The Acting Company
CONTRACT
LOA $717 weekly minimum + pension/health and 1 week of vacation. Actors get an Equity per diem while on tour. (There is a hiatus period for this contract between November 28, 2022 - January 16, 2023. Actors will be off-contract during this period.)
SEEKING
Equity actors for roles in The Acting Company's 2022-23 Season to include THE THREE MUSKETEERS and ROMEO AND JULIET (see breakdown).
New York City actors encouraged to submit.
INSTRUCTIONS
SEE PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS IN BREAKDOWN. Submit via the submission form online at www.xcastingnyc.com/auditions. Please submit one copy of your headshot and resume. Submission videos will not be accepted via email, or if they are linked to an external website (such as Vimeo, Dropbox, We Transfer, YouTube).
Deadline: Mon, Apr 11, 2022
PERSONNEL
Casting Director, Victor Vazquez, CSA
THE THREE MUSKETEERS
Written by: Kirsten Childs (adapted from Alexandre Dumas’ novel by Kirsten Childs)
Directed by: Kent Gash
Choreography by: Byron Easley
ROMEO AND JULIET
Written by: William Shakespeare
Directed by: Leah C. Gardiner
Choreography by: Adesola Osakalumi
OTHER DATES
1st rehearsal (Romeo & Juliet begins): July 25, 2022
1st rehearsal (The Three Musketeers begins): September 5, 2022
Previews: October 9, 2022 - October 16, 2022
Tour begins (Fall leg): October 17, 2022*
Tour continues (New Victory): November 7, 2022 - November 27, 2022*
Tour pauses (Hiatus): November 28, 2022 - January 16, 2023
Tour resumes (Winter leg): January 16, 2023 *
Tour ends: March 19, 2023
*Includes occasional student matinees before noon.
OTHER
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 submit.
BREAKDOWN
PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Slate with your name, pronouns, name of material, and your current location.
Please prepare two (2) short contrasting monologues, one using heightened language or Blank verse, and the other a short contemporary monologue. Audition videos may not exceed 2 minutes total.
LOCATIONS:
Rehearsals will occur at Baruch College in Manhattan (New York City)
Previews will take place at Queens Theater in Queens, NY
Tour will travel to the following locations (subject to change, expansion):
New York, NY; Flushing, NY; Williamsport, PA; Newark, NJ; New Brunswick, NJ; St. Charles, MO;
Oxford, MS; St. Johnsbury, VT; Toms River, NJ; Fairfax, VA; Flint, MI; Clinton Township, MI;
Holland, MI; Jasper, IN; Dubuque, IA; Ft. Hays, KS; Starkville, MS; Ft. Collins, CO;
Albuquerque, NM; Greeley, CO; Santa Fe, NM; Denver, CO; Laramie, WY; Sheridan, WY;
Billings, MT; Idaho Falls, MT; Big Sky, MT; Pinedale, WY; Wenatchee, WA; Longview, WA;
Yakima, WA; Beaverton, OR; Ft. Wayne, IN; Santa Barbara, CA
THE ACTING COMPANY invites dynamic, compelling, kind and engaging actors with quick wit, warmth, good humor and generosity of spirit to submit for the National Tour of ‘THE THREE MUSKETEERS’ and ‘ROMEO AND JULIET’. These productions are in repertory; a total of twelve actors will be cast to play multiple roles. Seeking actors who are comfortable transforming into multiple characters indelibly and honestly without special effects or makeup support but by simply using their voices, bodies, and imaginations. Seeking actors who have a fearless sense of play, a free sense of exploration, and are comfortable with direct address to the audience. Seeking actors who have a superb facility with heightened language, including but not limited to BLANK VERSE, SPOKEN WORD, RHETORICAL/VERNACULAR PROSE, and HIP-HOP. Seeking actors who are physically dynamic in whatever range of ability they may have access to. There will be stage combat, contemporary unarmed combat, fencing, and swordplay in these productions. Seeking actors who are responsive to rhythm and music as these productions may engage various forms of dance from 17th Court dance to Break dancing, popping and locking to waltzing. These productions will live in the intersection and collision of poetry, athleticism, sensuality, panache, swagger, and style that would be at home in Versailles, the Met Gala, or the BET Music Awards. THE ACTING COMPANY is seeking a DIVERSE and GLOBALLY REPRESENTATIVE COMPANY OF ACTORS FOR THESE PRODUCTIONS. We welcome all! We invite BIPOC actors, LGBTQIA+ actors, non-binary and trans actors, and actors with disabilities to submit.
SYNOPSIS:
Kirsten Childs' The Three Musketeers reclaims the genre-defining swashbuckling adventure as a work of Black imagination. In it, the novelist Dumas pays homage to the legacy of his famous father as he writes the story of a young French gallant, D'Artagnan, his arrival in Paris, and the fast friends, mortal enemies, and new loves that he finds on his path to becoming a musketeer. As Musketeers, D’Artagnan, Porthos, Aramis and Athos heroically fight for justice against the wicked Cardinal Richelieu and the iconic OG badass, Milady. Chivalry, honor, intrigue, valor, swagger, romance, betrayal, social justice, and THRILLS abound in this new adaptation of the classic adventure. Kirsten Childs weaves the classic elements of this beloved story with references from Shakespeare to Ludacris, that celebrate not only the beloved story but the origin and the impulses that sparked its creation.
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. Directed by Leah C. Gardiner “Why can’t we all get along?” In Leah C. Gardiner's Romeo and Juliet we see a contemporary Southern American coastal city riven by violent racial, class, and cultural conflicts. The Montagues, a family who have lived in these parts dating back to the Revolutionary War, are confronted by the cultural influx of difference which has permeated their family lineage as well as their city. When the Capulets, a wealthy family from the North move into the neighborhood believing we should all get along, they meet face to face with the Montagues who have a difference of opinion. In the midst of these familial skirmishes, the two scions of the families unexpectedly meet and fall in love, and in this love, as tragic as its end might be, we see the light of hope for a better world.
SEEKING:
TRACK 1: Female Identifying, Black; [THE THREE MUSKETEERS] Milady (mid/late 20s or 30s) - The iconic, OG Glamazonian Badass. Stunningly beautiful, self-knowing and self-possessed, witty, impossibly attractive, and compelling, she is the original velvet hammer: smooth, lethal, a force of nature. Mary J Blige, Michelle Obama, Miranda Priestly, and Pam Grier… Statuesque, voluptuous, strategic, inventive, and smarter than any male-identifying character in the story. A dazzling beauty, a razor-sharp wit, and as brilliant as the Hope Diamond. [ROMEO AND JULIET] Lady Capulet (mid/late twenties) - Raised as a Princess herself, she gave birth to Juliet at a very young age and has relied on the Nurse to raise her daughter as her mother did with her, but she tries as best she can. She is a fierce supporter of her husband, eager to see her daughter marry into her proper station. Think a very young Halle Berry or Michelle Obama in terms of attitude and appearance, but somewhat less organically sophisticated. With Lady C, sophistication is put on!
TRACK 2: Female Identifying, or non-binary, Black, (18+ to play mid to late teens): [THE THREE MUSKETEERS] Constance - A warm, honest, and pure presence with a great and true heart. She is fiercely loyal to the Queen and is desired by D'Artagnan, among many others, as much for her spirit and loyalty as for her beauty. Has moxy, if tested. Possesses innate strength that she doesn’t know she has. [ROMEO AND JULIET] Juliet - When she walks into a room, people stop in their tracks to admire her beauty, inner strength and external power. She is MAGNETIC! “Young” and mostly innocent, she has been sheltered for most of her life by her parents and is excited by the idea of finding more freedom by moving to a new part of the country. She grows up quickly when she falls in love with Romeo, the son of her father’s neighboring nemesis, and shows amazing courage by challenging her parents when it comes to their love. She learns how quickly a naive child can grow into a woman when she is led by the heart. Can breakdance.
TRACK 3: Female Identifying, Latina; [THE THREE MUSKETEERS] Anne (Mid / Late 20s to 30s) - A Spanish noble, she is seen as an outsider by the French, and though she is married to King Louis she is in love with the Duke of Buckingham. She is a “complicated” woman, a woman who can keep a secret and hold multiple truths. [ROMEO AND JULIET] Lady Montague (30s to 40s) - A passionate, simple, and loving woman who centers her life around her son. When he tragically dies for love, she too dies from grief having lost her one “true” love.
TRACK 4: Male Identifying, Black; [THE THREE MUSKETEERS] Alexandre Dumas (Early to Mid 30s) - A dynamic, charismatic, impulsive, floridly articulate, theatrical, and larger-than-life personality that can dominate the proceedings with energy, style, and panache! At home in verse, heightened language, spoken word, and hip-hop. He is the origin and not only is he writing the story but he is feeling it and embodying all of it as it unfolds. Passionate, expressive, he is a mercurial, shape-shifting chameleon of ENDLESS INVENTION. Has all the qualities we associate with, a STAR! A young Denzel, Idris, Sidney, with the talent of Geoffrey Wright and Adrian Lester. Moves very well and is comfortable fencing. [ROMEO AND JULIET] Friar Lawrence (Early to Mid 30s) - An earthy herbalist/spiritualist who is thoughtful, kind, loving and embedded in preserving the environment and mankind. He is the epitome of “why can’t we all get along” by often going outside of the box to bring peace to the land.
TRACK 5: Male Identifying, Black; [THE THREE MUSKETEERS] D’Artagnan (Early 20s) - An athletic, attractive, charming, sincere, diamond in the rough, possessing natural grace, agility, and physical dexterity in the “young romantic lead” tradition. He can be awkward socially and romantically and is ignorant of a great deal, but his heart is true and he is a fearlessly adventurous competitor. Like a puppy, you can’t help but love him, even as he is being “house-broken” by the Musketeers. The polar opposite of the stylish, sophisticated, worldly and urbane musketeer he is quintessentially honest and loyal. A quick study of fencing and movement…the definition of the romantic, heroic SWASHBUCKLER with Obi-Won-Kenobi or Yoda-like saber/fencing skill. [ROMEO AND JULIET] Tybalt (20s) - Extremely conceited, great dresser, fashionista who wears sophisticated shoes and can flip out at the drop of a dime - yet knows how to charm in the most delicate way. When he becomes violent, his aggression leads him to impulsively draw his sword without thinking. He despises the Montagues. One can say his moods are those of a non-medicated bipolar. A break-dancer.
TRACK 6: Male Identifying, Latine, and/or Mixed Race; [THE THREE MUSKETEERS] Athos (late 20s) - The oldest of the titular Three Musketeers. He is the most aristocratic and wise of the Three and he becomes a mentor and surrogate Father figure of sorts to D'Artagnan. It is not entirely surprising that we discover he is a Count. He was once married to Milady… so even though he is the oldest he can still “pull em”. Attractive because he is rock solid, anchoring and grounding the others. Immensely likable. He can put everyone at ease. [ROMEO AND JULIET] Benvolio (20s) - next to the Friar, he is the most compassionate person in the land, someone who wishes for peace and love throughout. If he smoked, he'd be a stoner! He is best friend and cousin to Romeo and is misunderstood by Mercutio as violent in private - but he is a man who is very confident in his way of thinking and brings a level of sophistication to the family. It’s as if he went off to college and returned as a new person. Breakdances.
TRACK 7: Male Identifying, Latine, and/or Mixed Race; [THE THREE MUSKETEERS] Aramis (early 20s) - Perhaps the most spiritual of the Three Musketeers he was brought up in a monastery and expected to become a priest but to defend the honor of a beloved lady he became an expert swordsman and killed the offender. His passion runs deep and he can be quick to act, as he feels everything deeply. He leads with his heart, a sense of faith, and a lethal facility with a sword! He would kill for HONOR. [ROMEO AND JULIET] Romeo - An extremely handsome, devoted, passionate, charming, idealistic, smart, sensitive man. He is the epitome of every mother’s dream for their son. He is about 16 years old, drop-dead gorgeous, and still behaves rather impulsively at times, showing an immature side to him he wishes to avoid. He has never been one to fight but will do so if needed. He defies his father by secretly marrying Juliet, a girl who is considered from the other side of the tracks, following his dream to the end by dying for her out of his true devotion. A break-dancer.
TRACK 8: Male Identifying, or non-binary, BIPOC, Queer; [THE THREE MUSKETEERS] Porthos (early 20s) - Worldly, sophisticated, classically handsome with a preternaturally powerful and attractive physique that they are quite proud of. They are the epitome of STYLE and PANACHE, a “traditionally” masculine peacock who captures the imaginations of women, and men, and non-binary folx everywhere. Women want to romance them, men want to be them, and everyone desires their company. Courtly and always on the cutting edge of style, they appreciate all the beautiful things in life and is a sensualist of the highest order. Strong, agile and virile, Porthos is deadly and powerful. [ROMEO AND JULIET] Mercutio (late teens/early 20s) - Charismatic and charming! They overflow with imagination and wit! They love to play on words, use language as a tool for love and sexual play. They do not like pretense or “fake” sophistication and can show a side to them that isn’t pretty. They are Romeo’s good friend and have little patience for his love for Juliet - believing his infatuation is nothing more than horny child’s play. A break-dancer.
TRACK 9: Male Identifying, White; [THE THREE MUSKETEERS] Duke of Buckingham (20-30s) - The SECOND most powerful man in England so while he enjoys title and position he must also compromise and acquiesce. He is reputedly the HANDSOMEST MAN IN EUROPE. A man of stature. Nothing is more important to him than his love of Anne and that’s “complicated”, in any other story he would be the heroic romantic leading man just by virtue of his being so classically handsome. [ROMEO AND JULIET] Lord Montague (30s - 40s) - A combination of George Bush and your stereotypical Good Old Boy who wears arm tattoos with pride. He is a beer-guzzling non-educated millionaire-type who holds much pride for his land. He has little compassion for Romeo’s “soft” heart and tries to build him up to “be a man” as best he can.
TRACK 10: Non-binary, Gender non-conforming, Trans; [THE THREE MUSKETEERS] Louis (20s) - The young King of France, not the fool that many perceive them to be but also not interested in a great deal of the day-to-day nuisances of running a country and being Royalty. A master delegator but unfortunately, they misjudge Richelieu to near-disastrous consequences. Can be impulsive and capricious, as many young people are. [ROMEO AND JULIET] Prince (early 30s) - The Prince is the ruler of the city, related to Mercutio they hold power over every element of the city. They are like the town Mayor / Judge. They are concerned about all things political and will do everything they can to keep peace throughout their domain. They are trusted and respected by all with a commanding presence everyone obeys.
TRACK 11: Male Identifying, BIPOC; [THE THREE MUSKETEERS] Rochefort (20 - 30s) - aka THE MAN FROM MEUNG, in the novel he is a thief and a thug who steals important letters from D'Artagnan, making him an enemy to the young hero. He is described as “fair with a scar across his cheek” so in a world of beauty where appearance is an ascending value his imperfection makes him stand out. He could be seen as an anti-hero by some as he pops up throughout the original material and eventually he and D’artagnan duel on three separate occasions, yet they become friends late in life. A cunning, facile and nimble foil or opposite of D’artagnan. [ROMEO AND JULIET] Lord Capulet (30s - 40s) - A highly educated millionaire immigrant type who believes to his core that this is a great country and he and his family have every right to live in it equally. He loves his daughter but hasn’t had much time to get to know her to her core - he works too many hours to “really” know her. His culture demands a kind of respect from the women in his life and he will make certain that if they cross him they understand that behavior is unacceptable. He was put on this earth to be the breadwinner and give his family all the niceties - in his mind - that they require!
TRACK 12: Female Identifying; [THE THREE MUSKETEERS] Lady Lannoy (Mid to late 30s) - The “Mata Hari” of the tale, a woman who can gain the trust of many and then betray them and bring them to ruin, her consummate skills allow her to insinuate her way into the confidence of anyone. Endlessly adaptable her manipulative talents are for sale to the highest bidder. She is fascinating, even standing still. Has a great presence; impactful within minimal stage time. [ROMEO AND JULIET] Nurse (late 40s / 50s) - The Nurse is going through menopause! She has raised Juliet, even breastfeeding her, and devoted her life to the Capulets. She is a delightfully caring and sentimental woman, who uses comedy as a shield to protect her awkward and lonely sensibilities. She is Juliet’s confidant and treats love in a very pure and sexual way. She is a modern-thinking woman and doesn’t shy away from sharing her views about life, love, sex and men with those around her. As awkward as she appears, she is grounded in her being and loves herself for it!
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 submit.
Videos
