Fundraiser
King Lear
by William Shakespeare
Auditions
October 14 & 15 @ 7pm at Aliso Niguel High School Theatre, 28000 Wolverine Way, Aliso Viejo
This is a COMMUNITY theatre production, not a high school production. Looking for actors 18+, though minor actors may be considered.
Callbacks scheduled for Wednesday, October 16, 7pm
Rehearsals begin November 18
Production
Dates January 24 - February 2, 2025
Audition Form
One of Shakespeare's most tragic and profound works, telling the story of King Lear, who, in a moment of tragic folly, decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters based on their expressions of love for him. The consequences of this ill-fated decision lead to betrayal, madness, and ultimate tragedy.
The role of King Lear has already been cast. All other roles are open.
39 Steps Auditions
Cold Sides and Improvisation
Monday, August 7, 7pm
Callbacks August 9th, 7pm if necessary
Rehearsals: Monday, August 14 (M-TH)
Show: September 29-October 1
Location: Aliso Niguel High School
All roles open. Cast will be expanded from the original 4 actors. Auditioning ages 16-106.
Auditions will consist of cold readings and improvisation. Physicality is important to the show and will be considered.
Group auditions. Please arrive on time and plan to stay up to two hours.
Rehearsals begin: Monday, August 14, running M-TH
Shows: September 29 & 30, 7pm, October 1, 2pm
Rehearsals/Performances at Aliso Niguel High School
Roles:The Man:
Richard Hannay: about forty (give or take a decade), a quick witted, dapper, English gentleman who is living an unfulfilled in life. Upon meeting the secret agent Annabella, Richard has to go on the run and finds himself involved in a plot that could save his whole country.
The Women (to be played by 1-3 women):
Annabella Schmidt: An exotic secret agent, Annabella Schmidt is in dire need of Hannay’s help. (german accent)
Pamela: A beautiful woman, Pamela is lured into Hannay’s adventure but is skeptical of his claims of innocence. (British accent)
Margaret: the farmer’s wife, Margaret is a shy young woman who dreams of life and adventure in the city. (scottish accent)
The Rest: (2-10 actors to play dozens more characters)
Any gender – heroes, villains, men, women, and even the occasional inanimate object – auditions for these parts will include significant physicality and improvisational work. Bring your best (or worst) accents to show off -- Scottish, British, Bond Villain, indeterminate but clearly foreign, etc.)Actors playing all roles will have significant stage time as living stage scenery, sound and visual effects, in addition to roles both scripted and unscripted.
The following sides will be used in the audition. Actors will asked to choose one character to present. Actors will then be asked to try this or other sides in various ways, improvisationally.
- Annabella-Hannay-p.18-19
- Clowns-Hannay-p.30-32
- Compere-MrMemory-p.11-12
- Crofter-Maragaret-Hannay-p.43-44
- Hannay-p.9-10
- Crofter-Maragaret-Hannay-p.43-44
- Pamela-Hannay-p.76-77
- Milkman-Hannay-p.23-24
- McGarrigles-Hannay-p.80-81
- Heavies-Hannay-p.74-75
- Hannay-ProfJordan-p.57-58
Please note the accents that are important for this show, primarily British and Scottish. A short how to on the Scottish accent is provided here for your assistance -- feel free to go full Mike Myers!
You can complete the audition form attached and bring to the audition: Audition Form
King Lear (60-80) King of Britain. Lear is the protagonist whose willingness to believe empty flattery leads to the deaths of many people.
Goneril (35-45) Lear's eldest daughter who, after professing her deep love for her father, betrays him and plots his murder.
Regan (35-45) Lear's second daughter. Regan joins forces with Goneril to destroy their father. Regan initially appears less harsh than her elder sister, but in the end, she proves to be as blood-thirsty as Goneril.
Please prepare the Goneril side to audition for Regan
Cordelia (25-35) Lear's youngest daughter. Cordelia genuinely loves her father, but her refusal to flatter him leads to her tragic death.
Fool (25-60) Loyal member of the king's court. The Fool assumes the role of protector to Lear when Cordelia is banished.
Edmund (25-35) Gloucester's younger, illegitimate, son. He is an opportunist whose ambitions lead him to form a union with Goneril and Regan.
Duke of Albany (35-60) Goneril's husband. Albany grows in stature during the play and ultimately finds the strength to resist his wife's efforts to have Lear killed.
Edgar/Poor Tom (25-35)
Gloucester's older son. Edgar is Gloucester's only legitimate heir, but he must flee and hide from his father, disguised as Poor Tom, when he comes under suspicion.
Earl of Kent / Caius (40-60)
Lear's loyal friend and supporter. Although banished, Kent disguises himself as Caius in an effort to stay close to his king.
Earl of Gloucester (50-70)
Lear's cohort and loyal friend. Gloucester is a foolish old man whose inability to see the truth in his youngest son's words parallels Lear's own difficulties with Goneril and Regan.
Duke of Cornwall (35-60) Regan's brutal husband. Cornwall is vicious and savage as he tries to eliminate Lear and Gloucester.
Please prepare the Albany side to audition for Cornwall.
Oswald (25-50) Goneril's steward. Oswald is a willing accomplice to Goneril's plotting and proves a foil to Kent's devotion to Lear.
Please prepare one of the other sides to audition for Oswald.
King of France (30-40) Marries Cordelia. France is honorable and willing to support Cordelia's efforts to rescue her father
Please prepare one of the other sides to audition for France.
Duke of Burgundy (25-45) Suitor for Cordelia. Burgundy rejects Cordelia when he discovers that she will bring him no dowry.
Please prepare one of the other sides to audition for Burgundy.
various knights, attendants, messengers, and other ensemble
March 8, 2025, 6-9pm, Aliso Viejo
Featuring "A Few of Your Favorite Things":
Wine, gourmet food, Raffle Baskets, and first rate entertainment
Please contact Renaissance Theatre Company for further information:
info@rentheatreco.org
(949) 415-6280
Tickets
Now!