A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM Submission - Geva Theatre Center Auditions

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

Geva Theatre Center (Rochester, NY) LORT B; $765/week minimum

Playwright: William Shakespeare

Directed by Mark Cuddy and Skip Greer

Rehearsals begin April 9, 2013 for HIPPOLYTA/TITANIA and THESEUS/OBERON

Rehearsals begin April 12, 2013 for ALL OTHER CHARACTERS

Opening: May 8, 2013

Closes: June 2, 2013

Casting Office: Elissa Myers Casting

Casting Director: Paul Fouquet

Casting Associate: Heather Hurst

SEEKING:

THESEUS/OBERON

(Male, 35-45). THESEUS: Duke of Athens: a powerful warrior who has triumphantly returned with his conquered betrothed, Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons. Rational, fair, and willing to finally settle down at this point of his life – after falling in love with the queen of his enemy. OBERON: King of the Fairies: Oberon is at odds with his wife, Titania, because she refuses to relinquish control of a young prince whom she has adopted, but whom Oberon wishes to raise as one of his own henchman. This conflict leads to much of the confusion in the woods; in fact to a collision between the very seasons of the year. Powerful, poetic, romantic, sensual, jealous, impatient and ultimately forgiving. Actor must be great with language.

HIPPOLYTA/TITANIA

(Female, 35-45). HIPPOLYTA: Queen of the Amazons: a majestic warrior who has been domesticated in her love for Theseus, and is still adapting to oncoming married life. TITANIA: Queen of the Fairies: Titania resists the attempts of her husband, Oberon, to make a henchman of the young prince whom she has taken. Until Oberon gives up his demand, Titania has sworn to avoid his company and his bed. Powerful, poetic, sensual, and romantic. Actor must have a good sense of comedy.

HERMIA

(Female, 18-22) . Under 5’4”. A young Athenian woman of high breed in love with Lysander against the strict orders of her father. Her young love puts her in danger of being banished to a nunnery or put to death, so she runs away with Lysander to the Athenian forest by moonlight. A childhood friend of Helena. Self-assured, passionate, and brave. Actress must be good with physical comedy.

HELENA

(Female, 8-22). Over 5’6”. A young Athenian woman desperately in love with Demetrius, to whom she was once betrothed but who now has fallen in love with her childhood friend Hermia. So lovesick, Helena follows Demetrius into the forest at night, even though he is chasing after Hermia. Lacking confidence in her looks, Helena thinks that Demetrius and Lysander are mocking her when the fairies’ mischief causes them to fall in love with her. Must handle poetry and physical comedy equally well.

LYSANDER

(Male, 18-22). A young Athenian man of high breed, who is completely in love with Hermia despite her father’s strict refusal. His passion for her leads both of them to run away to the forest at night, where Puck’s misapplied magic comically turns him into an ardent suitor of Helena. Must where his heart on his sleeve, and be adept at physical comedy.

DEMETRIUS

(Male, 18-22). A young Athenian man who has persuaded Hermia’s father, Egeus, to choose him as a son-in-law despite her rejection of him. He was once betrothed to Helena, but fell in love with her friend, Hermia. Inconstant yet proud. Must be adept at physical comedy.

ROBIN GOODFELLOW (Puck)

(Male, 18-22). A mischievous fairy who delights in playing pranks on mortals; Oberon’s jester. At Oberon’s bidding, Robin sprinkles “love juice” in the eyes of various characters to change who they love; his mistakes create conflict, and he enjoys the mayhem they cause. Known as a “household spirit” Puck is mercurial, quick witted, and filled with curiosity. Puck embodies Midsummer’s youthful spirit, and his joy is infectious. Actor must be inventive, and physically fluid and nimble.

NICK BOTTOM

(Male, 35-50). The weaver. Bottom is chosen to play Pyramus in a play that a group of craftsmen have decided to put on for Theseus’ wedding celebration. Bottom, because of his love and unflagging faith in the power of theatre, is filled with confidence and full of advice for his fellow players. He possesses an innocence, a fascination and wonder of the happenings of the world, and that passion can be overpowering to those around him. Theatre is a tool to help keep Bottom from being alone. We love and root for him despite his faults. Must possess comic skills and timing as well as a knack for the joy of ensemble play. Part of THE MECHANICALS.

PETER QUINCE

(Male, 35-50). A carpenter. The nominal leader of the craftsmen’s attempt to put on a play. Quince is desperately trying to bring order to chaos. His enormous frustration is only topped by his even greater patience - his sincere belief in the mission of theatre keeps him pushing – against all trials and tribulations. He’s in over his head, with only the dimmest awareness of it. He embodies every director in the theatre. During the craftsmen’s play, Quince plays the Prologue. Must possess comic skills and timing as well as a knack for the joy of ensemble play. Part of THE MECHANICALS.

FRANCIS FLUTE

(Male, 30-40). The bellows-mender. Flute is chosen to play Thisbe in the craftsmen’s play. Resistant at first, Flute becomes drawn into the story of the play within the play. It is Flute’s final monologue about the death of Pyramus that actually, surprisingly, pulls at our heartstrings and serves to remind the court of the transformational power of theatre. Must possess comic skills and timing as well as a knack for the joy of ensemble play. Part of THE MECHANICALS.

ROBIN STARVELING

(Male, 30-40). The Tailor. Starveling is chosen to play Thisbe’s mother in the craftsmen’s play, and ends up playing the part of Moonshine. Generally timid, Starveling finally stands up to the court while performing “Moonshine”. Must possess comic skills and timing as well as a knack for the joy of ensemble play. Part of THE MECHANICALS.

TOM SNOUT

(Male, 30-40). Over 6’3” and solid of frame. The tinker. Snout is chosen to play Pyramus’s father in the craftsmen’s play, and ends up playing the part of Wall, dividing the two lovers. Snout is as sincere as he is solid. Must possess comic skills and timing as well as a knack for the joy of ensemble play. Part of THE MECHANICALS.