Town Players ‘Tempest’ Auditions

Town Players will host auditions for its July production, Shakespeare’s The Tempest, to be directed by Ruth Anne Baumgartner.

“Shakespeare really pulled out all the stops in this, his last solo play — music, magic, monsters; goddesses, sprites, drunks; a storm at sea and a ‘strange new world,’” says Ms Baumgartner.

Prospero, exiled Duke of Milan, was set adrift years ago with his infant daughter and a few books of magic when his younger brother seized the throne. Cast away on an island inhabited by otherworldly beings, he has used his knowledge to control their powers; and now, his daughter a young woman, he brings to the island by means of a shipwreck his usurping brother, his wise old friend, a pack of drunks and conspirators… and a thoroughly presentable young man. Shakespeare, the ultimate magician, wields the power of imagination in this very theatrical play.

 Production will be roughly period. Of the major roles, nine are men and five are women. The cast will also include various smaller roles (some non-speaking), of an undetermined number, some of which will be cast gender-blind; doubling is possible. Several characters must sing.

Actors should come ready to read scenes from the script (no accents, please); those who feel cold readings do not represent them accurately may also offer a prepared Shakespearean comic monologue.

Anyone interested in crew or tech work is invited to attend the audition and speak with the director.

Musicians who play flute, guitar, lute, or recorder are also very welcome. Participation in this community theater production is without pay.

No children are included in this audition. The production may involve a number of children; if so, a special audition may be announced at a later date. Interested parents should send an e-mail to the director, RuthAnneB@mindspring.com.

Auditions will be held Monday and Tuesday evenings, April 14 and 15, from 7 to 9:30 pm, at The Little Theatre, Orchard Hill Road in Newtown. Rehearsals will not begin until mid-May.

For directions to the theater, call 270-9144. For more information, e-mail the director at ruthanneb@mindspring.com.