Auditions for Much Ado About Nothing

Pittsfield Shakespeare in the Park is casting non-union actors its 2019 free outdoor production of Much Ado About Nothing directed by Maizy Broderick Scarpa, running August 15–25, 2019 at the First Street Common in Pittsfield.

The show will feature 8–10 actors in doubled roles, so actors should submit two brief contrasting Shakespeare monologues—comedic and dramatic. Total submission should be 4 minutes or less. Choose material that is geared towards the roles you are interested in. Please submit the following to auditions@pittsfieldshakespeare.org by May 20 by May 27:

• a headshot or recent photo
• resume, if you have one
• a link to your audition video online (YouTube or Vimeo or Dropbox, etc. No large attachments, please)
• your weekly availability*

*Rehearsals will take place in the evenings and weekends starting around July 20. Actors should indicate their weekly availability using this draft of the rehearsal calendar (subject to change).

Character Breakdown

NOTE: We are seeking an expansive and diverse cast for this production—we would love your help in passing on the audition information to anybody you think may be interested. Casting is flexible in regards to gender, race, or ethnicity.

The following is the proposed doubling scheme, which may change based on the actors that are cast.

1.
BEATRICE — witty and sardonic, take-no-prisoners attitude, not about hitching her fortunes to a man
also plays
VERGES — sycophantic second-in-command of the Night’s Watch

2.
HERO — playful and hopeful young woman, falls in love with Claudio
also plays
DOGBERRY — the bumbling leader of the Night’s Watch

3.
MARGARET — friend and confidante to Hero and Beatrice
also plays
CONRADE — confidante to Don John and Borachio, a mischief maker who strives for more
also plays
FRIAR — wise and helpful leader who tries to make the best out of a bad situation

4.
BENEDICK — smart-aleck soldier and friend to Claudio, eager to remain a bachelor
also plays
WATCHMAN  — a member of the Night’s Watch

5.
CLAUDIO — a idealistic young soldier who falls in love with Hero
also plays
SEACOAL — a member of the Night’s Watch

6.
DON PEDRO — the Prince of Aragon, a pillar of the community and too-trusting friend to all
also plays
OATCAKE — a member of the Night’s Watch

7.
DON JOHN — Pedro’s vengeful brother, eager to cause trouble to the community
also plays
SEXTON — a stuffy community official
also plays
MESSENGER — an eager helper

8.
LEONATO — the head of the household, parent of Hero, strives to improve the lives of loved ones
also plays
BORACHIO — supporter and lackey of Don John, eager to prove his worth through bad behaviour