2019-20 Season Greystone Auditions
Ohio Shakes, located in Akron, is casting equity and non-equity actors for their indoor 2019-2020 season, which includes:
Maid Marion: An Adventure, with Music
A new play by Sarah Coon, based on the classic adventure stories by Howard Pyle (part of the Family Theatre Adventure Series)
She Kills Monsters
By Qui Nguyen
Saint Joan
by George Bernard Shaw
Miss Holmes
by Christopher M. Walsh
The Rocky Horror Show
By Richard O’Brien
Up to three AEA contracts available for each production. All non union actors paid a stipend determined by size of role, length of commitment, and number of years spent with the company.
Auditions will be held at the Greystone Hall theatre (103 S High Street, Akron) on Monday April 22, 6:00-10:00pm. and Tuesday April 23, 6:00-10:00.
Auditions must be scheduled, no walk in appointments.
Actors may request an audition by submitting a headshot and resume to tess(a)ohioshakespeare.com and please include in the subject line: Ohio Shakes Greystone season auditions. Actors may request a particular time and will be scheduled in the closest available slot. Video auditions, though not encouraged, may be submitted to [ tess(a)ohioshakespeare.com ]( mailto:tess@ohioshakespeare.com ). When the need arises, we can offer a limited amount of actor housing.
Prepare 2 contrasting monologues, no longer than 3 minutes in total length OR a monologue and 16 bars of a song. (A cappella; no accompaniment for open auditions; accompaniment will be provided at invited callbacks for Rocky Horror only.)
Ohio Shakespeare Festival operates on an informal resident company model. Ohio Shakespeare company members who have worked for the Festival within the past two seasons do not need to come to open auditions. All said company members must submit their interest to tess(a)ohioshakespare.com, including shows they wish to read for and preferred time/date of callback (see below for callback dates for each production). All company members must email their interest to be invited to callbacks, no exceptions.
Ohio Shakespeare is open to nontraditional casting in all roles. In the case where age, race, or gender is defined by the character, we have made a notation in the character descriptions. When noting gender, we are open to the entire gender spectrum. Where there are no notations, we are open to all ages, genders, ethnicities, and physical abilities. Ages refer to the character, not necessarily the age of the actor.
Callbacks will be held by invitation only. See individual callback dates below.
Note: we will not be holding open auditions for DRACULA or FRANKENSTEIN.
MAID MARION: AN ADVENTURE, WITH MUSIC
A new play by Sarah Coon adapted from the classic novel by Howard Pyle
Original Music by Scott McKenna Campbell
Directed by Nancy Cates
Rehearsals begin: week of August 19, 2019
Performances: September 12-29, 2019*
*Performances at 7:00 Fridays and Saturdays, 2:00 Saturdays and Sundays
Invited callbacks held on: 1:00-4:00 Saturday May 4, 2019
Description: A sequel (of sorts) to our very first Family Theatre show Robin Hood…, this time, Maid Marian, Katherine, and Ellen a Dale take center stage in this swashbuckling, musical, brand-new story. Come see all your favorite Merry Men, that rascally Sheriff of Nottingham, the dashing Robin Hood, and a Marion unlike the ones you may have seen before.
ROLES AVALIABLE:
All roles require some singing, most require stage combat skills
MARION (female, 25+)—a noble and kind presence, quick to defend the weak and ready to prove herself. Strong stage combat skills needed, capable singer.
ROBIN HOOD (male, 25+)—Leader of the Merry Band, brave, charming, and a bit rascal. Strong stage combat skills needed, capable singer.
SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM (male, 30+)—The bumbling sheriff of legend. Wants to be a winner. Always loses.
ALAN A DALE(male, 18+)—The Bard of the merry band, silver tongued but often tongue tied around Ellen
ELLEN A DALE (female, 18+)—A bright energy who knows what she wants from life and is brave enough to get it. Also serves as the singing Narrator of the play. Guitar skills a major plus, strong singer needed.
KATHERINE (female, 25+)— Mairon’s former lady in waiting and now best friend. A fiery force. Loves David.
ARTHUR A BLAND (male or female, 20+)—The newest recruit. Ready for action and looking for adventure.
LITTLE JOHN (male 25+)—A larger than life personality, Robin’s right hand. Quick to quarrel and even quicker to raise a toast.
FRIAR TUCK (male, 50+)—The spiritual backbone for the Merry Band. Good with a blade, better with mutton leg.
DAVID OF DONCASTER (male, 25+)—A great fighter and, it turns out, and even better husband. Loves Katherine.
WILL SCARLET (male or female, 25+)— The utility fighter and Robin’s left hand. Great planner, sometimes.
SIR STEPHEN (male 35+)— The local lord and bully. Looking to prove himself in all the worst ways
CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD (male or female, 25+)—A good man being led by a poor leader. Follows orders...to a point.
MRS HORSNBY (female, any age)— The local innkeeper. Handles her business and herself with no nonsense.
ELLEN'S FATHER (male, 40+)—Wants the best for his daughter but has no idea what that is. Listens to his lord.
BISHOP (male, 40+)18-— The holy father looking to bring people together in marriage. Does what's best for the church, and himself.
SHE KILLS MONSTERS
By Qui Nyugen
Directed by Tess Burgler
Fight Direction by Ryan Zarecki
Rehearsals begin: November 1, 2019
Performances: December 5 - 22, 2019
Invited callbacks held on: Tuesday, May 7, 6:00-10:00
Description: A comedic romp into the world of fantasy role-playing games, She Kills Monsters tells the story of Agnes Evans as she leaves her childhood home in Ohio following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly. When Agnes finds Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook, however, she stumbles into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was Tilly’s refuge. In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and 90s pop culture, acclaimed young playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all.
The roles of Lilith Moringstar and Ferrah the Faerie have already been cast from our resident acting company.
Most roles will double/triple, though specific tracks are not yet confirmed.
Please note: All characters except Chuck will have extended stage combat choreography. We are seeking talented fighters/dancers/martial artists. However, we are also willing to train athletic and capable actors who are new to fight choreography. This show will be stunt oriented and physically demanding.
AVALIABLE ROLES:
NARRATOR (female, 18+)— a Narrator. She's not unlike Cate Blanchett in "The Lord of the Rings." In fact, very much like Cate Blanchett in Lord of the Rings.
AGNES EVANS(female, 25+)- Tilly’s older sister, a high school teacher dealing with Tilly’s death, described as average and clueless to nerd culture. She eventually learns to embrace her inner badass and let her geek flag fly.
TILLY EVANS (female, 18-25) — a lesbian tomboy and fantasy fanatic, nerdy, sarcastic, occasionally bullied and appears to Agnes after her death as a powerful level 20 Paladin.
MILES (male, 25+) average and occasionally confused. Has a temper. Agnes’ “long-term” boyfriend but hasn’t made the big leap.
KALIOPE DARKWALKER (female, 18+)— an athletic Elf; sexy spell caster; described as “rocking lady hotness,” collected, older soul.
EVIL GABBY (female, 18+)— evil bully succubi winged cheerleader with fangs. When at school, the same, minus the wings. Dance experience a major plus (because, yes, there is a Dance Battle to the Death).
STEVE (male, 18+)— a nerdy adventurer, constantly finding himself getting killed in increasingly violent and humorous ways.
FIGHT CORE OF MONSTERS—we will also be casting a talented core of male and female fighters to serve as Bugbears, Skeletons, Gelatinous Cubes, Wraiths, Dragons, and more.
SAINT JOAN
By George Bernard Shaw
Directed by Terry Burgler
Rehearsals begin: January 27, 2020
Performances: February 27 - March 15, 2020
Invited callbacks held on: Saturday May 18, 1:00-4:00
Description: This classic traces the life of Joan of Arc from the time she appears to her regional governor, her visit to the Dauphin (where she is undeceived by his disguise) to the siege of Orleans, coronation at Rheims, trial and recantation, and culminating with her death at the stake. Followed by the famous epilogue regarding her canonization, Shaw explores the themes of faith, nationalism and Protestantism. Called variously "the greatest play in English since Shakespeare" and "beautiful, engrossing, and at times exalting", Shaw's masterpiece remains as vivid and timely to modern audiences as it was scandalous and incendiary in its premiere in 1923.
The role of Joan has already been cast from our resident acting company.
AVAILABLE ROLES:
ROBERT DE BAUDRICOURT
STEWARD TO DE BAUDRICOURT
BERTRANS DE POULENGY
DE LA TREMOUILLE, LORD CHAMBERLAIN
DUCHESS DE LA TREMOUILLE
ARCHBISHOP OF RHEIMS
GILLES DE RAIS (“BLUEBEARD”)
CAPTAIN LA HIRE
DISHOP OF BEAUVAIS
DAUPHIN CHARLES VII
EARL OF WARWICK
DUNOIS, BASTARD OF ORLEANS
PAGE TO DUNOIS
JOHN DE STOGUMBER, ENGLISH CHAPLAIN
CANONJOHN D’ESTIVET
CANON DE COURCELLES
BROTHER MARTIN LADVENU
BROTHER JOHN LEMAITRE, THE INQUISITOR
EXECUTIONER
ENGLISH SOLIDER
GENTLEMAN
MISS HOLMES
By Christopher M. Walsh
Directed by Terry Burgler
Rehearsals begin: March 17, 2020
Performances: April 16 - May 3, 2020
Invited callbacks held on: Saturday May 11, 2019 1:00-5:00
Description: When an anonymous note sends a newlywed wife looking for help, Miss Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Dorothy Watson work together to uncover the secrets surrounding a corrupt police inspector whose wives have a habit of turning up dead. But this Holmes and Watson face far greater challenges than bringing the cunning criminal to justice. Miss Holmes possesses one of the greatest deductive minds of her generation, but she chafes at the restraints imposed upon her by society and family. Dr. Watson struggles to make a difference at the only hospital in London that will hire female doctors. In a time and place where gender roles are rigidly defined, these unconventional women dare to challenge societal norms by providing an unusual, but necessary, service. Inspired by the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, this theatrical fan fiction shines a new light on favorite characters from the canon, re-examining the Victorian world of Holmes and Watson by exploring the added obstacles faced by these two iconic characters if they were women.
AVALIABLE ROLES:
MISS SHERLOCK HOLMES (female, 30+)— The renowned detective, known for getting into troubling and very short on people skills.
DOROTHY WATSON (female, 30+) — A doctor in a time where females are thought best as wives and mothers. Willing to put herself at risk to help people in need
LIZZIE CHAPMAN (female, 25-45)— A doting wife to Inspector Chapman. But she suspects something is not right.
PEGGY (female, 25+)— The help for Miss Eudora Featherstone. Really cares her and loves her job.
MARTHA (female, 25+)— Fellow doctor at the Free Hospital. A bit of a gossip.
ELIZABETH GARRETT ANDERSON (female, 40+)- Head of the Free hospital in London. Good friend of Dorothy Watson.
MRS. HUDSON (female, 40+)— Sherlock’s no nonsense landlady. Tough as a nail and a heart of gold. Wishes Sherlock weren’t so strange.
EUDORA FEATHERSTONE (female, 30+)— bereaved mother who thinks that her daughter’s death was no accident. Out of touch with reality but not the truth.
MYCROFT HOLMES/VAGRANT (male, 35+)—the Elder Holmes Sibling. The brains of Britain's spy network. All are pawns.
GEOFFREY LESTRADE (male, 35+) The good cop who has a hunch that something is rotten at Scotland yard but needs help. A rule follower .
ORDERLY #1 #2 #3 (male, 20+)- Thugs to the Superintendent. Do what their told and it’s never anything good.
MICHAEL STAMFORD (male 30+)—An admirer of Dorthy Watson. Wants her to marry and give up this silly doctor business.
REGINALD (male, 25+)— Nephew to Eudora Featherstone. An absolute leech who wants all of Auntie’s money.
THOMAS CHAPMAN (male, 30+)—Scotland Yard’s top cop. He always gets his man and no one can say otherwise. That’s because there are never any witnesses
EDWIN GREENER (male, 45+)—Thug henchman to Thomas Chapman. Discharged soldier with a growing conscience.
SUPERINTENDENT (male, 35+)—A man of science that has little use for silly things like morals and ethics in his asylum.
THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW
By Richard O’Brien
Directed by Jan Guarino
Rehearsals begin: January 1, 2020
Performances: January 24 - February 1 (Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00, additional midnight show on Saturday the 25)
Invited callbacks held on: Saturday May 25, 1:00-5:00
Description: In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite scientist. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker and a creepy butler. Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named "Rocky."
That sweet transvestite and his motley crew did the Time Warp on Broadway in a 25th anniversary revival. Complete with sass from the audience, cascading toilet paper, and an array of other audience participation props, this deliberately kitschy rock 'n' roll sci-fi gothic musical is more fun than ever.
The role of Frank N Furter has already been cast from our resident acting company.
Avaliable Roles:
USHERETTE/MAGENTA: Female, Age Flexible (Range: Mezzo Soprano Belt, Bb3-Eb5)
One of Frank’s servants.
BRAD: Male, 26-35 (Range: Bari Tenor, Bb2-G4)
Quirky, but very much in love with his fiancé, Janet. Overly optimistic at times. A prude.
JANET: Female, 26-35 (Range: Mezzo Soprano Belt, A3-Eb5)
Good girl who is madly in love with Brad. Always seems to be frightened of something…until she’s not.
NARRATOR: Male or Female, Age Flexible (Range: Non-Singing Role)
Follows our two hero’s through the story by narrating directly to the audience.
RIFF RAFF: Male, 25-40 (Range: High Rock Tenor, D3-B4)
Creepy man resembling more of a zombie. Often makes harmless conversation seem awkward and foreboding. One of Frank’s servants.
COLUMBIA: Female, Age Flexible (Range: Mezzo Soprano Belt, E4-E5)
One of Frank’s servants.
ROCKY: Male 18-30 (Range: Tenor, A3-G4)
Frank’s magnificent creation. Sexually appealing with prominent muscles.
EDDIE/DR. SCOTT: Male, 28-40 (Range: Baritone, E3-F#4)
Eddie, delivery man, “went to pieces.” Misses the rock and role of life. Comes back to life only to die after his solo. Scott is Eddie’s Uncle.
4 PHANTOMS – TRANSILVANIANS (SATB)
Various Singers.
