Denver Center for the Performing Arts
CONTRACT
LORT Non-Rep $1050 weekly minimum (LORT D)
SEEKING
Equity actors for roles in MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (see breakdown).
Bass/Valle Casting encourages people of all races, ages, ethnicities, abilities and gender identities to apply.
The Denver Center intends to lead all decisions from selecting each play to the final bow, with empathy and respect. We acknowledge that race, gender, ethnicity and physical abilities of the actors on stage have meaning and we want to be mindful of that throughout our practices. Our casting process will be led with thoughtfulness and appreciation of the artists we encounter and any level of discrimination will not be tolerated. We do not want to assume that the space you are entering or have entered is fully inclusive of your needs, but instead want to create an environment and expand our conditions that allows for your multi-faceted personhood to thrive and feel welcome.
INSTRUCTIONS
Please, submit an electronic photo/resume for the opportunity to be invited to audition in person. The Bass/Valle Casting team will review all self-submissions. Please, let us know if you play an instrument. Especially if it is a stringed instrument, the accordion or concertina.
Deadline: Mon, Jun 6, 2022
SUBMIT TO
PERSONNEL
Playwright: William Shakespeare
Director: Chris Coleman
Original Music: Tom Hagerman
Dramaturg: Reginald Edmund
DCPA Casting: Grady Soapes, CSA - DCPA Director of Casting
NYC Casting: Bass/Valle Casting (Harriet Bass & Gama Valle)
NYC Casting Assistant: Dena Igusti
OTHER DATES
AUDITIONS: 06/20/22 to 06/22/22
CALLBACKS: 06/22/22 & 06/23/22
FIRST REHEARSAL: 08/23/22
FIRST PREVIEW: 09/30/22
OPENING: 10/07/22
CLOSING: 11/06/22
OTHER
denvercenter.org/casting
All performers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as defined by the CDC, with a first booster (if eligible) by first rehearsal as a condition of employment. Vaccination requirements are subject to change according to CDC guidance.
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 submit.
BREAKDOWN
SYNOPSIS: A playful comedy layered with all the rich complexity that comes with Shakespeare’s work, Much Ado About Nothing is a snappy, surprisingly timely meditation on gossip, gender roles, and the follies of romance. Don Pedro, Claudio, and Benedick arrive in the Sicilian port town of Messina after a decisive victory on the battlefield. As they join in the post-war celebrations at the governor’s estate, Claudio takes a liking to their host’s daughter, Hero. Meanwhile, Benedick engages in a different sort of battle with Hero’s cousin, the quick-witted Beatrice. Cupid-like characters conspire to bring our quartet of lovers together, while darker forces seek to drive them apart. Can love truly conquer all when the combined powers of deception, betrayal, and envy stand in its way?
Much Ado About Nothing is comedic, yet cautionary. Elegant, yet down to earth. It’s mischievous and undeniably merry. It might just be the world’s most well-known (and beloved) Renaissance rom-com.
SEEKING:
No roles will be understudied.
CLAUDIO - he/him/his, any ethnicity, mid to late 30’. Excellent language skills. Athletic but deeply sensitive. Reserved by nature, Claudio has just returned from the war, where he proved himself an excellent warrior, winning the devotion of both the Prince, Don Pedro, and Benedick. He falls hard for Hero, and is devastated when he thinks she hasn’t been faithful. NOTE: Actors of color and from all historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to submit.
HERO - she/her/hers, any ethnicity, 30’s. Excellent language skills. Lovely but reserved in a group, Hero finds reservoirs of strength when she is put on the defensive. When in her element, she has a great sense of play. NOTE: Actors of color and from all historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to submit.
DON JOHN - he/him/his, a man of color, 40’s. Excellent language skills. Conniving, dangerous, with the ability to hide it well. Don John is the illegitimate brother of Don Pedro, Prince of Arragon. He is personally offended by the friendship that Don Pedro has developed with Claudio, and plots to bring them both to ruin. There is a sensuality and appeal about the man, despite his danger.
DOGBERRY THE MESSENGER - Any gender expression, any ethnicity, mid 40’s to 60’s. Excellent comedic skills. Husky. Dogberry is the constable of Messina. While they take their job seriously, Dogberry has an amazing ability to use the wrong words to express intent, so often baffles those around them. When offended, Dogberry can hold a grudge with the best of them.
BALTHASAR/VERGES - he/him/his, any ethnicity, late 40’s to 50’s, strong singer. Excellent comedic skills. Balthasar: excellent jazz vocalist (perhaps pianist or plays the accordion or concertina); jaded, self-deprecating, witty. Verges: second in command with the local “night watch.” A bit of a bumbler, he can inadvertently pop out with the truth now and then. NOTE: Accordion or concertina playing skills are a big plus. Actors of color and from all historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to submit.
ANTONIO/1st WATCH - he/him/his, any ethnicity, 60’s. Good language and comedic skills. Antonio: is brother to Leonato, the Governor of Messina. Happy to be near the seat of power, he is ready to defend his family’s honor if provoked. Good natured. 1st Watch: a local gent who has been enlisted into the night’s watch. He’s a bit in over his head. NOTE: Actors of color and from all historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to submit.
MARGARET - she/her/hers, a woman of color, 30’s. Excellent language and comedic skills. Wise cracker. Margaret is chief attendant to Hero, daughter to the Governor of Messina. She has clear, practical advice, and has a hard time keeping it to herself. She also loves teasing those around her, no matter their status level.
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 submit.
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