Auditions: See Yourself on the Stage
Current Audition Opportunities
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WHEN: Wednesday November 19th, 6:30pm-9:30pm
WHERE: Cain Center for the Arts / 21348 Catawba Ave
WHAT TO PREPARE: Please have memorized a 1-minute monologue by Shakespeare. Your audition will also consist of reading from the script, but the Director would love to see what you've rehearsed on your own. We will email the additional readings to those registered by November 17th.
HOW: Registration is required at the link below. Keep reading to find out more!
(If unavailable for audition dates, video submissions will be accepted. Fill out the registration form at the link below and we will follow up via email.) -
This is a co-production with Shepherd Shakespeare Company and will be directed by their co-founder Chester Shepherd. To find out more about their mission in our community, check out shepherdshakespeare.com
The Director will be casting 8-12 actors (Ages 16+). Most actors will play multiple roles.
This production will run January 22-February 1 at our intimate Armour Street Theatre. (Possible extension thru February 8)
The majority of rehearsals for this productions will take place weeknights and Saturdays. A more detailed tentative schedule will be found on the registration form.
After casting, an application process for limited stipends will be available through DPC's Actor's Support Fund.
If you have accessibility needs, please note how we can best accommodate you on the registration form below.
Registration is required.
Got more questions? Contact Production Manager Carrie Cranford at carrie@davidsoncommunityplayers.org.
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Character descriptions for roles available ages 16+:
Leontes (lee-ON-teez), the king of Sicilia. For many years a close friend of King Polixenes of Bohemia, Leontes, curiously, becomes insanely jealous of him. Afraid of becoming a cuckold, he imprisons Hermione, wrests her son away from her, and attempts to murder Polixenes. When he learns that Hermione is pregnant, he rails; he calls his daughter a bastard and forces Antigonus to leave the child alone in a deserted area. Finally, coming to his senses, he realizes the awful truth. Through his jealousy, he loses his child, wife, and friends.
Polixenes (poh-LIHKS-eh-neez), the king of Bohemia. The innocent victim of Leontes' wrath, he flees to his kingdom, bewildered by his friend's outburst. Many years later, he is to meet Leontes under much happier circumstances.
Hermione (hur-MI-uh-nee), the queen to Leontes and one of the noblest women in Shakespearean drama. Like Polixenes, she is baffled by Leontes'jealousy. Imprisoned, with her children snatched away from her, she remains in hiding with Paulina, his devoted friend, until she is reunited with her family after sixteen years.
Perdita (PUR-dih-tuh), the daughter of Leontes and Hermione. Luckily for her, after she is abandoned she is found by an old shepherd, who protects her as his own child until she is of marriageable age. Meeting young Prince Florizel of Bohemia, she falls in love with him. Later, she and her repentant father are reunited.
Paulina (poh-LEE-nuh), the wife of Antigonus and lady in waiting to Hermione. Realizing the absurdity of Leontes' accusations, the courageous woman upbraids him unmercifully for his blind cruelty to Hermione, whom she keeps hidden for sixteen years. Finally, through her efforts, husband and wife meet on a much happier note.
Camillo (ka-MIHL-oh), a lord of Sicilia and Leontes' trusted adviser, who realizes that Hermione is completely innocent of adultery. When ordered by Leontes to kill Polixenes, loyal, steadfast Camillo cannot murder a good king. Instead, he sails with Polixenes and serves him well for many years. Later, he returns to his beloved Sicilia.
Antigonus (an-TIHG-uh-nuhs), a lord of Sicilia and Paulina's husband. Much against his will, this unhappy man is forced to abandon Perdita in a deserted wasteland. Unfortunately for this good man, who is aware of the king's irrationality, he is killed and eaten by a bear; hence, the fate and whereabouts of Perdita remain unknown for many years.
Autolycus (oh-TOL-ih-kuhs), a rogue. A ballad-monger, he is a delightful scoundrel. Quick with a song, he is equally adept at stealing purses and, in general, at living by his quick wit.
Florizel (FLOR-ih-zehl), the Prince of Bohemia. In love with Perdita, he refuses to give her up, even though, in so doing, he angers his hot-tempered father, who does not want to see his son marry a girl of apparent low birth.
An old shepherd, the reputed father of Perdita.
A clown, his oafish son.
Dion (DI-on) and Cleomenes (klee-OM-eh-neez), lords of Sicilia.Character description for one youth role ages 6-12. This role will audition separately, so be on the lookout for that announcement and details:
Mamillius (ma-MIHL-ee-uhs), the young Prince of Sicilia, the son of Leontes and Hermione.
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If you have questions, please contact Production Manager Carrie Cranford at carrie@davidsoncommunityplayers.org
THE WINTER’S TALE
By William Shakespeare
Revised by Chester Shepherd
For performers ages 16+
AUDITION WITH DCP
Join Us On Stage
DCP is a place where you in the audience can also have the chance to be on stage. Acting with DCP is largely volunteer-based, though financial assistance and actor stipends may be available depending on the show’s needs.
About Auditioning
DCP encourages everyone to audition for a show regardless of your acting experience. We want you to feel comfortable at auditions, and we strive to make this a rewarding experience for everyone.
In order to provide you with the best audition experience possible, we have compiled a few helpful hints and bits of information about the audition and rehearsal process.
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Read over the audition notice thoroughly. The audition information will provide details about character description, audition requirements, and general information about the rehearsal schedule.
Read the script and/or research the play. For non-musicals, directors generally ask for cold readings from sides, which are scene selections from the script, so familiarity with the script is certainly beneficial.
If you are auditioning for a musical, you will be asked to perform a song of your choice as well as participating in a group dance audition. You will need to provide sheet music for the accompanist at the audition. Choose a song that showcases your voice. Read the audition notice carefully to see if there is a particular style of song requested by the director. DCP offers musical theatre audition workshops, which are a great way to prepare for auditions!
Update your resume and headshot. Your resume should include your theatre and/or performance experience, if any. If you have special skills or training that is relevant to theatre, please list on the resume. Your headshot does not need to be professional; however, it is suggested that it be a recent photograph.
Pre-register for the audition if instructed to do so.
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Depending on the director, auditions may be run by appointment or as large group blocks.
For a non-musical, you will be asked to do cold readings with others who are auditioning.
For musicals, you will be asked to perform your musical selection and then learn and present a dance sequence. The director may ask you to do a cold reading as well.
If you are auditioning for a Connie Company production, you may be asked to participate in theatre games and improvisations.
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Some directors will schedule a “callback,” or second round of auditions. You will be notified by phone or email if you have been invited to a callback. Being called back does not mean you are cast in the production and likewise NOT being called back doesn’t mean that you are NOT cast in the production.
Casting the show is the responsibility of the director and, in the case of a musical, the music director.
Casting offers will be made by phone or email. After the cast is confirmed, the cast list will be posted publicly. DCP will send out notices to those who are not cast via email.
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Rehearsal schedules are variable, and we try to alternate schedules to provide accessible options to folks with all sorts of work and personal commitments. In general, plays rehearse 6 weeks and musicals 8-10 weeks. The director and stage manager will provide a rehearsal schedule ASAP following casting.
Actors are expected to disclose all conflicts prior to casting. No conflicts will be honored during tech week or performance weeks.
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For both professional and amateur actors, the results of an audition are largely out of your control. Directors must balance countless factors before defining a cast, and the strength of your audition is only one element.
So, do your best, have fun, and if you aren’t cast, don’t be discouraged. Come back next time!
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY:
All roles, unless otherwise announced, are open. DCP encourages anyone who is interested to audition and we are always eager to welcome new faces and fresh talent to our stage. Except as specifically required by the playwright for certain roles, DCP provides equal opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.