Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival 2024 Season and Red Bull Theater's MEDEA - NYC EPA
Various Producers | ,
Notice: Audition Call Type: EPA
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM (E)
BREAK: 1:00PM - 2:00PM
LOA / Off Broadway
$870 weekly minimum (LOA ref. LORT) - HVSF
$810 weekly minimum (Tier 3) - Red Bull Theater
Equity actors for Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival 2024 Season and Red Bull Theater's MEDEA (see breakdown).
MEDEA: RE-VERSED is a Co-production at both theaters.
Actively seeking diversity of every kind in every role. We strongly encourage BIPOC actors and actors of all abilities and genders to audition. Please note if you sing and/or play musical instruments, including but not limited to: guitar, bass, drums, percussion, cello, violin, and accordion.
Prepare two contrasting monologues, at least one by Shakespeare. If you possess a strong ability in rap and are comfortable with both the
lyrical aspects of hip hop and the dramatic weight of classical theatre, please prepare a brief selection. Please bring your headshot and resume stapled together.
Actors' Equity New York Audition Center 165 W 46th St
16th Fl
New York, NY 10036
Expected to attend:
HVSF Associate Artistic Director, Sean McNall Red Bull Associate Artistic Director, Nathan Winkelstein
HVSF:
THE MURDER OF ROGER ACKROYD - 1st Rehearsal 4/15/2024; Opening 06/26/24; Closing 09/01/24
BY THE QUEEN - 1st Rehearsal 4/15/2024; Opening 06/21/24; Closing 08/31/24
MEDEA: RE-VERSED - 1st Rehearsal 5/07/2024; Opening 06/29/24; Closing 09/02/24
RED BULL THEATRE:
MEDEA: RE-VERSED - 1st Rehearsal 8/20/2024; Opening 9/23/24; Closing 10/15/24 (Possible Extension through 10/29/24)
OTHER
EPA Procedures are in effect for this audition. An Equity Monitor will be provided.
Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination.
Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition.
Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.
Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival 2024 Season and Red Bull Theater's MEDEA: RE-VERSED
Red Bull Theater
MEDEA: RE-VERSED
The same production will be performed at Red Bull Theater. See casting details below. Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival 2024 Season
TRACK 1 TO PLAY THE FOLLOWING - [CAST] F 30s - MEDEA in Medea: Re-Versed - Will double as MARGARET 2 in By the Queen
TRACK 2 TO PLAY THE FOLLOWING - [CAST] F 50s-60s - MARGARET 3 in By the Queen - Will double as CAROLINE / AS CAST in The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
TRACK 3 TO PLAY THE FOLLOWING - [CAST] M 30 - CHORUS LEADER in Medea: Re-Versed - Will double as ENSEMBLE 2: HENRY VI AND OTHERS in By the Queen
TRACK 4 TO PLAY THE FOLLOWING - [CAST] M 60s - FAMOUS BELGIAN DETECTIVE in The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival 2024 Season and Red Bull Theater's MEDEA - NYC EPA
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TRACK 5 TO PLAY THE FOLLOWING - [CAST] M 30s - ENSEMBLE 3: GLOUCESTER AND OTHERS in By the Queen - Will double as JASON in Medea: Re-Versed
TRACK 6 TO PLAY THE FOLLOWING - [CAST] M 50 - DR. JAMES SHEPPARD in The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
TRACK 7 TO PLAY THE FOLLOWING - F BIPOC 20s - FLORA / AS CAST in The Murder of Roger Ackroyd - Will double as MARGARET 1 in By the Queen
TRACK 8 TO PLAY THE FOLLOWING - M Black 40s - BLUNT / AS CAST in The Murder of Roger Ackroyd - Will double as ENSEMBLE 4: EDWARD, WARWICK AND OTHERS in By the Queen
TRACK 9 TO PLAY THE FOLLOWING - M Black 40s-50s - ENSEMBLE 5: RICHARD III AND OTHERS in By the Queen - Will double as CREON / AEGEUS in Medea:Re-Versed
TRACK 10 TO PLAY THE FOLLOWING - M BIPOC 30s - RALPH / AS CAST in The Murder of Roger Ackroyd - ENSEMBLE 1: SUFFOLK AND OTHERS in By the Queen
TRACK 11 TO PLAY THE FOLLOWING - [CAST] - URSULA/AS CAST in The Murder of Roger Ackroyd - WILL double as CHORUS (BASS) in Medea:Re-Versed
THE MURDER OF ROGER ACKROYD (World Premiere)
By Heidi Armbruster - Adapted from Agatha Christie’s 1926 novel
directed by Ryan Quinn
Famous Belgian Detective – The greatest detective in the world needs no description, but if you must: A mustachioed detective who comes out of retirement to solve Roger Ackroyd’s murder. He leads the investigation with confidence, panache, method, order, and his little grey cells. He has a deep understanding of human psychology and will put you at your ease until he turns on you to elicit a
confession.
Dr. James Sheppard - The local doctor and the narrator of the story. A confidante and helpmate to everyone in the village of King’s Abbot. A friend of the murder victim, Sheppard also attempts to befriend the Detective, in hopes of becoming the Doctor Watson to the Detective’s Sherlock.
Roger Ackroyd - A wealthy widower who sits at the top of the financial and power hierarchy of the English village of King’s Abbot. He rules all with his pocketbook and proclivities, while harboring a secret love.
Caroline Sheppard - Dr. Sheppard's unmarried sister. She is curious and observant. The General in an Army of Spinster Spies, she’s a source of local gossip and information. Though she is easy to underestimate, underneath her Miss Marple-esque façade, lies a deep well of intelligence and empathy.
Ursula Bourne - Roger Ackroyd's parlor maid. A beautiful young woman who is surprisingly intelligent, she navigates the murder game with facility. She values truth while working double time to cover her own secret and protect the people she loves.
Ralph Paton - Roger Ackroyd's stepson. Born to privilege, his charming manner makes him a favorite of all the villagers in King’s Abbot. But his ease belies a weak strain in his personality, and he is ruthless when trying to cover his secret.
Miss Flora Ackroyd - Roger Ackroyd's niece. A beautiful woman of marriageable age who will stop at nothing to make a good match. While on the surface Flora may appear to be a classic ingenue, she has the capacity for surprising depth, bravery, and emotional intelligence. She hides her suffragette notions beneath a pretty smile, while yearning for freedom and choice.
Parker – The butler in the Ackroyd household. He takes pride in the efficient performance of his duties. He has developed a keen ear and an observant eye, and uses his talent to uncover his employers’ secrets, while working to cover his own suspicious past.
Mrs. Ackroyd – Ackroyd’s sister-in-law. A ruthless, scheming, and plotting widow of a certain age. She covers her desire for wealth by emulating the wealthy class. She has real affection for her daughter and will do anything to prevent Flora from making the same mistakes that she did.
Major Blunt - Friend to Roger Ackroyd. He is a man of few words and hidden desires. A former military man, his reputation precedes him. He presents as a trustworthy man of integrity, but still waters run deep.
The Inspector – The Police Inspector who is called upon to solve the murder. They consider themselves to be a very intelligent and capable Inspector. They solve the Murder of Roger Ackroyd lickety-split with their tried-and-true police methods. But it’s possible they are wrong. Excellent comedic chops required.
Mrs. Ferris –A wealthy woman of her time, she is trapped in an abusive marriage while yearning for a better life.
Miss Gannett – Aide de camp in Caroline Sheppard’s Army of Spinster Spies. Though she appears rather sweet and harmless, underneath her façade is a shark-like widow who will stop at nothing to get what she wants.
Hammond - Roger Ackroyd's and Mrs. Ferris’s lawyer. A man of appetite. He is the man you talk to when you need to follow the money. But be prepared, he charges by the hour, so he will talk at some length if you allow it.
Mrs. Folliot – A gracious and charming woman of means, she makes a valiant attempt to cover her secret.
Gatekeeper/Agnes/Signalman - Servant and working-class characters who populate the village of King's Abbot. They offer important (and humorous) evidence to the investigation, while providing context for the murder game, a war-torn populace in social and financial upheaval.
BY THE QUEEN
Written by Whitney White based on William Shakespeare’s Henry VI & Richard III Directed Shana Cooper
Queen Margaret #1 - Embodies the spirit of youthful defiance. She is the voice of a new generation that refuses to conform to the expectations placed upon her. Contemporary in her mannerisms and speech, she exudes confidence and a certain freshness that comes from being untainted by the harsh realities of court life. Her defiance is not just against her enemies but also against the societal norms that seek to cage her spirit.
Queen Margaret #2 - Has tasted the bitterness of life. She carries with her the scars of past battles, both literal and metaphorical. The idealism of her youth has given way to a salty, sardonic wit. She is shrewd, resourceful, and a little cynical, which she masks with a sharp tongue. This is a woman who has learned to play the game of thrones with a mix of diplomacy and ruthlessness.
Queen Margaret #3 - Has a regal and resplendent air. Time has tempered her fire but not extinguished it. She has suffered immense personal loss yet retains an unshakeable optimism, always seeking the silver lining. Her experiences have granted her wisdom, and she serves as a moral compass, guiding others through her own understanding of the tumultuous events that have shaped her life.
Ensemble #1 - Suffolk, and others. Exceptionally versatility. Particularly as Suffolk, calls for a portrayal of deep passion and unwavering loyalty. Seamlessly transitions between diverse characters, each demanding a unique emotional depth and a dynamic stage presence.
Ensemble #2 - Henry VI and others. A touch of naiveté and a strong comedic timing, presenting him as the Yes Man, perhaps too trusting for his own good. Physical comedy skills, as the character should bring a lightness to the stage amidst the political heaviness.
Ensemble #3 - Gloucester and others. Embodies the 'Hater,' portraying Gloucester and others who
oppose or resent Margaret. Taps into the darker aspects of human nature, displaying contempt and ambition with a presence that is felt whenever they are on stage.
Ensemble #4 - Edward, Warwick and keeper of what is “true.” Represents the familial and the institutional. Edward and Warwick, along with the keeper of what is “true,” suggest a grounding in the old ways and traditional values. Brings a sense of legacy and staunch adherence to the principles they stand for.
Ensemble #5 - Mr. Shakespeare Purist, Richard III. Brings to life one of Shakespeare's most complex villains. Adept at delivering Shakespeare's language with precision and relish. As the Purist, they are the meta-commentary on the action, reminding the audience of the play's roots and the power of Shakespeare's words.
MEDEA: RE-VERSED (World Premiere)
A co-production with Red Bull Theatre and Bedlam
Written by Luis Quintero
Co-conceived and Directed by Nathan Winkelstein
MEDEA - THIS ROLE IS ALREADY CAST. The epicenter of the play, a demi-god of intense emotions and formidable strength. reflecting Medea's journey from love to betrayal to vengeance. Conveys complexity and depth, illustrating Medea's intelligence, passion, and undeniable will. Comfortable with both the lyrical aspects of hip hop and the dramatic weight of classical theater.
CHORUS LEADER/MESSENGER - THIS ROLE IS ALREADY CAST. Charismatic and versatile. Commands the stage with a magnetic presence and possess a strong ability to engage with the audience through a mix of rap, spoken word, and rhythmic storytelling. The Chorus Leader is the narrative engine of the play, guiding the audience through the emotional journey with wit, sensitivity, and lyrical dexterity. Brings immense Pathos and innocence to the role of MESSENGER. Has excellent rhythm, clear diction, and the capacity to convey complex emotions.
JASON - THIS ROLE IS ALREADY CAST. Confidence and charm, and has a capacity for self justification and deflection. He is articulate, blending classical imagery with modern swagger, delivers lines with a mixture of earnestness and a biting edge. Transitions from the heroic adventurer to a man embroiled in domestic turmoil, wrestling with the consequences of his decisions. Possesses a strong ability in rap and spoken word, conveying a nuanced performance that incorporates Jason's layered personality and his dynamic with Medea.
CREON/AEGEUS - THIS ROLE IS ALREADY CAST. Versatile with a strong, imposing presence, and the ability to weave intricate wordplay into threats and decrees. Has a sense of gravitas and firmness as CREON, a leader who is both fair and fierce, making difficult decisions to protect his city and family. Creon's language is rich with metaphor and rhetorical flourish, who can deliver complex lines with clarity and force. As AEGEUS, he brings excellent comedic timing and exuberance combined with an open, caring heart. Experience in rap and spoken word, as the character's dialogue is both rhythmic and potent, with a lyrical quality that carries the weight of his power and the seriousness of the situation.
CHORUS (GUITAR) - Able to play electric guitar and sing excellently. The music in this play represents the powers of the gods and therefore the chorus stands firmly on the side of Medea in most instances, a sympathetic ally to a woman with few.
CHORUS (BASS) - THIS ROLE IS ALREADY CAST. Plays electric bass and sings excellently. The music in this play represents the powers of the gods and therefore the chorus stands firmly on the side of Medea in most instances, a sympathetic ally to a woman with few.
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