Measure for Measure

By William Shakespeare

Directed by Jenny McKnight

Synopsis: 
The world of Measure for Measure is a world out of balance, particularly where gender and power are concerned. Women have little agency. Men become tyrants with the authority and status that they possess. The famously ambiguous ending of this play has always invited theatremakers and theatregoers to imagine what happens next… Our modern world is seeking balance, too. Maybe now is a time for radical imagination, for us all to activate our curiosity about what could come next. 

Production: 
Measure for Measure is in the Actors’ Studio slot as a ‘Shakespeareance’ ensemble production.

The Actors’ Studio productions are low-tech, performance-centered productions with intentionally minimalist design. Rehearsals begin November 6. No rehearsals scheduled over Thanksgiving Break, Finals Week or Winter Break. Performances in the Studio Theatre from January 19 – 27, 2024.

Audition Material:  
Auditioning students will have up to 3 minutes to present a package with any combination of:
· A contemporary monologue and/or
· A Shakespearean speech and/or
· 16 bars of music in any style
(an accompanist will be provided)

If unavailable to attend in-person auditions, please submit a self-tape before 5:00pm on October 9.

Rehearsals begin Nov 6th. 

Audition Location and Date:  
Dates: Oct 9th (Callbacks Oct 10th & 11th) 
Time: 3 minute slots from 6:30-10:30pm  
Room: A200 (Callback room TBD)  

Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare, directed by Jenny McKnight and VOX POP! a post-democratic musical by David Davila, directed by Lauren Diesch are holding joint auditions. Please indicate whether or not you want to be considered for both productions. 
(Note: Auditions for Pipeline and Head Over Heels will be Nov 27 – 29)

Audition Material:  
Auditioning students will have up to 3 minutes to present a package with any combination of:
· A contemporary monologue and/or
· A Shakespearean speech and/or
· 16 bars of music in any style
(an accompanist will be provided)

If unavailable to attend in-person auditions, please submit a self-tape before 5:00pm on October 9.

Rehearsals begin Nov 6th. 

Audition Location and Date:  
Dates: Oct 9th (Callbacks Oct 10th & 11th) 
Time: 3 minute slots from 6:30-10:30pm  
Room: A200 (Callback room TBD)  

Roles:  
Seeking an Ensemble of 10 Actors + Understudy/Swing:

ACTOR 1 – plays Duke Vincentio (male) · Authority figure whose laissez-faire governance leads Vienna into a state of laxity and debauch. Troubled, mysterious, clever, introverted, has the capacity to be vindictive or merciful.

ACTOR 2 – plays Angelo (male) · Reluctant authority figure who counters the Duke’s lax leadership by enforcing Vienna’s rules without mercy. His unyielding, austere morality is at odds with his sexual awakening over the course of the play. Conflicted, severe, emotionally immature.

ACTOR 3 – plays Lucio + Ensemble (any gender) · Lucio knows how to get what you want, where the party is happening, and who’s sleeping with who… Doesn’t take much seriously, always up for a good time, and a loyal friend.

ACTOR 4 – plays Claudio + Pompey + Ensemble (male)

· Claudio is the first victim of Angelo’s harsh crackdown. Loves his partner Juliet and his sister Isabella, he’s in an impossible position and asked to make a difficult choice.

· Pompey is here to make a buck. Clever, resourceful, good at finding ways around the rules. Right-hand partner to Mistress Overdone.

ACTOR 5 – plays Elbow + Barnardine + Ensemble/Understudy (any gender)

· Elbow is a constable, oftentimes inept, but always in love with being an enforcer of the law.

· Barnardine is a longtime prisoner with no regard for authority. Despite being sentenced to death, Barnardine has figured out how to sidestep that annoying situation …

ACTOR 6 – plays Froth + Friar Thomas + Ensemble/Understudy (any gender)

· Froth is Lucio’s loyal right-hand partner in troublemaking.

· Friar Thomas assists in Duke V’s scheme to place Angelo in charge and monitor the fallout. Loyal to Duke V, a voice of moral reason and restraint.

ACTOR 7 – plays Isabella (female) · Isabella seeks respite in a restrictive convent. Her love for her brother Claudio draws her back into the world, where she’s forced to navigate much peril, including Angelo’s unwanted sexual attention. She is smart, persuasive, capable of extremes in seeking punishment and granting mercy.

ACTOR 8 – plays Escalus + Francisca + Ensemble (female)

· Escalus is mature, wise, a trusted advisor to Duke V… and used to being passed over in favor of others.

· Francisca welcomes Isabella to the convent and lays down the rules.

ACTOR 9 – plays Mistress Overdone + Mariana + Ensemble/Understudy (female)

· Mistress Overdone’s booming business in the sex trade is at risk now that Angelo is in charge… what’s to be done?

· Mariana was engaged to Angelo, he broke it off cruelly, but Mariana still loves him. Generous, (probably a Libra), Mariana’s strong moral compass affects the outcome of the play.

ACTOR 10 – plays Juliet + Ensemble/Understudy (female)

· Claudio’s betrothed. Publicly and harshly punished for pregnancy outside of marriage.

In  Vox-Pop! a Post-Democratic Musical , a group of rebel troubadours is surrounded on all sides by the deadly forces of an oppressive regime. In their last few moments of freedom they have only one chance left to pass along the tale of Vox Populi, a sacred secret that tells of the rise and fall of a great mythical society. Can they pass along the legend to their children before they're captured, and save future democracies from corruption? Or, is there no such thing as democracy without corruption?

Vox Pop! is a musical about patterns of power and control over societies, and the idea that if you give people the right to vote they eventually vote away their rights. It's essentially a show within a show with life and death stakes for the rebel tourbadours telling their harrowing tale. The music is an eclectic mix of pop, folk, R&B, rock, Broadway, and choral singing. 

Listen to Songs from Vox Pop!

Rehearsals begin November 13. No rehearsals scheduled over Thanksgiving Break, Finals Week or Winter Break. Performances in the Ruth N. Halls Theatre from February 9 – 17, 2024.

Written by MFA playwright David Davila
Directed by Lauren Diesch
Music Direction by Erik Wakar

VOX POP! a post-democratic musical by David Davila, directed by Lauren Diesch and Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare, directed by Jenny McKnight are holding joint auditions. Please indicate whether or not you want to be considered for both productions. 
(Note: Auditions for Pipeline and Head Over Heels will be Nov 27 – 29)

Audition Material:    
Auditioning students will have up to 3 minutes to present a package with any combination of:
· A contemporary monologue and/or
· A Shakespearean speech and/or 
#183; 16 bars of music in any style
(an accompanist will be provided)

If unavailable to attend in-person auditions, please submit a self-tape before 5:00pm on October 9.

Audition Location and Date:    
Dates: Oct 9th (Callbacks Oct 10th & 11th) 
Time: 3 minute slots from 6:30-10:30pm    
Room: A200 (Callback room TBD)    

VOX POP! a post-democratic musical by David Davila, directed by Lauren Diesch and Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare, directed by Jenny McKnight are holding joint auditions. Please indicate whether or not you want to be considered for both productions. 
(Note: Auditions for Pipeline and Head Over Heels will be Nov 27 – 29)

Audition Material:  
Auditioning students will have up to 3 minutes to present a package with any combination of:
· A contemporary monologue and/or
· A Shakespearean speech and/or 
· 16 bars of music in any style
(an accompanist will be provided)

If unavailable to attend in-person auditions, please submit a self-tape before 5:00pm on October 9.

Rehearsals begin Nov 13th. 

Audition Location and Date:  
Dates: Oct 9th (Callbacks Oct 10th & 11th) 
Time: 3 minute slots from 6:30-10:30pm  
Room: A200 (Callback room TBD)  

NOTE ON CASTING FOR VOX POP!
The creative team is trying to create a diverse ensemble of actors to play a troupe of traveling rebel troubadours from all walks of life that have become a family. Some characters are listed as possibly being played by "any gender" and that is because the gender of many of the troubadours has not been set in stone yet. The playwright and creative team are open to discovering the possibilities open to them during the audition process. Please note that you might be called back for a role that does not match your gender identity as listed below - please do not take offense to this. It only means that the creative team is interested in seeing the character through a lens you might be able to bring to them.

Roles:  

CHILD - a child that is the center of attention to a group of rebel troubadours. They are dedicating their last few hours on Earth to passing along a tale to this child and ensure the child survives the seige. Innocent and filled with wonder. (Played by a college aged actor who can pass as a child.)

TROUBADOUR 1 - The Leader of this troupe of troubadours, they believe firmly in their cause and would lead an army into hell to fight for future generations’ freedom. (any gender but must have a deep, rich voice). Plays Izzigard the Uniter in the parable. Sings “Break the Pattern” “Don’t Look Back” and a lot of the narration through recit.

TROUBADOUR 2 - A “Doubting Thomas”. Believes in the cause but doesn’t believe in the troupe's leadership. Distrusts authority for good reason. (any gender, but must be same gender as Troubadour 14). Sings the 11 o’clock belting number, “Saviour” and also “Don’t Look Back.”

TROUBADOUR 3 - Plays Vakos the Elder and Others. This troubadour is that older guy that has all the jokes all the time. The class clown that might be creepy if he wasn’t so dang adorable and fun. Sings “Vox Populi” and “Act 2 Prayer.”

TROUBADOUR 4 - A real warrior and protector of the troupe, very masculine presenting with lots of “fighter” “alpha” energy. Female or Trans Man… plays male characters in the troupe's parable. Plays Reckel Rimmith and Others. Requires a rock tenor voice that also sings low operatic recit at times. Sings “Vox Pop Anthem” and “Vox Populi."

TROUBADOUR 5 - The aging ingenue. Has relied on her looks for years but is now starting to have to rely on her actual comic actress skills, which she definitely also has. Loves to flirt and can be a bit of a diva if she needs to be. Plays both Kyros and Kima Kofoogi and others. Female identifying Belter. Sings “Vox Populi” and “Be the Change.”

TROUBADOUR 6 - A full on nerd. The head designer for the troupe. Helps design the costumes and set pieces. Very creative, a true artist. An encyclopedia of knowledge. Plays Bizraeba Ban and others. Female identifying. Sings “Be the Change.”

TROUBADOUR 7 - The Lovable beast. A larger than life guy who looks dangerous but is actually harmless. Definitely does all the set building and tech for the troupe. The Technical Director. Most likely to survive in the wilderness. Married to Troubadour 8. Plays Festival Reckel and others. Male identifying. Sings “It Has Begun.”

TROUBADOUR 8 - Mother of the group. An Earth mother type who does a lot of the cooking for the group when she is able to. Loves to take care of this family of Troubadours. Might be an actual mother, it’s hard to say. She is married to Troubadour 7, at least symbolically. Female. Plays Shebastia the wise. R&B singer, sings “Bloom Where You’re Planted.” 

TROUBADOUR 9 - The womanizer type. This guy knows how beautiful he is and is always just trying to get into anyone’s pants - whether man or woman. This person really wants some lovin' at all costs. Plays Festival Lorena and others. Any gender. Sings “It Has Begun.”

TROUBADOUR 10 - Masculine identifying but any gender. Stern and forceful. Later plays a Crest Bearer (military enforcerment officers of the oppressive regime). 

TROUBADOUR 11 - Masculine identifying but any gender. Stern and forceful.  Later plays a Crest Bearer (military enforcerment officers of the oppressive regime). 

TROUBADOUR 12 - Innocent young woman, possibly a teenager. Shy, but competent; a good student. Strong and bright, intelligent but inexperienced. Likes to observe, and stays hidden, blends in for safety reasons. (played by a female identifying actor) Disney Princess Voice. Sings the I-WANT-SONG, “Closer.”

TROUBADOUR 13 - Lives off vibes. A hippie-dippy new age type. Sees and feels things beyond what others do. Sees the larger picture always and is able to take in every aspect of the world even when times are bad. They always stop to smell the roses and remember to live while they can. Plays Perha’ii #1 and others. Any gender. Sings “Complacency.” 

TROUBADOUR 14 - Playful and snarky, with lots of fun sarcastic comebacks. A real smart ass with fun attitude. Plays Natheesha of the Mud and others. Sings “Bragert the Bold.” Youngish, any gender but must be the same gender as Troubadour 2. 

TROUBADOUR 15 - Head boy energy. The perfect boy scout. Definitely a potential future leader and he knows it. Everyone reminds him of his potential all the time and it’s weighing heavy on him. Recently heavily wounded in battle, possibly walks with crutches. Perhaps he has an eyepatch. Plays Edwin Emitrios and others. Male identifying.

OTHER TROUBADOURS / CREST BEARERS / ENSEMBLE / SWINGS? - The creative team is open to casting students for other ensemble tracks beyond those listed here. 

Head Over Heels

A bold musical comedy love story that follows the escapades of a royal family on a journey to save their kingdom. 

The Go-Go's are an internationally-loved, all-female, band of pop hitmakers who helped cement the foundation of the early 80's pop-rock sound without the aid of outside composers, session players or, most importantly, creative compromise. 

Rehearsals begin Feb 5, 2024. Performances in the Ruth N. Halls Theatre, April 12 – 20, 2024.  

Songs by The Go-Go's 
Based on the Arcadia by Sir Philip Sidney 
Adapted by James Magruder 
Conceived and Original Book by Jeff Whitty 
Directed and Choreographed by DJ Gray 
Music Direction by Brandon Magid 

Audition Locations and Dates:
Dance Audition: Sunday October 8 from 4:00 – 7:00 in A200 
Singing/Acting: Oct 9th from 6:45 – 10:30 in A200 (use SignUp Genius Link + Information form link)  
Callbacks: Oct 11th from 5:00 – 10:00 in A207  

To Prepare:    
Auditioning students will have up to 3 minutes to present a package with any combination of: 
· A contemporary monologue and/or 
· A Shakespearean speech and/or 
· 16 bars of music in any style 
(an accompanist will be provided)

If unavailable to attend in-person auditions, please submit a self-tape before 5:00pm on October 9.  

Character Breakdown:  

BASILIUS  
King of Arcadia. A hothead. Blindly thinks Arcadia is doing great under his masculine rule, which will be sorely tested during the course of the show.  

GYNECIA  
Queen of Arcadia. Wise, and stoic. Like any longstanding spouse, knows how to get her way with her husband when push comes to shove. 

PAMELA  
Basilius and Gynecia's older daughter. Confident and obsessed with her appearance. Known to be the most beautiful bachelorette throughout Arcadia. Bossy. Subtle, but keen humor. 

PHILOCLEA  
Basilius and Gynecia's younger daughter. Shy and a "good girl", she yearns to follow her heart rather than obey her father's orders. Strong willed.  

DAMETAS  
The King’s viceroy; father to Mopsa. Wise, well spoken.  

MOPSA  
Handmaiden to Pamela. Warm, skeptical. Growing up without a mother has made her wise beyond her years about everyone and everything, which is why she is the (sometimes) narrator to the show. 

MUSIDORUS  
A young shepherd who courts after Philoclea. Quirky. Fun. Big heart, genuine. Plays in disguise, as a woman to pursue Philoclea.  

PYTHIO  
The Oracle; powerful, mysterious. Demanding. Great sense of humor--can see through everyone--they are the Oracle of Delphi. Performer isn't limited to gender identity and ethnicity. 

ENSEMBLE  
Unique, charismatic individuals to inhabit the kingdom of Arcadia. Strong dancers.