Regarding our Auditions.
There will be several items on the audition form that are important to fill out as honestly as you can. The audition form is posted on line so you can download, and fill out. I would love it if you can email it back to me (julane.sullivan@yahoo.com) , so I can prepare prior to your arrival. This is not mandatory, you may bring it with you, or you may fill one out when you arrive to audition.
You are asked which roles you are interested in, and if you are willing to accept any role. Please know that I respect your honesty. Sometimes we are willing to put time into a production for a specific role only….I understand. That doesn’t mean I might not WANT you for a different role, (and may BEG you to take one)…..but I want that information upfront.
Please be honest with your conflicts. I am willing to work around vacations, jobs and preplanned events. I will not discount you from any role due to scheduling. However, if you are not available for any of the performance dates….I NEED to know that NOW!!
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is full of incredible roles “There are no small roles; only small actors.” …Yeah…whatever…..there ARE small roles!! There are several small roles in this show…but each one of them is a little jewel, with such wonderful personalities and character traits to flush out!!
Please review the ‘generic’ character study posted on this site if you have a chance…..but know that the descriptions are surface descriptions. Each of Shakespeare’s characters has depth and dimension and it is our jobs to flush them out!! He is a genius with the English language, and there are so many clues in the scripts to tell us more about these characters and their relationships with each other….we must be sleuths, and uncover as many of them as we can.
I will have your read for many roles during the audition process….I may have you read for a role you are not interested in, or that you are not really suited for. I am looking to see how adept you are at creating characters, with different vocal qualities, mannerisms and overall physicality. The more you can show me at the audition, the more I will know what I have to work with….to know that you have the ability to play a single role on many emotional and physical levels. Know that if you are reading some “random” role, it is not time to just ‘phone in’ the reading….show me what you’ve got!!!
Know that you cannot be too big!! We perform outdoors…we are in performing in the courtyard of the Batavia Fine Arts Centre this summer, so we so have the benefit of a few walls to create an intimacy with our audience; however, we are still outdoors without a defined stage and curtains to provide a focal point, or of lighting to help define the action. We will be competing with the great outdoors, and some ambient noise. Bigger is better….I can reign you in during the rehearsal process if necessary…….I look for big, yet controlled and purposeful movement, and great comedic timing. I love comedy, and will find any comedic morsel in the script, and will add in stage business to draw the laugh…..don’t be shy!!! Bring your best comedic skills to the table!!
Many roles can be played by either sex…..with a little shifting. I am open to casting the best person for each of these roles regardless of sex. There are some that I would prefer to be played by a male…there are actually a few that I am leaning toward casting a female.
The overall concept of the show this summer is simple. We are telling the story. We are going to the let the story shine. Period. The final determination to the overall ‘look’ of the show will happen after the casting is done. Depending on which roles remain ‘male’ and which are taken by women…..it may shift my mindset. I am remaining open……
As we all know, or should know….casting a show is always a challenge. Balancing age, height, family resemblances is a part of the process. I will look for the most talented actors, best suited to the individual roles, as well as the overall chemistry of the show.
I am looking to cast 16 to 18 actors and may consolidate some of lines.
Once you have been cast, and rehearsals begin, I will try to be very respectful of your time. The rehearsal schedule will be created based on the availability of the group. The show will be broken down into French Scenes and you will be schedule for specific times for the scenes you are in. I will not expect you to be at rehearsal for an entire evening if you are only in one scene….and will do my best to make every journey to rehearsal worth your time, energy, (and gasoline!!!) I want you to enjoy your summer, yet still have a great show. You are always welcome to attend any and all rehearsals, as watching other scenes being worked will add to your overall understanding of the show itself, and give you added insight to your own part in the show. And it never hurts in terms of bonding with other cast members.
Good luck!!
If you have any questions regarding the audition or the rehearsal process, feel free to post them here…others may have the same concerns or questions and this page is a great forum for sharing that information!!!
Best of Luck to you all at the auditions!!! And let me thank you in advance for your willingness to be a part of our yearly, wonderful, fun filled, hardworking summer of Shakespeare!! PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE FORM BELOW!!!
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