Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead
February 17 & 18 at 7 pm
Doors open at 6:30 pm. Auditions start at 7pm both Monday and Tuesday.
Address: Albany Civic Theater, 235 Second Ave, Albany, NY 12209
Show Dates: 5/16-5/18, 5/23-5/25, 5/30-6/1. There will be a preview show on Thursday, 5/15.
Synopsis: Imagine Hamlet if it were presented through the eyes of the two most clueless individuals not just in the play, but, possibly, the world. That’s what Tom Stoppard brings to life in this absurdist existential comedy… with, of course, a bit of tragedy… Join Prince Hamlet’s old school chums as they arrive at the royal court of Denmark having no idea why they have been summoned, what is expected of them, or, indeed, which one of them is which…
Characters
Rosencrantz (Ros)- More of a soldier than a student… with nobody to fight. Happily oblivious to the world around him, though there are moments when he almost gets it.
Guildenstern (Guil)- A scholar who just doesn’t quite get it. Constantly struggling to make sense of it all. Often frustrated, but, of the two, usually seen as the smart one.
The Player- The leader of a traveling troupe of actors. What the Player represents is anybody’s guess… A simple actor? The devil? Some sort of guiding angel? Or as hapless a participant in the play as Ros and Guil? Women are particularly encouraged to try out for this role.
The Players/Tragedians- (6 in all) Actors who travel the world putting on plays, they can be a rather silly lot, but their true skill lies in tragedies. Women are particularly encouraged to try out for these roles. Please list any talents you have beyond acting that might be of use in character: dancing, stage combat, singing, playing music, etc.
Hamlet- The Prince of Denmark and the lead of… that other play… Is the only member of the cast who might actually be aware that he is in a play.
Ophelia- Daughter of Polonius and sometime lover of Hamlet, reduced to being merely a prop in the play performed around her.
Claudius- The Danish king and Hamlet’s uncle who killed his brother to achieve the crown.
Gertrude- The Danish queen and Hamlet’s mother, concerned for her son’s strange behavior.
Polonius- Advisor to Claudius and Gertrude and a would-be thespian.
Fortinbras, Horatio, the Ambassadors from England, Courtiers, Attendants, and Soldiers.
*Performers of all genders, ages, and ethnic backgrounds are welcome to audition for any part.
**Sides will be provided at the time of the audition. These will feature readings for Ros, Guil, and the Player, though we will be using them to cast all parts, so please inform our team exactly what roles you are interested in.
***Should you want access to these sides prior to the audition date, please email SwordandHarp@gmail.com to contact director Ryan Gangemi.