Directed by Lindsay Pier
Sign Up: Email Patrick@blankcanvastheatre.com to sign up for one of the below dates. Otherwise, we will just assign you the best available date.
Audition Dates: Tuesday August 5 or Wednesday August 6
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm *auditions will most likely not go this late.
What to prepare: Readings will be from the script. Select one or two monologues from the below link to perform at your audition. You may be asked to read a scene with other actors. A headshot and resume is appreciated but not required. To view audition sides CLICK HERE.
*Audition sides DO NOT need to be memorized. Copies will be provided at auditions. The link is just to help you be more comfortable in your audition. We WILL NOT read for every role or side.
Performance Dates: September 5 - 20. Shows will be Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8pm. Sundays at 7pm
Rehearsals: Will begin August 11 and will be Sunday-Thursdays. Typically 7pm-10pm Monday-Thursday and Sundays 6pm-10pm. This is only a 4 week rehearsal period.
Pay: Blank Canvas Theatre dedicates 20% of the net profit to the cast of each show. The cast splits this evenly.
*At this time there are no AEA Contracts for this show. But we may entertain the option if needed.
Audition Location:
Blank Canvas Theatre
1305 78th Street, Suite 211 (at 78th Street Studios)
Cleveland, OH 44102
(Click here for directions or visit our website at www.blankcanvastheatre.com)
The Story
Everyone dies, but not everyone’s death is pre-ordained by Shakespeare. Acclaimed as a modern dramatic masterpiece, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead puts the spotlight on two of Shakespeare’s minor characters as they wrestle with fundamental, pressing questions of identity, loss, fate, friendship, and the absurdity of existence. As they hurtle towards their imminent demise, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern unlock what it means to be truly alive.
Character Breakdown
* The roles of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have been precast. And will be played by Brian McNally and Patrick Ciamacco
A dynamic ensemble of performers to bring to life the characters of Stoppard’s brilliant tragicomedy, including the versatile troupe of Tragedians who will also appear as The Players, Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, Polonius, Ophelia, Horatio, pirates, courtiers, and others. None of these roles are gender-fixed. Actors of all ages, gender identities, and ethnicities are encouraged to audition.
Rosencrantz: is caught in a world he doesn’t understand, never quite grasping the stakes, the rules, or the meaning behind the events around him. His simplicity provides contrast to Guildenstern’s existential questioning. (This role has been cast and will be played by Brian McNally.)
Guildenstern: struggles to find meaning and control in a seemingly senseless world. His constant analysis of fate, death, and identity forms the intellectual backbone of the play. (This role has been cast and will be played by Patrick Ciamacco.)
The Player: embodies the idea that all of life is performance. His/Her comfort with illusion and death stands in stark contrast to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern’s confusion and fear.
Tragedians: are members of the Player’s troupe. Their presence blurs the line between acting and reality. They enact scenes that mirror the fate awaiting Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Tragedians will double as other characters in the play, including Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia, and Polonius.
Hamlet: is the mysterious, erratic, and philosophical Prince of Denmark. A former classmate of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.
Claudius: (doubles as Tragedian) is the regal, manipulative, and composed King of Denmark. He gives orders to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to spy on Hamlet, sparking their journey.
Gertrude: (doubles as Tragedian) is the polite, concerned Queen of Denmark. She echoes her husband’s concern for Hamlet’s behavior but appears distant from the two title characters.
Polonius: (doubles as Tragedian) is the verbose, pompous advisor to Claudius.
Ophelia: (doubles as Tragedian) is the tragic, silent love interest of Hamlet and daughter to Polonius.
Other characters: include Horatio, the Ambassador, Pirates, Seamen, Courtiers, and Soldiers.
For audition sides click here.
If you have any questions feel free to contact us at patrick@blankcanvastheatre.com. We look forward to seeing you at auditions!