[Capdist-auditions] Troy Civic Theater: Twelfth Night Auditions

[glasser]

Audition Announcement – Troy Civic Theater 
 
“Twelfth Night; or, What You Will” 
 
“Twelfth Night” is often described as Shakespeare’s most sophisticated comedy. 
His themes of unrequited love and mistaken identity are repeated. Likewise with 
the characters encountered: a lovelorn male, an all-knowing fool and a feisty 
female (or two). Yet in “Twelfth Night”, these themes and characters come 
together in a most magical way in telling the story of Viola, a young women 
shipwrecked in the country of Illyria, who makes her way in the new land dressed 
as a man. She comes to serve the lovesick Orsino in his courtship of mourning 
Lady Olivia. Olivia instead is captivated by the youthful messenger. Along the 
way, we meet a cast of riotous relatives and court characters as well as the 
officious steward, Malvolio…and so the hijinks, mystery and love begins. 
 
This will be a traditional production of the play. A MULT-RACIAL CAST IS BEING 
SOUGHT. ACTORS WITH THE ABILITY TO SING AND/OR PLAY MUSICAL INSTUMENTS IS A PLUS 
BUT NOT REQUIRED. NOTE: Actors cast as Viola and Sebastian must be similar in 
appearance (body type, height, features and coloring) 
 
Audition Dates: Sunday, April 7th and Tuesday, April 9th  at 7:00 pm. Audition 
readings will be provided from the script. If singing or playing an instrument, 
please be prepared to perform a SHORT song or piece of Elizabethan era music. 
Location: The Italian Community Center of Troy, NY, 1450 5th Avenue, Troy NY 
12180 (Auditions will be on the Second Floor) 
 
Contact: Kathy Glasser, Director for more information. justg at nycap.rr.com 
 
Rehearsals will begin in April. 
 
Performance Dates: June 28th at Troy Night Out, with additional dates to be 
scheduled 
 
Characters: 
•	ORSINO - 30ish. Duke of Illyria. Handsome, sensual, powerful, self-possessed 
and lovesick for Olivia. 
•	OLIVIA - 30ish. Beautiful, elegant and lady-like but with a strong sexual fire 
underneath. 
•	MALVOLIO - 40ish. Olivia’s steward. Self-righteous/self-important but 
ever-suffering. Powerful ambition to rise above his social class. Will be taught 
sword skills. 
•	SIR TOBY BELCH - 50ish. Uncle of Olivia. A penniless drunkard who has wasted 
all his money. Older man; could be  overweight but needs to be able to move well 
on stage and have excellent comedic timing. 
•	SIR ANDREW AGUECHEEK - 30ish. Desires to be Olivia’s suitor. Dimwitted friend 
of Sir Toby. Sees himself as the ideal suitor for Olivia. Will need to learn 
sword skills. 
•	MARIA - 30-40ish. Olivia’s confidante and woman in waiting. Witty and pretty 
with a shine for Sir Toby and a dislike for Malvolio. 
•	FESTE - Clever but insightful clown/jokester/balladeer/musician in Olivia’s 
household. Must be able to move well. MUST SING AND PLAY AT LEAST ONE STRINGED 
INSTRUMENT. 
•	VIOLA/CESARIO - Pretty, young Gentle-maiden. Shipwrecked and believing she has 
lost her twin brother. Falls in love with Orsino. Will be taught sword skills. 
•	SEBASTIAN - A young Gentleman, twin brother to Viola. 
•	ANTONIO - A Sea Captain/pirate. Extremely masculine, a rogue and ‘acquired’ 
friend/protector to Sebastian. Needs to have  or be able to learn sword skills. 
•	SEA CAPTAIN - Viola’s rescuer from the sea. 
•	VALENTINE/OFFICER - Attends the Duke. Will be taught sword skills. 
•	CURIO/OFFICER - Attends the Duke. Will be taught sword skills. 
•	FABIAN - Servant to Olivia. Comrade of Sir Toby. Must be able to move well. 
•	SUPPORT CAST - Lords, Priests, Sailors, Officers, and other Attendents. 
•	MUSICIANS - Guitar, Mandolin, Violin, Keyboard (Harpsichord), Flute, Lute.