Open Auditions for Shakespeare’s Tragedy of Julius Caesar

Vermont Theatre Company announces auditions for the June Shakespeare in the Park production of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, directed by Jessica Gelter.

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar is a thrilling drama, in which community leaders manipulate each other into assassinating the head of their political system. It explores how that irrevocable choice leads their community into more violence and inevitable fascism. This year’s VTC Shakespeare production will feature gender-fluid casting in this political tragedy, which will be set in a rubble-filled, post-war, futuristic city.  According to the director, actors will not be in togas, performing a historical reenactment. It is a story of yesterday, of today, and of tomorrow – it is a fantasy, and a nightmare. VTC invites folks to join the cast, crew, and audience to appreciate the relevance of this story.

The production has roles for over 40 actors. Performers of all abilities and all experience levels are encouraged to audition. Throughout the rehearsal process, actors will participate in workshops on how to understand and act Shakespeare’s words.

Auditions will be held at Academy School at 6:30-8pm on February 26th and 27th with a snow date of February 29th. Actors only need to attend one evening. Actors are asked to prepare 2-14 lines of Shakespearean text – this text does not have to be memorized but memorization is encouraged. The audition will consist of group warm-ups, and delivering Shakespeare’s words to each other in a playful atmosphere.

Rehearsals for this production will mostly be on Sundays from March to June for the ensemble and on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for actors with more substantial scenes to perform. The production will be performed the evenings of June 20,  21, 22, and 23 at the outdoor theater in Brattleboro’s Memorial Park.

Vermont Theatre Company is also seeking volunteers to work on this production to both design and build a world made of trash and debris and to help with performances.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact the director, Jessica Gelter, at jessicagelter@gmail.com.