Studio Auditions
THE LION IN WINTER
Author: James Goldman
Director: Michael Ross
Run: Fridays & Saturdays 8pm, Sundays at 2pm. Special Thursday and Sunday night shows available for private parties and special events.
November 5 – December 11, 2010
Sunday Matinees – November 14, 21, 28; December 5
Audition Dates:
Open Call: Monday, September 13 and Tuesday, September 14, 2010, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Long Beach Playhouse
This is an Equity Waiver production. Union members, as well as non-Union members are welcome.
Callback:
Wednesday, September 15, 2010, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Rehearsals begin:
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Location: Long Beach Playhouse
Audition Requirements:
Bring headshot and resume.
Cold Reading from Script
Synopsis:
The Lion in Winter concerns the interpersonal dynamics and political wrangling of King Henry II of England; his wife Eleanor, whom he has kept imprisoned in a tower for the past ten years; and their three sons, Richard, Geoffrey, and John, who are vying for the privilege of being named heir to the English throne. Eleanor, who has been let out of prison to celebrate Christmas with her family, favors Richard as heir, while Henry favors John. To complicate matters, the young King Philip II of France has arrived to remind Henry of a treaty he signed many years earlier, promising to marry his heir to Philip’s sister Alais. However, Alais has been Henry’s mistress for the past seven years, and Henry is hesitant to marry her off to any of his sons.
Casting the following roles:
Henry II, King of England (Male, 50) In his time, at fifty, men were either old or dead. Yet Henry is still very nearly as he ever was. Spontaneous, emotional, somewhat likeable.
Eleanor, Henry’s Wife (Female, 60) A beautiful woman of great temperament, authority and presence. She has been a queen for nearly 46 years and while possessing feminine qualities, she is thoroughly capable of holding her own in a man’s world.
Richard the Lionheart, the oldest son (Male, 26) Handsome, graceful and impressive, Richard has been a famous soldier since his middle teens. War is his profession and he is good at it, he is easily the strongest and toughest of the three sons/princes.
Geoffrey, the middle son (Male, 25) A man of energy and action, Geoffrey is attractive, charming and the “brains” of a “brainy” family. Coldly scheming with no personal warmth; his view of himself is of one who yearned greatly for the love of his parents while receiving none.
John, the youngest son (Male, 17) Sulky and sullen, a spoiled brat. John is Henry’s favorite, but also the weakest. He constantly vacillates, not out of cleverness, but out of fear and weakness. He is easily tricked and manipulated.
Alais. A French Princess (Female, 23) She is beautiful and in love with Henry. Everyone underestimates her intellect and power. Initially portrayed as innocent, by the end of play Alais has begun to acquire a ruthless streak of her own.
Philip, King of France (Male, 18) Philip has been King of France for three years. He is not initially as accomplished as Henry in manipulating people, but seems to acquire greater skills at this as the play progresses. He is impressive and handsome without being pretty.
Long Beach Playhouse Studio Theatre 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA 90804