Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival 2024 Summer Season - Center Valley, PA EPA
Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival | Center Valley, PA
Notice: Audition Call Type: EPA
Sunday, January 28, 2024
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM (E)
9:30AM-1:30PM Accompanist present 2:30PM-5:30PM Monologues only BREAK 1:30PM - 2:30PM
To schedule an appointment please email casting@pashakespeare.org. Walk-ins will also be accepted.
LOA / SPT
$875 weekly minimum (LOA ref. LORT) $825 weekly minimum (SPT 9)
Equity actors for roles in Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival's 2024 Summer Season (see breakdown).
All roles will be understudied.
About PENNSYLVANIA SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL: A leading Shakespeare festival with an emerging national reputation for excellence, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival is a professional theatre company on the campus of DeSales University. Each summer, PSF produces a season of Shakespeare and other classics, musical theatre, and children’s theatre. About an hour north of Philadelphia and less than two hours from Manhattan, PSF is summer home to over 200 artists from around the country, including winners and nominees of the Tony, Obie, Emmy, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Jefferson, and Barrymore awards. Every year 40,000-50,000 patrons attend PSF from 30+ states – over 1,000,000 patrons from 50 states and many countries since 1992.
Labuda Center For Perf Arts
2755 Station Ave
Center Valley, PA 18034-9565
See breakdown for production-specific personnel.
EXPECTED TO ATTEND:
Jason King Jones, Artistic Director
See breakdown for production-specific dates.
OTHER
LOA: THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG, THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR, and THE COLOR PURPLE
SPT: THE LAST FIVE YEARS and CYMBELINE
An Equity Monitor will not be provided. The producer will run all aspects of this audition.
Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination. Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition.
Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.
Please prepare a monologue no longer than three minutes OR a brief cut from a song from your book OR a 90-second monologue and a 32-bar cut of a song. Auditions should not exceed 3 minutes. An accompanist will be provided from 9:30am to 1:30pm only. Also, please bring a copy of your headshot and resume.
PENNSYLVANIA SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL 2024 SUMMER SEASON
SHOWS:
THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG (LOA)
THE LAST FIVE YEARS (SPT)
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR (LOA)
THE COLOR PURPLE (LOA)
CYMBELINE (SPT)
Playwrights: Henry Lewis, Henry Shields, & Jonathan Sayer
Performance Space: Mainstage (LOA)
Director: Jennifer Childs
Dates
Rehearsals Begin: May 21, 2024
Tech Begins: May 24, 2024
Previews Begin: May 29. 2024
Opening: May 31, 2024
Closing: June 16, 2024
SYNOPSIS: Philadelphia’s all comedy theatre company, 1812 Productions present their smash hit The Play That Goes Wrong as the opener on PSF’s Main Stage. This comedic sensation captivated audiences on Broadway and in London's West End with sold-out performances before making its regional sell-out debut at 1812 last year. Now some of Philadelphia’s finest and funniest performers will reunite to stage the revival. The play features a cast of characters who are part of a fictional amateur dramatic society called the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society performing the play “The Murder at Haversham Manor.”
Character Breakdown
Chris (plays Inspector Carter) CAST: Chris is the earnest and enthusiastic director of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society. He takes his role very seriously and strives to keep the play on track, despite the numerous mishaps and disasters that occur.
Robert (plays Thomas Collamore) CAST: Robert is one of the actors in the play within the play. He is known for his terrible memory and struggles to remember his lines and cues. This often leads to hilarious and chaotic moments on stage.
Dennis (plays Perkins) CAST: Dennis is another actor in the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society. He tends to overact and is quite dramatic in his performances, which adds to the comedy of the play.
Max (plays by Cecil Haversham) CAST: Max is a young and nervous actor who frequently gets injured during the course of the play. His physical mishaps and awkwardness contribute to the comedic chaos.
Sandra (plays Florence Colleymoore) CAST: Sandra plays the female lead in the play within the play. She is a stereotypical melodramatic actress who often forgets her lines and becomes overly emotional during her scenes.
Jonathan (plays Charles Haversham) CAST: Jonathan is the murder victim in the play within the play. He's a character who meets an unfortunate fate, but his role is central to the unfolding chaos and comedy.
Trevor (CAST): Trevor is the lighting and sound technician for the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society. His incompetence with the technical aspects of the production leads to further comedic mishaps.
Annie (CAST): Annie serves as the stage manager and assistant to Chris Bean. She is dedicated but often overwhelmed by the mayhem that ensues during the performance.
Writer and Composer: Jason Robert Brown
Director: Jason King Jones
Music Director: Walter “Bobby” McCoy
Performance Space: Shubert Theatre (SPT)
Dates:
Rehearsals Begin: May 21, 2024
Previews Begin: June 12, 2024
Opening: June 14, 2024
Closing: June 30, 2024
SYNOPSIS: There are two sides to every love story, and both will captivate you in this stirring musical following two aspiring artists in New York City who fall in and out of love over the course of five years. The show unfolds with Cathy reliving her story backwards from the end of their relationship, while Jamie experiences his chronologically from the beginning. With music and lyrics by Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown, this almost entirely sung-through musical has captivated audiences and critics alike, earning a Drama Desk Award, a film adaptation, and productions around the world. The Last Five Years will leave a lasting impression with anyone who has ever loved, lost, and yearned for something more. Don't miss this intimate and beautifully crafted exploration of the human heart.
Character Breakdown
Cathy - an aspiring actress who is deeply in love with Jamie. She is a talented and passionate performer who faces the challenges of the entertainment industry. Cathy's character is known for her vulnerability, and the audience witnesses her emotional journey in reverse chronological order, from the end of her marriage to the beginning.
Jamie - Jamie is a rising novelist and a charismatic, ambitious young man. He is deeply in love with Cathy and excited about the possibilities of his writing career. Jamie's character is known for his enthusiasm and charm, but as the story progresses, his career success and growing ambitions strain his relationship with Cathy.
Playwright: William Shakespeare
Performance Space: Mainstage (LOA)
Director: Matt Pfeiffer
Important Dates
Rehearsals Begin: May 31, 2024
Tech Begins: June 21, 2024
Previews Begin: June 26, 2024
Opening: June 28, 2024
Closing: July 7, 2024
SYNOPSIS: In this merry romp, the irrepressible rogue Sir John Falstaff hatches a harebrained scheme to woo two wealthy wives in hopes to secure their fortunes. Unbeknownst to him, these merry wives craft clever retaliations to rebuke his advances. The result is a whirlwind of misadventures and bellyaching laughter. As the story unfolds, we witness a colorful array of characters including a Welsh priest, a zany French swordsman, and a jealous husband in disguise. Shakespeare's witty banter and comedic escapades shine through, making The Merry Wives of Windsor a charming celebration of love, laughter, and the craft of clever deception.
Character Breakdown
Sir John Falstaff (CAST): A rotund and disreputable knight who is known for his excessive drinking, deceitful nature, and pursuit of women, especially wealthy married women. He is the central character of the play.
Mistress Ford (CAST): One of the merry wives, she is an attractive and clever woman who is married to Master Ford. She conspires with Mistress Page to outsmart Falstaff when he tries to seduce her.
Mistress Page (CAST): The other merry wife, she is also intelligent and happily married to Master Page. She joins forces with Mistress Ford to teach Falstaff a lesson.
Master Ford (CAST): Husband of Mistress Ford, he becomes suspicious and jealous when he learns of Falstaff's advances toward his wife. He disguises himself as Brook to investigate further.
Master Page (CAST): Husband of Mistress Page, he is friendly and hospitable, getting involved in the schemes to expose Falstaff.
Anne Page: The daughter of Master and Mistress Page, she is a charming and desirable young woman. Her romantic pursuits are central to the plot.
Dr. Caius (CAST): A French physician and suitor for Anne Page's hand in marriage. He is easily provoked and often involved in misunderstandings with other characters.
Parson Hugh Evans (CAST): A Welsh clergyman and another suitor for Anne Page. He speaks with a Welsh accent and adds humor through his misunderstandings.
Mistress Quickly (CAST): A local woman who serves as a messenger and intermediary for various characters. She is known for her rapid and sometimes confused speech.
Fenton: A young gentleman in love with Anne Page. He is considered a more suitable match for Anne by her parents than Dr. Caius or Parson Evans.
Host of the Garter Inn: The owner of the local inn, where many of the comical events take place. He interacts with Falstaff and other characters.
Slender (CAST): A foolish and gullible suitor for Anne Page's hand. He is manipulated by his cousin, Shallow, in his romantic pursuits.
Justice Shallow (CAST): A local justice of the peace who is Slender's cousin. He is forgetful and easily led by others.
Bardolph: One of Falstaff's men, Bardolph takes over as the bartender of the Garter Inn to pay for Falstaff's entourage's room and board.
Pistol: One of Falstaff's men, Pistol wants to stay honest, and he refuses to deliver Falstaff's seductive letters to Mistress Page and Mistress Ford. Instead, he and Nym decide to let the husbands know of Falstaff's scheme.
Nym: One of Falstaff's men, Nym wants to stay honest, and he refuses to deliver Falstaff's seductive letters to Mistress Page and Mistress Ford. Instead, he and Pistol decide to let the husbands know of Falstaff's scheme.
Simple: A servant to Slender, Simple is another character easily influenced by those around him.
Rugby: Dr. Caius's servant, who often finds himself caught up in the misunderstandings and comic situations.
William Page: The young son of Master and Mistress Page, he plays a minor role in the play. John: Servant to the Fords
Robert: Servant to the Fords
Playwright: Marsha Norman
Music and Lyrics: Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray
Performance Space: Mainstage (LOA)
Director: Amina Robinson
Choreographer: Devon Sinclair
Music Director: Christie Chiles Twillie
Dates:
Rehearsals begin: June 2, 2024
Tech begins: July 12, 2024
Previews begin: July 17, 2024
Opening: July 19, 2024
Closing: August 4, 2024
SYNOPSIS:
The epic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker comes to life in an emotional tour de force musical infused with a soul-stirring score of jazz, gospel, ragtime, and blues. Set against the backdrop of the American South in the early 20th century, the story follows the transformative journey of Celie, a young African American woman who courageously navigates a life marked by abuse, separation, and discrimination to discover the strength to break free from oppression and find her own voice. From the hauntingly beautiful I'm Here to the exuberant celebration of The Color Purple, this sensational Tony Award-winning musical is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love.
Character Breakdown
Celie-- African American, 20s to early 30s. Transforms from a timid, subdued young woman to a confident, independent individual. Has powerful belt.
Nettie-- African American, 20s. Intelligent, determined, and loving younger sister of Celie. Belt.
Mister—African American, 30s to 40s. Strong, powerful, abusive husband to Celie. In love with Shug. Undergoes major transformation. Powerful voice.
Harpo—African American, 20s. Vulnerable, good hearted son of Mister from his first marriage. Struggles with traditional masculinity, marries Sofia. Comedic timing and tenor voice.
Sofia—African American, 30s. Harpo’s wife. Strong, resilient, and outspoken. Comedic chops and a great belt.
Shug Avery-- African American, 30s to 40s. Mister’s long-time love, a singer who lives in Memphis. Charismatic and confident. Show-stopping, Bessie Smith-style singing voice.
Ensemble--Men and Women to play the Preacher, the Field Hands, the Church Soloist, Adam, Olivia, Squeak and Grady, the Church Ladies, and others in the community.
Playwright: William Shakespeare
Performance Space: Shubert Theatre (SPT)
Director: N/A
Dates:
Pre-Rehearsal Week: July 12, 2024
Rehearsals Begin: July 19, 2024
Previews Begin: July 25, 2024
Opening: July 27, 2024
Closing: August 4, 2024
SYNOPSIS:
Shakespeare meets The Princess Bride in this romantic adventure seamlessly weaving elements of the Bard’s comedy, tragedy, and history into one epic fairy tale of magic and power. When Imogen's father unjustly banishes her beloved, the princess embarks on a mythic quest to prove her loyalty, outwit her wicked stepmother, and reclaim her true love. In this captivating masterpiece, from the zenith of Shakespeare's creativity, a courageous heroine, kind strangers, sinister adversaries, divine beings, poisoned potions, and forgotten princes all play a role in the path toward a happily ever after.
Actors for this production will be paid to come to first rehearsal off-book and will utilize “original practices” to stage the production themselves.
Character Breakdown (Many roles will be double cast)
King Cymbeline (CAST) - The aging King of Britain, who is initially resistant to paying tribute to Rome and has conflicts with his family.
Queen (CAST)-Cymbeline's second wife, who is manipulative and seeks power and influence.
Imogen (CAST) - Cymbeline's virtuous and loyal daughter from his first marriage, who secretly marries Posthumus Leonatus.
Posthumus Leonatus - Imogen's husband, a nobleman who is banished from Britain due to his marriage.
Iachimo (CAST)- An Italian nobleman who makes a bet with Posthumus to seduce Imogen and plays a key role in the deception.
Cloten (CAST)- The Queen's son from her previous marriage, who is arrogant and desires Imogen. Pisanio (CAST)- A loyal servant to Posthumus who plays a crucial role in the plot.
Belarius (CAST) - A wronged nobleman who lives in exile and plays a role in the upbringing of Cymbeline's lost sons.
Guiderius - One of Belarius's sons, who is unaware of his true identity and upbringing. Arviragus - Belarius's other son, who, like Guiderius, is unaware of his true identity and upbringing. Caius Lucius - The Roman ambassador who represents the interests of the Roman Empire. Philario - A Roman friend of Posthumus who provides a contrasting perspective on loyalty. Cornelius - A physician who plays a role in the plot's twists and turns.
Soothsayer - A character who delivers prophecies and provides insights into the events of the play.
Gentleman 1 – a Gossip.
Gentleman 2 – a Gossip.
First Lord – a follower (and mocker) of Cloten Second Lord – a follower (and mocker) of Cloten Frenchman – Carouses with Posthumus
Jailer – oversees Posthumus Leonatus
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