Auditions for Two Gentlemen of Verona
| audition_form.pdf |
| rehearsal_schedule.pdf |
The Gazebo Players of Medfield are excited to announce open auditions for their Summer 2024 production of Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare. This 23rd annual summer Shakespeare in the Park production will be directed by Steve Small.
Auditions will be held on Monday, May 13 and Tuesday, May 14 at 7:00 PM at the T. A Blake Middle School, 24 Pound Street, Medfield. Callbacks, if needed, will be held Thursday, May 16 at 7:00 PM at the Blake Middle School. Rehearsals will be on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings starting Monday, May 20. Rehearsals will be at the Blake Middle School until school closes in June, at which time rehearsals will move outside (or to rain space).
Performances will be on July 20, 21, 27, and 28 at the Bellforge Arts Center in Medfield, and on August 3 and 4 at Bird Park in Walpole. All performances start at 5:00 PM and are free to the public.
Two Gentlemen of Verona is a love triangle rom-com. The production of will be set during the doo-wop era of the mid 1950’s to the early 1960’s. Shakespeare’s characters will be portrayed as bobby soxers, nerds, beatniks, and greasers, but the original language will be preserved. There are many small roles, so doubling and even tripling is likely to create meaningful sized roles for all cast members.
Auditioners should prepare a 1-2 minute monologue from any of Shakespeare’s comedies except Two Gentlemen of Verona. In addition to presenting your monologue, auditioners will do cold readings from the script in pairs or small groups.
You can make an audition appointment by visiting https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B084EAEAA2BA5FD0-49012400-twogentlemen. An appointment is not required, but auditioners are welcome to make one if they prefer to have their audition date planned in advance. Be prepared to fill out an audition form (including any previous experience) and to let us know your conflicts when you arrive, or download the audition form and rehearsal calendar from this page and fill them out in advance.
CHARACTER BRIEFS
Genders and ages listed are those given in the script, but non-traditional casting will be considered.
Valentine Male, early to mid-20’s – One of the titular gentlemen, his best friend is Proteus. Valentine disdains love at the start of the play but falls instantly in love upon meeting Sylvia when he arrives in Milan. He is eventually banished to the wilderness by the Duke of Milan, who prefers a different suitor for his daughter. Must be comfortable with kissing on stage.
Proteus Male, early to mid-20’s – The other titular gentleman, his best friend is Valentine. Proteus is in love with Julia at the start of the play but falls instantly in love with Sylvia upon meeting her. Proteus is torn between his love for Sylvia and his friendship with Valentine. Must be comfortable with kissing on stage. Singing experience is a plus.
Julia Female, early to mid-20’s – Julia has her choice of suitors and chooses Proteus. Julia is bereft when Proteus is sent to Milan, and things go from bad to worse when Proteus stops writing to her. She decides to travel to Milan to find Proteus, disguising herself as a man. Must be comfortable with kissing on stage.
Sylvia Female, early to mid-20’s – Daughter of the Duke of Milan, Sylvia has three suitors but falls in love with Valentine. Sylvia refuses to consider her other suitors even after her father banishes Valentine, and eventually goes to the wilderness to find Valentine. Must be comfortable with kissing on stage.
Speed Male but could be played by an actor of either gender, any age – Speed is Valentine’s servant, so he knows far more about how the world really works than his master. He is the straight man in multiple Abbott and Costello – like routines with Launce. Possible doubling with the Host.
Launce Male but could be played by an actor of either gender, any age – Launce is Proteus’ servant, so he knows far more about how the world really works than his master. He is the funny one in multiple Abbott and Costello – like routines with Speed. Owner of a large, ill-behaved dog named Crab, Launce is regularly punished for the Crab’s actions.
Antonio Male but could be played by an actor of either gender, somewhere between 45 and 60 – Proteus’ father, he sets the play’s conflicts in motion when he sends Proteus to the Duke of Milan’s court for “seasoning”. Probable doubling or tripling as an Outlaw and Eglamour.
Panthino Male but could be played by an actor of either gender, any age – Panthino is Antonio’s servant, and he makes sure Proteus and Launce get on the ship to Milan. Probable doubling or tripling as an Outlaw and a Musician. Singing experience is a plus.
Lucetta Female, any age – Lucetta is Julia’s maid, so she knows far more about how the world really works than her mistress. Lucetta helps Julia decide among her many suitors and advises her on how to dress and act like a man when Julia needs a disguise. Probable doubling or tripling as an Outlaw and a Musician. Singing experience is a plus.
Duke of Milan Male but could be played by an actor of either gender, somewhere between 50 and 65 – Valentine and Proteus both join his court when they arrive from Verona. The Duke wants Sylvia to marry Thurio and gets angry with her when she refuses. When the Duke discovers that Valentine is in love with his daughter Sylvia he banishes Valentine to the wilderness with Proteus’ help.
Thurio Male, 45 or older – Thurio is the Duke’s preferred suitor for Sylvia, but Sylvia doesn’t have any interest in him. He writes a bad sonnet to woo Sylvia, and then sings it under her window with the help of Proteus and the Musicians.
Eglamour Male but could be played by an actor of either gender, 35 or older – Eglamour agrees to accompany Sylvia into the wilderness to search for Valentine. Probable doubling or tripling as an Outlaw and Antonio.
Host Either gender, any age – The Host runs an inn where Julia stays upon arriving in Milan. The Host brings Julia to find Proteus just as Thurio is serenading Sylvia beneath her window. Possible doubling with Speed.
Outlaws (3) Males but could be played by actors of either gender, any age – The Outlaws are gentlemen who have been banished to the wilderness. When they encounter new arrival Valentine they immediately make him their king. Probable doubling or tripling.
Musicians (2 or 3) Either gender, any age – The musicians are hired by Thurio to help him serenade Sylvia. Singing experience is a plus. Probable doubling or tripling.
