ESP Auditions
AUDITIONS FOR THE TEMPEST
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The Tempest directed by deaf Chicago director Richard Costes will run in the Frederick Shakespeare Festival from August 8th to August 21st.
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Union (Festival Code) and non-union Welcome to audition.
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Rehearsals begin June 23rd -- downtown Frederick at 16 E Patrick St, 2nd floor. (there is currently no elevator)
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Video submissions only! SUBMIT BY APRIL 15
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Please send any Shakespeare Monologue (no longer than 2 minutes) video link preferred, along with a headshot, and resume to audition@esptheatre.org
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Please include, both in the video or body of the email, any characters you are interested in.
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NOTES FROM THE DIRECTOR
ALL TYPES AND GENDERS WELCOME (mention the roles you most identify with in your email/video.)
If you can play an instrument or sing, please note that on your resume. Please also include the roles you would like to be considered for and whether you would accept other roles in the show.
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CHARACTER NOTE: We are looking to cast Prospero with an actor who uses a cane or similar mobility device, we would welcome actors with any disabilities into any role -- please let us know if stairs are a problem as our rehearsals currently take place on a 2nd floor loft with stair access only.
CHARCTER LIST:​
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PROSPERO (any gender, disabled: must use a cane or similar mobility device):
The ruler of the Island, a former duke who was overthrown by his brother, has had nothing but time to focus on how he has been wronged. A very powerful presence, intelligence, and magic, Prospero has bound many island spirits in service to him and his daughter, who he is very protective of. When a ship nears the island with familiar passengers, he sees a long-overdue opportunity for revenge…
MIRANDA (she/her):
Prospero’s daughter who was sent off with him as an infant, and has grown up on this deserted island with no other human but her father. As a result, she is so socially behind that she falls in love with the first man she sees and isn’t afraid to show it with some major PDA. Miranda is more intelligent than she may initially come across and at the same time is still a little naive. She wears her heart on her sleeve and isn’t shy about expressing her emotions. The role will require quite a bit of physical comedy.
ARIEL (any gender, must be able to sing and, ideally, play an instrument):
Prospero’s must trusted servant. They are a true representation of the island in all aspects – wild, flighty, mercurial, chaotic, beautiful. They are very passionate and desperate to be free of the bonds that have kept them to this island for their whole existence. The role requires an actor who is comfortable ad-libbing and interacting with the audience, with the physicality to express the otherworldly nature of this fae spirit.
CALIBAN (he/him, must be a gifted physical actor):
A lonely monster. Of all the characters, he is the most isolated and set apart. He is filled with rage, anger, hurt – and a deep desire to be given what he believes is rightly his - the Island itself. Where Ariel can represent the beauty of the island, Caliban represents its savagery. And yet, despite all this, he is still desperate for connection and acceptance. Must be a gifted physical actor to portray this creature.
FERDINAND (any gender):
Prince Charming. A straight-backed, righteous character who maintains decorum at all times. A life in court has taught him to keep his emotions bottled inside, but through Miranda, he learns to express them.
ALONSO (any gender):
A good king, but gullible. Too quick to trust
ANTONIO (any gender):
Duke of Milan and Prospero’s brother. Machiavellian, scheming. Always looking for the next rung in the ladder to climb his way up to the top, not afraid to use people along the way.
SEBASTIAN (any gender):
Alonso’s brother. Thinks he’s Machiavellian, looking to become the king. Does a bad job. Probably would be a total disaster without Antonio.
GONZALO (any gender):
Councilor to Alonso and friend to Prospero. The oldest and wisest counselor. He has served kings before Alonso and will serve kings after. Believes the best of people. Surprisingly perceptive.
TRINCULO (any gender):
Alonso’s servant. The archetypical sad clown; nothing ever goes right for him. He is the punching bag for all characters and God. Physical comedy is very important for this role.
STEPHANO (any gender):
Alonso’s butler. Drunken fool. Never met a bottle he wouldn’t drown himself in. Everyone loves him because he is a drunken fool. Physicial comedy very important for this role.