Auditions for The Book of Will and SWEAT
Backstage Arts Warehouse 720 E. Vine Drive, Fort Collins
Open Auditions: Saturday, 5/13
Company Auditions/Callbacks - The Book of Will, SWEAT: Saturday, 5/20
Final Callbacks - The Book of Will, SWEAT: Sunday, 5/21
OpenStage values equity, diversity and inclusion and will continue to strive toward a broader telling of the human story with our Company of Artists and the plays we produce. If specific age/race/ethnicity/gender or other attributes are key to the story, it will be clearly stated in the character descriptions for auditions. Otherwise we are seeking actors from all races/ethnicities/ages/genders/physical abilities. Any roles that are pre-cast will be clearly stated in the audition notice and Director's Notes. All character descriptions are taken from the playwright's descriptions within the play.
In reference to the character descriptions below—most characters we encounter currently are on the binary and are written with he/him or she/her pronouns and you will see that in the following descriptions. But however limiting the descriptions are, our casting seeks to be as inclusive as possible and we invite gender non-conforming, genderqueer, transgender and non-binary actors to submit for the roles they most identify with.
Please let us know if you have any questions, concerns, or if there are any accommodations we can provide.
The Book of Will
by Lauren Gunderson
Directed by Sydney Parks Smith
Performs November 3 - December 2, 2023 (including preview)
Rehearsals will begin in September.
Actors are paid a $350 stipend.
Essential Season
Venue: Magnolia Theatre - Lincoln Center
Notes from the Director...
The time period of the show will be Elizabethan(ish). All of the characters and the dialogue is modern and will be played with modern physicality. As Lauren Gunderson states in the play: “Casting should be diverse. Shakespeare is for everyone.” There will be some doubling and perhaps tripling of characters. Possible combination(s) will be listed for Final Callbacks.
Plot Summary –
Without William Shakespeare, we wouldn’t have literary masterpieces like Romeo and Juliet. But without Henry Condell and John Heminges, we would have lost half of Shakespeare’s plays forever! After the death of their friend and mentor, the two actors are determined to compile the First Folio and preserve the words that shaped their lives. They’ll just have to borrow, beg, and band together to get it done. Amidst the noise and color of Elizabethan London, The Book of Will finds an unforgettable true story of love, loss, and laughter, and sheds new light on a man you may think you know.
Character Descriptions –
Henry Condell (30-40s, male presenting) feisty, hopeful friend and actor in the King’s Men.
John Heminges (40s-50s, male presenting) reasonable friend and financial manager of the King’s Men; owner of the Globe Tap House. Serious, a good man and a gentleman.
Richard Burbage (40s -50s, male presenting) seasoned lion of the stage. A loud, proud and famous actor across England
Alice Heminges (late 20s - 30s, female presenting) John’s daughter and alewife. She knows everyone and hangs with the boys.
Boy Hamlet (20s, male presenting) Young actor.
Barman 1 & 2 (any age) Drunk ruffians
Ben Jonson (40s - 60s male presenting) Poet laureate of England. A friend/rival of Shakespeare. An amazing drunk. A bear of a man. Surprisingly weepy.
Elizabeth Condell (30s-40s female presenting) Savvy and fun. She is married to Henry.
Rebecca Heminges (40s - 50s, female presenting) Strong, she is a woman who has weathered alot. She loves her husband, sons, and God.
Ed Knight (30s-60s male presenting) “Stage Manager” for the King’s Men. Self serious and particular.
Ralph Crane (20s - 60s male presenting) Humble scrivener of the King’s Men. Quick, sure and quiet.
William Jaggard (30s - 60s male presenting) Successful and shady publisher of books, plays, and playbills. Very confident in his ability to get what he wants. Experienced and connected. Willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. An ass.
Isaac Jaggard (20s-30s male presenting) William’s son will inherit the business. Sensitive and an artist at heart.
Marcus (20s male presenting) Printer’s apprentice at the Jaggard print shop. Nosy and honest.
Compositor (20’s) Works for Jaggard.
Emilia Bassano Lanier (40s-60s female presenting) Fiery Italian feminist and poet. An independent woman and lover of life (and of Shakespeare).
Anne Hathaway Shakespeare (60s - 70s female presenting) Shakespeare’s now ailing wife. Strong-willed and a classy lady. A survivor.
Susannah Shakespeare (30s female presenting) Lovely young woman and daughter of Shakespeare.
Crier (20s - 60s) Newsboy
Bernardo, Francisco, Horatio, Marcellus - Actors playing those roles
Sir Edward Dering (60-70s male presenting) Book and theatre lover
Fruit Seller (20s - 70s)
SWEAT
by Lynn Nottage
Directed by Kenny Moten
Performs January 13 - February 10, 2024 (including preview)
Rehearsals begin Nov/December 2023.
Actors are paid a $350 stipend.
Essential Season
Venue: Magnolia Theatre - Lincoln Center
Notes from the Director...
All of the characters were born in Berks County, Pennsylvania.
Plot Summary:
Sweat tells the story of a group of steelworkers in Berks County Pennsylvania between 2000 and 2008. They have spent their lives sharing drinks, secrets, and laughs while working together on the factory floor. But when layoffs and picket lines begin to chip away at their trust, the friends find themselves pitted against each other in a heart-wrenching fight to stay afloat.
Character Descriptions –
PRECASTING NOTE: The role of Tracey will be played by Sydney Parks Smith
Cynthia, (45/53, female presenting) African-American
Tracey, PRECAST 45/53, female presenting, White American of German descent
Jessie, 40's, female presenting, Italian American
Evan, 40s, male presenting, African-American
Jason, 21/29, male presenting, White American of German descent
Chris, 21/29, male presenting, African-American
Stan, 50s, male presenting, White American of German descent
Oscar, 22/30, male presenting Colombian-American
Brucie, 40s, male presenting, African-American