We are excited to be performing Cymbeline on Sunday May 28, 2023 in Austin, TX. The show will be performed at 7pm in Ramsey Park with one rehearsal on Saturday May 27. We ask that you keep both full days open, so we can schedule the rehearsal and call times based on space availability.
Blocking, dramaturgy, character work, costuming, etc will all be done through google sheets. We will have one full cast read through on Zoom (in order to create a line-learning resource for actors) and about two additional check-ins through zoom (scheduled around actor availability). Beyond that, you will be free to get together in groups or with the director to chat, run lines, etc, but there will be no other scheduled formal rehearsals.
This production format is not for everyone, and may seem intimidating, but please know the team will offer all the support we can through the process, and the goal of this is to have fun in a whirlwind weekend of Shakespeare. Please note that this is an unpaid production, and all travel expenses will be the responsibility of the actor.
Audition in two easy steps: 1. Fill out this google form: (click here!)
2. Film a video audition submission containing two contrasting monologues of around or under one minute. At least one must be from Cymbeline (a set of suggested pieces are provided here), and the other can be from Cymbeline or any other Early Modern play. E-mail your video to info@walkingshadowshakespeare.com by January 18, 2023 Callback information will be sent by Jan 20.
Available roles below. Performers of all races, genders, abilities, and ages are encouraged to audition for any roles that interest them. **Please note: The role of Iachimo has been cast**
CYMBELINE - King of Britain -- very unhappy that his daughter has gotten married behind his back. Tries hard to be diplomatic, but his wife is pushing him towards war with Rome. QUEEN - Married to Cymbeline. Not evil if you ask her, very evil if you look at all the poisons she's trying to make. Her only goal is to get her son Cloten married to Imogen, so that he can become King. IMOGEN - Cymbeline's daughter. She's just great -- thoughtful, resilient and fueled by love. CLOTEN - The Queen's son. He is not bright. His only goal is to marry Imogen because his mom told him to. POSTHUMUS LEONATUS - Taken in by the King when he was orphaned at a young age. In love with Imogen until the tiniest whisper of infidelity blows towards him and he goes off the deep end. Driven by rapidly shifting emotions. BELARIUS - A member of Cymbeline's court who was exiled 18 years pre-play and took the two young princes with him to raise in a cave in Wales. He is kind and comforting, but constantly paranoid that someone will come looking for them as the boys grow up to show their princely natures. GUIDERIUS / ARVIRAGUS - The two princes who have only known life in a Welsh cave with Belarius. They are growing frustrated with never seeing the world. LUCIUS - A Roman general. He is a thoughtful and kind leader, who does not relish the thought of going to war, but fights out of duty. PISANIO - Servant to Posthumus. Loyal but not to the point of doing unnecessary murder. CORNELIUS - A physician in Cymbeline's court. Does not believe the Queen when she says she'll only use the poisons on mice, so he just makes some standard Shakespeare "looks dead" potion which saves Imogen's life after she takes it. PHILARIO - When Posthumus is exiled for marrying Imogen, he goes to Philario's house - a friend of his father's. He's wise and kind, but unable to stop a detrimental wager Posthumus makes with Iachimo. FIRST/SECOND GENTLEMEN - Gentlemen of Cymbeline's court, they set the stage for the entire show by catching the audience up to speed on everything that has happened with Imogen's marriage. They hear/see/know everything that happens at court. FIRST/SECOND LORDS - Attendants to Cloten, they are trying to balance knowing his is a dingdong with maintaining their positions. This results in several comedic asides to the audience. HELEN - A waiting woman to Imogen and the Queen. She is constantly present, helpful, and kind. FIRST/SECOND SENATORS - Of the Roman army. They are full of information and guidance to Lucius. FIRST/SECOND JAILER - The Clowns of the show -- when Posthumus is in jail they offer the common perspective on life and death. FRENCHMAN, DUTCHMAN, SPANIARD - Staying at Philario's house when Posthumus arrives. It is the Frenchman who puts the seed of the wager into Iachimo and Posthumus' ears. SICILIUS, MOTHER, FIRST/SECOND BROTHER - The ghosts of Posthumus' family. They appear to him in a dream while he is in jail, and appeal to Jupiter to save him.