Shakespeare in Detroit holds auditions for ‘As You Like It’ 1/28
As You Like It is a pastoral comedy by Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1599.
As You Like It follows its heroine Rosalind as she flees persecution in her uncle’s court, accompanied by her cousin Celia to find safety and, eventually, love, in the Forest of Arden. In the forest, they encounter a variety of memorable characters, notably the melancholy traveller Jacques who speaks one of Shakespeare’s most famous speeches, “All The World’s A Stage,” and provides a sharp contrast to the other characters in the play, always observing and disputing the hardships of life in the country.
Shakespeare in Detroit
: As You Like It
professional
Jan. 28 6PM-8PM
Yes
To schedule an appointment:
Sign up for a five-minute audition slot here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4FAFAF22AAFDC43-47318065-audition
OLIVER
Black. Older brother of Orlando, jealous of his younger brother’s rising star. He is livid that the Film Studio has given Orlando so many opportunities. He is determined to change that.
CELIA Black or Person of Color, Cousin of Rosalind, but more like sisters. Also a rising star. Loyal, smart and beautifully balanced between practical and emotional.
DUKE SENIOR/ADAM
Black, Adopted brother of Duke Frederick. He was adopted by the family of his biological mother’s employers in the mid-1800s to obtain an education and opportunities. He is talented and, although discrimination existed during this era, he was forging a new path in film with Black performers at the Film Studio until he was banished to The Chitlin’ Circuit by his brother. In fact, he was so great, it looked like he might make history and become an Oscar Micheaux of sorts in the Victorian Era before Oscar Micheaux of the 1940s. /ADAM Black. Faithful assistant who has worked for Orlando and his family for many years.
JAQUES
Banished with Duke Senior. Former stage hand. Person of color. Quite melancholy and poetical character who loves music, sad songs especially, and sees the world as a stage (one and off stage, in the studio and out of it).
TOUCHSTONE
Black. Vaudeville comedian. Think of historical figure Bert Williams. He was a star the most important black star of early vaudeville and was the first to cross the color line and the first to work openly with white performers in a major Broadway venue. This character could be played by a female-identifying actor who can play as male-identifying role. This role could also be played by a male-identifying or non-binary actor. The main component is that they must have comic timing and evoke star power. They also have to double as Phoebe.
CHARLES THE WRESTLER/AMIENS
White, star of silent films and professional wrestling star. AMIENS / Stage Manager of the Vaudeville era. Any race, age, gender or background. However, needs to double as Charles.
Two contrasting Shakespearean monologues.
no
$450 per week
Mandatory orientation on Sunday, April 14,2024, 11AM to 3PM. Rehearsals will begin on Monday, April 15. Before signing up, please fill in this Google form: https://forms.gle/hjiRehKSTZGVSGZ79 with any and all conflicts you have with daytime and evening rehearsals from April 15 through opening on May 13.
Monday through Friday, May 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 at 11am
Saturday, May 18 at 7pm; Monday through Thursday, May 20, 21, 22, 23 at 11 am,
Friday, May 24 at 11am AND at 7pm.
Directed by Lynch Travis.
Rehearsals will take place at Marygrove located at 8425 W. McNichols Road, Detroit, MI. Performances will take place at the Danto Lecture Hall inside of
the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA).
Email director: lynchactordirector@gmail.com or producer: diane@ShakespeareinDetroit.com