AUDITIONS: Julius Caesar (2/19 & 2/21)

Casting Notice:

JULIUS CAESAR (Non-Equity, Non-Paid)

by William Shakespeare

Directed by Valerie Caniglia

Produced by Kay Koch

Presented by Old Library Theatre

OLD LIBRARY THEATER announces open auditions for our April production of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. A truly timeless classic, OLT is excited to deliver a production that will invert audience expectations and invite them to examine the “influence” modern media and social networking has on our political climate.

Toss the togas, roll away the dusty marble columns… even a traditional casting breakdown is out the window as we invite performers of all ethnic backgrounds and gender identities to audition for a Caesar inspired by modern political dramas such as “The West Wing.”

Jump to: CHARACTER LIST | Audition Materials

Audition Information:

Location & Dates:

Temple Beth Tikvah - 950 Preakness Ave in Wayne, NJ

Thursday February 19th 7:00-10:00pm

Saturday February 21st 10:00am-2:00pm

Callbacks (by Invitation) Saturday, February 21st 3:30pm - 6:30pm

Video submissions will be accepted

Performance Dates:

Friday, April 24th @ 7:30pm

Saturday, April 25th @ 7:30pm

Sunday, April 26th @ 2pm

Rehearsals Begin: Week of March 1st

Rehearsal Venue:

Temple Beth Tikvah

950 Preakness Ave

Wayne, NJ

Performance Venue:

Berdan Hall

131 Church Lane, Wayne NJ

Preakness Reformed Church

To Audition:

Step 1: Fill out the Online Audition Form: including your resume, headshot and conflicts.

Step 2: Sign Up for an Audition Day -- If unable to attend auditions in person, video submissions will be accepted. Please send your video to oltsocial@gmail.com by 6pm on Wednesday, February 18th so our production team can view your video in time to consider you for callbacks.

There will be a $50 participation fee for all cast members (this includes ONE complimentary ticket to the show). All funds go toward production costs and venue rental.

Step 3: Please prepare:

* A one minute Shakespearean monologue of your choosing

AND

* A one minute contemporary monologue, showcasing your comfort with modern political/courtroom language (examples: “Inherit the Wind,” “Scandal,” “A Few Good Men,” “12 Angry Jurors,” “Boston Legal”). We have examples of monologues should you need help making a selection.

If requested for a callback, sides will be provided at that time.

SPECIAL NOTE: This production will feature stage combat of low to moderate intensity and depict the stabbing of Caesar with an element of stage blood. While specific weaponry is still to be decided, we anticipate the use of fake knives, swords and non-firing sidearms. Comfort interacting with these elements will be important for those cast in the show.

REHEARSALS: Rehearsals will begin the week of March 1st and will be held primarily at Temple Beth Tikvah in Wayne, NJ. We are tentatively planning a Monday, Thursday, Saturday rehearsal schedule, however we are also willing to work around the conflicts of our cast to the best of our ability. Please be thorough in listing ALL your conflicts on your audition form!

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CHARACTER LIST:

We are seeking 15 performers of all ethnic backgrounds and gender identities. ALL ROLES are open.

CINNA THE POET/Ensemble – Any Age – Cinna the Poet is torn to pieces by the mob. (*We are seeking a performer comfortable with singing and playing an instrument.*)

FLAVIUS/ OCTAVIUS/ Ensemble – 20s- 40s – Caesar’s nephew; called to Rome, is greeted on its outskirts by the news of Caesar’s death. (Also plays Flavius, a guard who tries to clear the crowd when Caesar comes home at the beginning of the play).

JULIUS CAESAR/GHOST – 40s-50s – The most powerful person in Rome; it’s ruler. A celebrated army general, Caesar has recently won a civil war against Pompey and returns to Rome in triumph. Appears later as a Ghost. Married to Calpurnia.

BRUTUS – 30s- 40s – A politician, deeply devoted to the Roman republic. Honored for a noble lineage and greatly revered by the people, Brutus values logic and reason- the last person Caesar would expect to take part in his assassination. Married to Portia.

ANTONY – 20s- 40s – A charismatic political figure, fond of revelry, music, and plays. The closest ally of Caesar, Antony’s speech at his friend’s funeral leads to civic unrest.

CALPURNIA/LEPIDUS/ Ensemble – 30s- 40s – Caesar’s wife. She is disturbed by nightmares on the eve of Caesar’s death. (Also plays Lepidus, a Senator of Rome who is present at Caesar’s death- and flees from it.)

TREBONIUS/ Ensemble – 30s-60s – A conspirator of Caeser’s death.

METTELUS/Ensemble – 20s- 40s – A messenger in Brutus’ army. Brings news of the massacre of Senators perpetrated by the triumvirate.

CINNA/Ensemble – 20s– 60s – Conspirator against Caesar; leaves an anonymous letter for Brutus and is one of the more enthusiastic killers of Caesar. A poet, (unfortunately also named Cinna) is mistakenly killed by the mob in his place.

PORTIA/Ensemble – 30s- 40s – Daughter of Cato and the wife of Brutus. Proud; the ideal of a stoic, proud Roman woman.

DECIUS BRUTUS/Ensemble – 20s- 60s – A conspirator; urges Caesar to go to the Capitol, reinterpreting Calpurnia’s foreboding dream into one of honor, claiming the Senate intends to give him an award.

CASSIUS – 30s- 40s – A politician and old friend of Brutus. Wants to overthrow Caesar; jealous and manipulative, Cassius is the mastermind behind the assassination.

CASCA/ Ensemble – 30s- 60s – A cynical Roman who finds Caesar’s ascension to power highly distasteful; the first to strike Caesar at the Capitol.

THE SOOTHSAYER – Any age – Warns Caeser of impending death. A symbol of chaos, seen throughout the play. (We are especially interested in a performer who has experience reading or is comfortable with Tarot cards.)

LUCIUS/Ensemble – teens-20s – Brutus’ young servant; follows Brutus to the wars, caring for him and also serving as a guard. (Desiring a performer who is comfortable with singing and proficient with an instrument.)