bandanas are not recommended. Singer’s masks can be found at www.broadwayreliefproject.com/singersmask.
We encourage members to prepare for their audition prior to arriving at the audition venue, to the extent that they can (e.g., get dressed, hair/make-up, etc.) to avoid crowding in bathrooms and dressing rooms.
Center Valley:
The maximum capacity in the holding room is: 100
The maximum capacity in the audition room is: 187
Philadelphia:
The maximum capacity in the holding room is: 40
The maximum capacity in the audition room is: 70
New York:
The maximum capacity in the holding room is: 80
The maximum capacity in the audition room is: 52
About PENNSYLVANIA SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL: A leading Shakespeare festival with an emerging national reputation for excellence, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival is a professional theatre company on the campus of DeSales University.
Each summer, PSF produces a season of Shakespeare and other classics, musical theatre, and children’s theatre. About an hour north of Philadelphia and less than two hours from Manhattan, PSF is summer home to over 200 artists from around the country, including winners and nominees of the Tony, Obie, Emmy, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Jefferson, and Barrymore awards. Every year 40,000-50,000 patrons attend PSF from 30+ states – over 1,000,000 patrons from 50 states and many countries since 1992.
Playwright: William Shakespeare
Performance Space: Shubert Theatre (SPT)
Pre-Rehearsal Week: May 19, 2023
Rehearsals Begin: May 26, 2023
Previews Begin: May 31, 2023
Opening: June 2, 2023
Closing: June 11, 2023
Synopsis: The next chapter in Shakespeare’s epic cycle, Henry IV, Part 2 continues the richly layered coming-of-age tale begun in King Richard II and Henry IV, Part 1 of previous seasons. King Henry IV is in failing health as his kingdom is threatened by swirling conspiracies and enemies at the borders. Prince Hal must distance himself from a life of frivolity to reconcile the public and private life as the mantle of kingship passes from father to son. The frivolous Falstaff is forced out of the tavern to face his duty on the battlefield with an exacting eye to a future when Hal is king. Shakespeare’s dramatic tale of family, betrayal, and rebellion illuminates the magnitude of honor and duty in the making of a monarch. Actors for this production will be paid to come to first rehearsal off-book and will utilize “original practices” to stage the production themselves.
RUMOUR – the presenter of the play who delights in spreading false news about the battle at Shrewsbury
KING HENRY IV – old and weary father of Henry, Gloucester, Lancaster, and Clarence. Suffering from the guilt of usurping the throne which eventually takes a toll on his physical health.
PRINCE HENRY - son to King Henry IV, also known as Monmouth. He is known for his irresponsibility and disorderly conduct. He eventually succeeds his father to the throne.
FALSTAFF – A larger-than-life knight who uses his wits to try to stay out of the battlefield and in the tavern. He serves as a second father to Prince Hal. (This role is Cast)
PRINCE JOHN OF LANCASTER - the second son of King Henry IV. A cold man who is quick to execute rebels.
HUMPHREY DUKE OF GLOUCESTER - son to King Henry IV. Worries about the uncertainty of his brother Henry’s rule.
THOMAS DUKE OF CLARENCE - son to King Henry IV. Out of all the siblings, he is the closest to Prince Henry.
NORTHUMBERLAND – the father of Hotspur who feigns illness to not fight at Shrewsbury. The death of his son incites his willingness to organize a second rebellion against King Henry IV. Highly respected and powerful man.
LORD CHIEF JUSTICE – the highest judge in the land, upright, honest, and just. An old man who bears and honors the weight of his legal responsibilities. Deeply concerned with Prince Henry’s conduct and fears the decline of the country under Prince Henry’s rule.
ARCHBISHOP OF YORK – Richard Scroop; is of a high status and title using the weight of his position to support the rebellion against King Henry IV. He is motivated by getting revenge for his brother Stephen (Richard II).
MISTRESS QUICKLY – the owner of the Boar’s Head tavern in Eastcheap. She often misuses words and always falls for Falstaff’s empty promises to marry her.
SHALLOW – a very old man who is Justice of the Peace. Mindlessly babbles of his youth and extremely concerned with the lives of the locals. Loyal to King Henry IV and gullibly falls for Falstaff’s manipulations.
LORD MOWBRAY – the Earl Marshal of England and one of the rebels against King Henry IV. Out of the rebels, he is the most hot-headed and quick-tempered.
LORD HASTINGS - one of the rebels against King Henry IV. Out of the rebel group, he is the most optimistic that the rebellion will be a success.
EARL OF WESTMORLAND - one of King Henry IV’s lords. He is loyal to the King and willingly plays a major role in the plot to arrest the rebel leaders.
LADY PERCY – Widow to Hotspur. Pleads with Northumberland to disengage with the rebellion
LADY NORTHUMBERLAND – Wife to Northumberland, grieves the loss of her son
POINS – Prince Henry’s friend and companion who is approving of the Prince’s disorderly conduct.
BARDOLPH – one of Falstaff’s drunken companions.
DOLL TEARSHEET – a sex worker and friend of Mistress Quickly
PISTOL – A swaggering braggart of a soldier and companion to Falstaff
SILENCE – An old county Justice
SIR JOHN COLEVILLE – A famous rebel soldier
FANG – with Snare, a Sheriff’s officer sent to arrest Falstaff
SNARE – with Fang, a Sheriff’s officer sent to arrest Falstaff
GOWER – a Member of King Henry IV’s court
PAGE – young servant to Falstaff, formerly to Prince Hal
FRANCIS – a drawer at the Eastcheap tavern frequented by Falstaff
SECOND DRAWER – another drawer at the Eastcheap tavern frequented by Falstaff
MOULDY, WART, FEEBLE, BULLCALF – Local commoners conscripted into battle
Music and Lyrics: Lin-Minuel Miranda
Book: Quiara Alegría Hudes
Conceived by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Performance Space: Mainstage (LOA)
Director: Valeria Cossu
Choreographer: Michael Anthony Sylvester
Music Director: Walter “Bobby” McCoy
Rehearsals Begin: May 23, 2023
Tech Begins: June 7, 2023
Previews Begin: June 14, 2023
Opening: June 16, 2023
Closing: July 2, 2023
Synopsis: Set in the vibrant and changing community of Washington Heights, In the Heights explores themes of family, identity, and the search for a sense of belonging in a rapidly changing world. Usnavi is a young bodega owner who dreams of winning the lottery and returning to his home country of the Dominican Republic. He is joined by a cast of vibrant characters including Benny, his best friend and an employee at the local taxi dispatch; Nina, a college student who has returned to the neighborhood after dropping out of Stanford University; and Abuela Claudia, a matriarchal figure who has taken care of Usnavi and the other young people in the neighborhood. As the neighbors in this tight-knit community each pursue their vision of success, they ultimately get a dose of what it means to be home.
USNAVI DE LA VEGA - 20s-30s, Owner of De La Vega’s Bodega, whose parents emigrated from the Dominican Republic and have since passed away. Lives with Abuela Claudia, in love with Vanessa, but is comically shy. Charismatic and friendly with a generous heart. Excellent rapper / mover. Singing a plus. D3-G4.
NINA ROSARIO - 19-25, Nina is the first one in the family to attend college. The only daughter of Kevin and Camila Rosario, working-class parents who run a car service, love interest of Benny, and best friends with Vanessa. An overachiever, role model, straight-A student but going through tough times. Excellent mover, strong belt/mix. A3-F5.
KEVIN ROSARIO - 40s-50s, co-owner of Rosario Car and Limousine, husband to Camila and father to Nina. Charismatic and proud, this self-made man is also stubborn and hot tempered, but always wants the best for his family. Singer who moves well. C4-E5.
CAMILA ROSARIO - 40s-50s, co-owner of Rosario Car and Limousine with her husband Kevin. Strong, fiery yet pragmatic woman with a deep love for her family. Singer who moves well. G3-B4.
BENNY - 20s-30s, African American, driver for Rosario Car & Limousine, where he has worked since he was a teenager. Ambitious and optimistic, he aims to have his own business one day. Handsome, flirtatious, charming man who falls in love with Nina. Strong singer, excellent mover. E3-G#4.
VANESSA - 20s, works at Daniela’s Salon. Charismatic, with strong dreams of leaving the Heights, away from her alcoholic mother. Excellent dancer, strong belt/mix. F#3-E5.
SONNY - 18-25 years old, Usnavi’s cousin, and who works for him at the Bodega. Comic, excellent rapper and mover. G3-A#4.
ABUELA CLAUDIA - 50-60, Abuela Claudia raised Usnavi after his parents died, and continues to live with him. She has been in the Heights the longest and is the matriarch to all. Strong belt to a C. F#3-C5.
DANIELA - 20-40, Quick witted, brassy, no-nonsense owner of Daniela’s Salon. Confident and strong, she is a big sister figure to Vanessa and Carla. Comic with a strong belt. Excellent dancer. G3-C5.
CARLA - 20-30, a hairdresser at Daniela’s Salon. Funny and naive, she has a sunny disposition all the same. Comic with strong belt mix. Excellent dancer.
GRAFFITI PETE - 18-30, talented though undiscovered graffiti artist, always dancing with boom box in tow. Grew up in the Heights, buddies with Sonny, harmless but rough around the edges. Extremely strong dancer, acrobatics a plus.
PIRAGUERO - Any age, diligently sells piraguas in the Heights to earn a living. Bright, soaring tenor. D3-A4
ENSEMBLE - Excellent dancer / singer / actors
Playwrights: Adam Long, Daniel Singer, Jess Winfield
Performance Space: Outdoor Stage (SPT)
Director: Matt Pfeiffer
Rehearsals Begin: June 7, 2023
Tech Begins: June 25, 2023
Previews Begin: June 28, 2023
Opening: June 30, 2023
Closing: July 16, 2023
Possible Extension: July 23, 2023
Synopsis: In this well-loved and recently updated fan favorite, three well-meaning but misguided fans of the Bard attempt to take on Shakespeare’s entire canon in a single night.
ADAM – All the female characters.
DANIEL – The “straight-man” for most of the comedy in the play.
JESS – The arrogant leader of the group. (This role is cast).
Performed in Repertory with SENSE AND SENSIBILTY
Playwright: William Shakespeare
Performance Space: Mainstage (LOA)
Director: Dennis Razze
Rehearsals begin: June 9, 2023
Tech for THE TEMPEST begins: July 8, 2023
Previews for THE TEMPEST: July 12, 2023
Opening THE TEMPEST: July 14, 2023
Tech for SENSE & SENSIBILITY begins: July 15, 2023
Previews for SENSE & SENSIBILTY begin: July 20, 2023
Opening for SENSE & SENSIBILTY: July 22, 2023
Closing: August 6, 2023
Synopsis: Prospero, a former Duke of Milan, is stranded on an island with his daughter Miranda. He has used his magical powers to bring a ship carrying his former enemies to the island, including the King of Naples, Antonio, and the King's brother, Sebastian. Prospero's plan is to use his magic to manipulate the events on the island and ultimately bring about a reconciliation with his enemies. Along the way, he is aided by magical spirits of the island. In the end, Prospero renounces his magic and is reconciled with his enemies, paving the way for his return to Milan.
PROSPERO – Former Duke of Milan now living on an island inhabited by magical creatures that he has the power to control. He creates a magical tempest to lure his foes onto the island to seek revenge.
MIRANDA – Prospero’s daughter. Kind and innocent, she has been raised by Prospero on the island has seen no other living human other than her father.
ARIEL – A creature of the air controlled by Prospero. A magical creature with human emotions, Ariel creates much of the magic for Prospero and pleas to be freed from servitude. (This role is Cast)
CALIBAN – A creature of the island under Prospero’s command. Both primal and intelligent, Caliban is an adaptable, complex individual
STEPHANO – A drunken butler of King Alonso’s court. (This role is Cast)
TRINCULO – Alonso’s jester; very much out of his element on the island. (This role is Cast)
FERDINAND – Alonso’s son and Prince of Naples. Captured by Prospero on the island, he serves him and falls in love with Miranda.
ALONSO – The King of Naples.
ANTONIO – Prospero’s brother, and the instrument behind his ouster from Milan.
SEBASTIAN – King Alonso’s younger brother. (This role is Cast)
GONZALO – A trusted adviser and wise council to the court.
ADRIAN – A younger member of Alonso’s court.
FRANSISCO – A younger member of Alonso’s court.
BOATSWAIN – The officer in charge of the ships rigging and sails.
GODDESSES – Singing spirits that entertain Miranda and Ferdinand.
ENSEMBLE of Mariners and Islanders.
Performed in Repertory with THE TEMPEST
Playwright: Jessica Swale (adapted from the Jane Austen novel)
Performance Space: Mainstage (LOA)
Director: Jessica Bedford
Rehearsals begin: June 9, 2023
Tech for THE TEMPEST begins: July 8, 2023
Previews for THE TEMPEST: July 12, 2023
Opening THE TEMPEST: July 14, 2023
Tech for SENSE & SENSIBILITY begins: July 15, 2023
Previews for SENSE & SENSIBILTY begin: July 20, 2023
Opening for SENSE & SENSIBILTY: July 22, 2023
Closing: August 6, 2023
Synopsis: Set in 19th Century England, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood navigate love, loss, and the expectations of society. Elinor is deeply in love with Edward Ferrars, a kind but impoverished gentleman, but their relationship is complicated by the scheming of his family and the expectations of their social class. Marianne falls in love with John Willoughby, a handsome but selfish man, and is heartbroken when she learns of his true character. Throughout the play, the sisters must learn to balance their opposing temperaments and navigate the complexities of love and society.
ELINOR DASHWOOD – 20s the eldest Dashwood daughter. Intelligent and sensible. Leads with her head and not her heart. Reserved and self-contained. (This role is Cast)
MARIANNE DASHWOOD – 18+ to play the 16-year-old middle Dashwood sister. Romantic and emotional. Loves poetry and music. Wears her heart on her sleeve. Light singing required.
MARGARET DASHWOOD - 18+ to play 13-year-old youngest Dashwood daughter. Witty and mischievous. Loves the outdoors and all the creatures she finds there. Observant, smart and fun.
LUCY STEELE – 20s to play youngest Steele sister. Manipulative and insincere. Calculating and cruel.
FANNY DASHWOOD – 30s the wife of John Dashwood and sister of Edward and Robert Ferrars. Cold, inconsiderate, only concerned with money and status.
MRS. JENNINGS – 50s the widowed mother of Lady Middleton. Boisterous, cheery busybody. Enjoys teasing the Dashwood sisters but also shows a genuine affection towards them.
MRS. DASHWOOD - 40s-50s widowed mother of the Dashwood sisters. A loving mother who has her daughters’ best interests at heart. (This role is Cast.)
MRS. PALMER - 30s Mrs. Jennings daughter and overbearing wife to Mr. Palmer.
MISS SOPHIA GREY - 20s a posh woman who is engaged to Willoughby.
EDWARD FERRARS - 20s-30s Fanny Dashwood’s bachelor brother. Shy and reserved seeking a private, quiet life of domesticity. (This role is Cast.)
MR. PALMER - 30s husband to Mrs. Palmer. Quiet and unenthusiastically submissive to his overbearing wife. (This role is Cast)
COLONEL BRANDON - 30s-40s a retired military office and friend of Sir John Middleton. Honorable, generous, and kind.
JOHN WILLOUGHBY - 20s-30s a young bachelor who is handsome and cultured. Despite his charm and good humor, he favors money over love.
SIR JOHN MIDDLETON - 40s the owner of Barton Park. Is kind, helpful, and welcoming towards the Dashwoods.
MR. JOHN DASHWOOD - 30s-40s son of Mr. Henry Dashwood’s first marriage. He desires to show kindness to others but ultimately sides with his wife, Fanny, who is not kind. (This role is Cast.)
THOMAS - a servant to the Dashwoods.
MR. PERKS - a servant to the Dashwoods.
DOCTOR - 50s a country doctor who tends to Marianne.
Book: Lanie Robertson
Musical Arrangements: Danny Holgate
Performance Space: Schubert Theatre (SPT)
Director: Amina Robinson
Rehearsals Begin: June 27, 2023
Tech Begins: July 14, 2023
Previews Begin: July 19, 2023
Opening: July 21, 2023
Closing: August 6, 2023
Synopsis: The setting is 1959 in a seedy the Philadelphia bar, where jazz songstress Billie Holiday takes the stage to deliver one of her final performances. In this engrossing tour-de-force musical, Lady Day tells the riveting story of her life and love gone wrong interlaced with more than a dozen of her most famous songs.
BILLIE HOLIDAY – a great jazz singer in the last year of her life (age 44). (This role is Cast)
JIMMY POWERS – a piano player of any age.
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