Switchyard Theatre Company is holding auditions for their upcoming production of THE TEMPEST by William Shakespeare. Show runs April 28 – May 14, at outdoor locations in Chapel Hill, Raleigh and Durham. Directed by Max Kaufman, produced by Noelle Azarelo. A stipend is available.
We are seeking an ethnically diverse mix of performers to bring a new take on this classic Shakespearian comedy. We are particularly interested in actors who play a musical instrument!
Play Description
Exiled magician Prospero and his young daughter Miranda have resided on a desert island for many years with nothing but airy spirits and monsters for company. When a ship crashes on their shore, magic and mayhem ensue, along with revelations of long hidden truths.
Casting breakdown:
All roles are open to actors of any race, gender or ethnicity. NOTE: Actors must be vaccinated for COVID-19, and present a vaccination card prior to being seen for in-person auditions or considered for a role. (Character descriptions courtesy of Sparknotes)
Prospero – The play’s protagonist, and father of Miranda.
Miranda – The daughter of Prospero. Naïve and non-judgmental. She is compassionate, generous, and loyal to her father.
Ariel – Prospero’s spirit helper. Mischievous and ubiquitous, able to traverse the length of the island in an instant and to change shapes at will.
Caliban – Another of Prospero’s servants. Coarse and brutal.
Ferdinand – Son and heir of Alonso. Falls in love with Miranda.
Alonso – King of Naples and father of Ferdinand
Antonio – Prospero’s brother. Power-hungry and foolish.
Sebastian – Alonso’s brother. Aggressive and cowardly.
Gonzalo – An old, honest lord.
Trinculo & Stephano – Trinculo, a jester, and Stephano, a drunken butler. Comic foils to the noblemen.
Boatswain/Spirits – Vigorously good-natured.
Audition information:
Auditions will be held in person on Saturday, February 11th, from 2-6pm at: Raleigh Founded, 2409 Crabtree Blvd Suite 107, Raleigh NC 27604. Alternatively, actors may submit a video audition, uploaded to YouTube or other video hosting service. If you play an instrument, you may also submit a video of yourself playing, or bring your instrument to the audition.
Please prepare a 30-60 second memorized classical monologue of your choice, comedic preferred but not required. In person auditions may be asked to do cold readings as well.
Callbacks:
Callbacks will be held in person on Saturday, February 18th, from 4-7pm at: Raleigh Founded, 2409 Crabtree Blvd Suite 107, Raleigh NC 27604. Actors will be provided sides beforehand and paired up to read together. We anticipate announcing the cast by Wednesday, February 22nd.
Rehearsal information:
Dates: 3/6 – 4/27. 2-4 weeknights depending on actor availability, and one Saturday/Sunday afternoon per week.
Rehearsal locations:
Raleigh Founded, 2409 Crabtree Blvd, Unit 107, Raleigh NC 27604
One or more outdoor locations throughout the Triangle
Performance dates:
April 28-May 14. Performances will be held at outdoor locations in Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and Durham.
Additional information:
Email info@switchyardtc.org , or call 919-926-9906 with any questions!