Performers Needed for "The Book of Will" Show
The company is holding auditions for "The Book of Will" Show and looking for performers, please see the details below. About the project: Without Shakespeare, we wouldn’t have masterpieces like Romeo and Juliet, but without Henry Condell and John Heminges, we would have lost Shakespeare’s plays forever! After the death of their friend and mentor, the two actors are determined to preserve the words that shaped their lives. They’ll have to borrow, beg, and band together to get it done. THE BOOK OF WILL finds an unforgettable true story of love, loss, and laughter, and sheds new light on a man you may think you know. Additional info: Expected: Those wishing to audition should come ready for cold readings from the script. English accents will be used in the show, so be prepared to use one for part of the audition. Optional: If interested, please prepare a song to sing a cappella—traditional or contemporary, serious or silly, actor’s choice. NOTE: THIS IS NOT REQUIRED TO AUDITION. This is a straight play, not a musical, but consideration is being given to live singing as part of the production.
24 roles
Friend of Shakespeare and actor in the King’s Men. The feisty, hope-filled force behind the First Folio.
Friend of Shakespeare, actor-turned financial manager for the King’s Men, owner of the Globe Tap House. The serious, oft-anxious force behind the First Folio.
Wife of Henry Condell. Savvy, compassionate, quick-witted, fun, and a big fan of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM.
Wife of John Heminges. Successful business person in her own right, has suffered loss but remains the rock of the family. Loves Shakespeare’s comedies.
Daughter of John and Rebecca Hemings, manager at the Globe Tap House. Knows everyone, can match wits and pints with anyone.
A lion of the Elizabethan stage, the first actor to play Hamlet. Larger than life, can recite Shakespeare’s words and works on command.
Playwright, poet laureate of England, contemporary/friend/rival of Shakespeare. Brilliant and blustery, with an appetite for confrontation (and drink).
Humble, hardworking transcriber for the King’s Men. Deferential to a fault but full of admiration for Shakespeare’s plays.
Successful-if-shady publisher of plays, books. Well-connected, willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done (and get what he wants in the process).
Son of William Jaggard. Heir to the Jaggard publishing business. An artist at heart, sensitive where his father is self-serving.
Stage manager for the King’s Men, quite particular (andoften off-putting) about keeping day-to-day operations at the Globe Theatre moving along.
Shakespeare’s widow, ailing but strong-willed, able to command an audience just like her famed husband.
Shakespeare’s daughter. Also strong-willed, with an edge of discontent towards the relationship she had with her father.
A fiery feminist and poet. A woman of independent means, lover of life...and Shakespeare. The famed “Dark Lady” of his sonnets.
Works for the Jaggards as a printer’s apprentice. Openly opinionated.
Works for the Jaggards arranging type on the printing presses.
Lover of books and theatre, the first customer of the First Folio.
Young actor playing Hamlet.
Drunk and rowdy fans of Boy Hamlet
Announces day’s programming at the Globe Theatre.
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