FORTINBRAS - Kentwood Players Non Equity Auditions

Lee Blessing’s political farce 

“Fortinbras”

On Saturday, September 15 and Sunday, September 16, 2012

At the Westchester Playhouse

Kentwood Players announces auditions for Lee Blessing’s political farce “Fortinbras” on Saturday, September 15 from 11:00am to 4:00pm and Sunday, September 16 from 6:00pm to 10:00pm at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue in Westchester (LA 90045). If necessary, callbacks will be held on Monday, September 17. The production is directed by Drew Fitzsimmons, and produced by Melodie S. Rivers and Bruce Starrett by special arrangement with Dramatist Play Service, Inc., New York. Performances will take place from November 9 to December 15 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 2:00pm at the Westchester Playhouse.

Full of contemporary wit and language, “Fortinbras” takes up where William Shakespeare's “Hamlet” left off.  When the lights go up, Hamlet dies and Fortinbras rushes in where flights of angels fear to tread. "What's all this?" is his official reaction to the bodies. And no one is more tickled than he by news of the royal succession. "How many people walk in the door," says he, "and - boom, they're king?"  He devises the best possible media blitz to legitimize his ascension to the throne of Denmark, but in this political farce, Kingship is just not all it's cracked up to be!

Chosen by Time magazine as one of the year's ten best plays for 1991 and inescapably relevant to today's political scene during this election year, “Fortinbras” cannot help but raise questions about authority and leadership, with mocking (and loving) reverence for Shakespeare's vision and characters.   

Auditions will consist of reading short scenes from the script which will be provided at the auditions.  The director requests that you be familiar with the play and/or the characters from “Hamlet” and possess great comedic timing and physical agility.  Please bring your headshot, resume, and appointment calendar with you as the rehearsal schedule will be posted. Advance appointments are not necessary.

Cast Breakdown:

THE MEN

Hamlet, Prince of Denmark - male, 20 - 30

Osric, member of the Danish court - male, 40 - 50 

Horatio, friend of Hamlet - male, 25 - 35

Fortinbras, Prince of Norway - male, 20 - 30

Polonius, the court Councilor - male, 40 - 60

Claudius, King of Denmark - male, 40 - 60

Laertes, Polonius’s Son - male, 20 - 30

Marcellus, a sentinel - male, 20 - 40 (age open to creative license)

Barnardo, a sentinel - male, 20 - 40 (age open to creative license)

Captain of the Norwegian Army - male, 35 - 50

English Ambassador - male, 40 – 60

THE WOMEN– partial or suggested nudity may be required for all female roles

Ophelia, Polonius’ Daughter - female, 18 - 25

Gertrude, Queen of Denmark - female, 35 - 50

First Maiden - female, 20 - 30 (have to be able to speak in a Polish accent)

Second Maiden - female, 20 - 30 (have to be able to speak in a Polish accent)

      For more information about Kentwood Players including our current productions, upcoming auditions, and our Kentwood Kids Children’s Theatre classes and productions, please visit the Kentwood Players website at www.kentwoodplayers.org. You can also find information on the Kentwood Players page on Facebook.  

      To meet the “Fortinbras” production team and learn more about Kentwood Players and what goes on at the Westchester Playhouse, the public is invited to attend our general membership meetings, which are free and held on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:30pm at the Westchester Playhouse, located two blocks west of the San Diego Freeway and two blocks north of Manchester at 8301 Hindry Avenue in Westchester, CA 90045.