[Capdist-auditions] ACT - Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead

[info at albanycivictheater.org]

Auditions for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead at Albany Civic 
Theater

Audition Dates: Monday, February 17th and Tuesday, February 18th, 7:00 
pm.

Doors open at 6:30 pm.

Address: 235 Second Ave, Albany, NY 12209

Show Dates: 5/16-5/18, 5/23-5/25, 5/30-6/1. There will be a preview show 
on Thursday, 5/15.


Synopsis: Imagine Hamlet if it were presented through the eyes of the 
two most clueless individuals not just in the play, but, possibly, the 
world. That’s what Tom Stoppard brings to life in this absurdist 
existential comedy… with, of course, a bit of tragedy… Join Prince 
Hamlet’s old school chums as they arrive at the royal court of Denmark 
having no idea why they have been summoned, what is expected of them, 
or, indeed, which one of them is which…


Characters

Rosencrantz (Ros)- More of a soldier than a student… with nobody to 
fight. Happily oblivious to the world around him, though there are 
moments when he almost gets it.

Guildenstern (Guil)- A scholar who just doesn’t quite get it. Constantly 
struggling to make sense of it all. Often frustrated, but, of the two, 
usually seen as the smart one.

The Player- The leader of a traveling troupe of actors. What the Player 
represents is anybody’s guess… Is he a simple actor? Is he the devil? Is 
he some sort of guiding angel? Or is he as hapless a participant in the 
play as Ros and Guil? Women are particularly encouraged to try out for 
this role.

The Players/Tragedians- (6 in all) Actors who travel the world putting 
on plays, they can be a rather silly lot, but their true skill lies in 
tragedies. Women are particularly encouraged to try out for these roles. 
Please list any talents you have beyond acting that might be of use in 
character: dancing, stage combat, singing, playing music, etc.

Hamlet- The Prince of Denmark and the lead of… that other play… Is the 
only member of the cast who might actually be aware that he is in a 
play.

Ophelia- Daughter of Polonius and sometime lover of Hamlet, reduced to 
being merely a prop in the play performed around her.

Claudius- The Danish king and Hamlet’s uncle who killed his brother to 
achieve the crown.

Gertrude- The Danish queen and Hamlet’s mother, concerned for her son’s 
strange behavior.

Polonius- Advisor to Claudius and Gertrude and a would-be thespian.

Fortinbras, Horatio, the Ambassadors from England, Courtiers, 
Attendants, and Soldiers.

*Performers of all genders, ages, and ethnic backgrounds are welcome to 
audition for any part.


**Sides will be provided at the time of the audition. These will feature 
readings for Ros, Guil, and the Player, though we will be using them to 
cast all parts, so please inform our team exactly what roles you are 
interested in.

***Should you want access to these sides prior to the audition date, 
please email SwordandHarp at gmail.com to contact director Ryan Gangemi.