AUDITIONS: AS YOU LIKE IT

AUDITION NOTICE:

TITLE: AS YOU LIKE IT

AUTHOR: William Shakespeare

DIRECTOR: Michael Hernandez-Phillips

RUN:  Sept. 2 – Sept. 30, 2023

Fridays & Saturdays 8pm, Sundays at 2pm. Special performances on Thursday and Sunday nights may be added for private parties and special events.

This is a volunteer community theater production.  Non-Equity.  There is no pay. 

AUDITION DATES:

Open Call:

Dates: Monday, July 10 and Tuesday, July 11, 2023.  (Actors only need to be at one night of Open Call auditions.)

Times: 7pm – 9pm

Location: Long Beach Playhouse  

Callbacks:

Date and Time: July 12, 2023, 7pm – 10pm, by invitation only.

REHEARSALS:

First Read-Through: July 15, 12pm – 4pm

Regular Rehearsal: Starting July 17, Sundays -Thursdays 7pm -10pm

(See Beginning Rehearsal Schedule BELOW for Specific Dates and Times.)

Location: Long Beach Playhouse

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

Bring headshot and resume. 

Sides for cold readings will be provided at the auditions.

LINK TO AUDITION SIDES  (Click Here)

(Please note that not all characters have a mono. side.  Just pick the one that you feel shows off the character you are going for the best.)

SHORT SYNOPSIS:  

In one of Shakespeare’s most joyous comedies, As You Like It tells the story of the heroine Rosalind and her cousin Celia who are forced to flee for their lives from the court into the mysterious Forest of Arden while in disguise. Inside the forest Rosalind encounters her true love Orlando, her deposed father, and numerous other colorful characters. 

CASTING THE FOLLOWING ROLES:

NOTE: Actively seeking all ethnicities for all roles.  Non-binary or gender nonconforming actors are encouraged to audition for the characters they identify with, regardless of the character gender.

ROSALIND (F, 18 – 29) A strong, young woman who’s independence and cleverness allow her to lead her cousin into the Forest of Arden under the guise of the male Ganymede. Hopelessly in love with Orlando yet still in disguise, she must test his love before she reveals herself.

ORLANDO (M, 18 – 29) The brave and tender youngest son of Sir Rowland de Bois whose eldest brother resents him. Orlando falls for Rosalind and can’t help but proclaim his love for her throughout the Forest of Arden.

CELIA (F, 18 – 25) Rosalind’s cousin and best friend and the daughter of Duke Frederick. Celia is more conventional than her cousin but still fiercely loyal. When her father casts out Rosalind, Celia abandons the wealth of the court and disguises herself as the poor peasant Aliena to join Rosalind in banishment.

TOUCHSTONE (M or F, 20s – 50s) The court jester accustomed to a life of status, he joins Rosalind and Celia in their banishment though frequently laments the country life. His quick wit and intelligence often put him at odds with the characters who understand that he is mocking them. Actor may play numerous other roles and must be able to differentiate them physically and vocally.

JAQUES (M, 20s – 50s) The melancholic nobleman who lives in the Forest under the usurped Duke Senior. Jaques is known for his intelligence and deep yet cynical contemplation. He recognizes “All the words a stage, And all the men and women merely players.” Actor may play numerous other roles and must be able to differentiate them physically and vocally. Actor will play Charles.

DUKE SENIOR (M, 40s – 60s) Banished by his paranoid brother, Duke Frederick, Senior now lives in the Forest of Arden where he embraces nature as his new teacher. He happily leads his followers with kindness and fairness but misses his daughter, Rosalind. Actor will also play Duke Frederick.

OLIVER (M, 20s – 30s) Orlando’s oldest brother. Oliver has refused his brother a proper education and resents Orlando for his charm and good nature. Oliver is not above dishonest means to rid himself of his brother.

SILVIUS (M or F, 20s – 30s) A young shepherd who is madly in love with Phoebe. Not deterred by the unrequited nature of his love, Silvius is steadfastly doing whatever Phoebe commands of him.

PHOEBE (F, 20s-30s) A rural young woman who does not return Silvius’s love but is immediately infatuated with Rosalind’s male disguise.

CORIN (M or F, 40s – 50s) An older shepherd who attempts to teach Silvius the ways of love. Though he is rarely listened to, Corin is quite wise. Actor will also play Adam, Martext, and Hymen.

AMIENS (M or F, 30s – 40s) A good natured follower of Duke Senior who savors his time in the Forest of Arden and enjoys the songs he and the Duke’s follower write. Actor will also play Jaques de Boyes and LeBeau.

AUDREY (F, 20s – 30s) A pleasant goatherd who agrees to marry Touchstone.

*Note: Some actors will be playing supporting roles in scenes as lords, attendants, foresters, etc. Also, some roles may be cast by actors of another gender than listed as above.

BEGINNING REHEARSAL SCHEDULE: