CASTING BREAKDOWN
for ROMEO & JULIET By A Commedia of Errors Theatre Company
at The Hen and Chickens Theatre, London.
DATES
Rehearsals- 23rd-14th October
Tech and Performances- 15th - 26th October, Hen & Chickens Theatre, London
Total Engagement: 5 weeks,
AGREEMENT
This is a profit share production.
AUDITIONS:
SATURDAY 31st AUGUST, LONDON,11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm
Romeo. Juliet. Tragedy? Not this time! Commedia of Errors Theatre Company have transformed one of
Shakespeare's greatest sob stories into a riotous comedy. Find the bard's classic text given a complete
Commedia dell'Arte makeover, with lashings of slapstick, mime and physical comedy and all of the truth and
heartbreak of the original, it's a cocktail not to be missed! This new adaptation of the classic tale of love and
loss will leave you lost for words.
Commedia of Errors Theatre Company is a brand new Commedia dell’Arte troupe working both with new
writing and modern adaptations of classic texts, as well as providing training in this highly expressive, physical
and comedic style. Come and join us for an evening of hilarity and mischief that's sure to keep you laughing for
days to come.
We would like to meet outstanding, physical and creative actors interested in...
Commedia dell’Arte A good knowledge of Commedia is ideal, however a passion to learn and explore the
form is most important. Experience in physical theatre, slapstick, mime or mask a plus.
Playing with Shakespeare You should be adept at handling verse but confident in improvisation to present
this piece in an entirely new, unseen way.
Other Skills We are particularly interested in actors who can offer other skills such as singing, acrobatics,
juggling, musical instruments, stage combat etc
Casting Breakdown
Actor 1: Male 26-40
Sampson - Commedia character - Zanni - solid, strong but incredibly dull servant, very lazy, not the brightest.
Mercutio - Bold, deadly and sharp of wit always, one step ahead of the rest of the buffoons. Stage combat skills
necessary.
Actor 2: Male, 18- 26
Romeo - Commedia character - Lover / innamorati - Soft, light and very gentle. He is clueless and more in love
with love than anything, or anyone else.
Montague - Commedia character - 1st Actor - Older version of Romeo, more confident and intelligent
Actor 3: Male 26- 45
Tybalt - Commedia character - Capitano - a braggard though unlike Benvolio he has great finesse. Prince of
Cats. He is still a coward and incompetent. Stage combat skills necessary.
Prince - Commedia character - Magnifico - Eagle-like and powerful, all seeing though powerless to affect his
will. Effortlessly aristocratic.
Actor 4: Male 26-45,
Capulet - Commedia character - 1st Actor Bold, mean and confident. Nasty and aggressive, peppered with
occasional softness. Lead only by his ambition. Heavy build.
Friar Lawrence - Commedia character - El Dottore - Rotund, ridiculous and pompous full of hot air but has the
best intentions.
Actor 5: Female 25-50
Nurse - Commedia character - Columbina - a smart, curvaceous yet at times self-serving servant. Clever and
good humoured.
Apothecary - Commedia character - Strega - The witch a la Macbeth.
Actor 6: Female 18- 26, good singing voice.
Juliet - Commedia character - Lover / innamorati - Soft, light and very gentle. Like Romeo she is clueless and
more in love with love than anything, or anyone else. However she is more savvy than Romeo and becomes
frustrated with his incompetence.
Balthasar - Commedia character - Arlecchino - childlike and athletic servant. Completely amoral.
To put yourself or your clients forward for the workshop audition as per the date above, please
send CVs to Theatre Administrator Clare McMahon by Friday 23rd of August to
[email protected]
For further information about Romeo and Juliet or Commedia of Errors Theatre Company:
http://commediaoferrors.co.uk/wp/