Auditions for LCT's Shakespeare in the Park: The Comedy Of Errors
Schedule
Sat Apr 05 2025 at 01:00 pm to 04:00 pm
UTC-04:00Location
Livonia Community Recreation Center | Livonia, MI
Auditions for Livonia Community Theatre's Shakespeare in the Park directed by Kelly Petrie will be held on April 5, 6, & 13th from 1-4pm at the Livonia Kirksey Recreation Center, 15100 Hubbard, Livonia, MI 48154. Callbacks will also be on April 13th starting at 2:30.
Even if you do not have experience performing Shakespeare, you are encouraged to come out and find how much fun you can have with the Bard.
If you are unable to make these audition dates and/or have any questions, please contact us or send us a recorded audition to
[email protected]
WHAT TO PREPARE AND EXPECT FOR AUDITIONS
• Actors should prepare a one minute (preferably comedic) Shakespearean monologue or sonnet done in a comedic way. Memorization is preferred but not mandatory. Sample monologues available upon request and provided at auditions.
• Actors should come dressed to move and prepared to do a short Commedia dell’arte improvisation (such as act out stepping in gum, trying to break down a door, or moving a very heavy object.)
• Actors should have their list of scheduling conflicts May thru July
• Actors are encouraged to bring a resume and/or headshot, although neither are required.
REHEARSALS
• We would like to have a first read around May 15th and one or two Commedia dell’arte movement workshops in May on a weekend.
• June 2 will be our first rehearsal. All actors are encouraged to be off book as soon as possible even as early as June 2nd.
MORE ABOUT THIS PRODUCTION
• Actors will not be restricted to roles based on ages, genders, races and/or ethnicities assigned to the characters.
• The script has been adapted to reflect the prohibition era of Detroit, and we will include as many accurately historical references as possible.
• The style of the show is Commedia dell’arte (think cartoon-like Looney Toons slapstick, eyes popping out, steam coming from the ears kind of comedy.) We will have a sound effects station on stage to help these moments come to life.
• Rehearsals will be at the Livonia Senior Center
15218 Farmington Road Livonia, MI 48154
• All positions are unpaid and there is no cast participation fee.
• All ages are welcome to audition, but 18 and under must have parent signed waiver approving their involvement.
PLEASE NOTE:
• The Dromio characters must be very physical, and stage combat experience is a plus.
• The characters of Antipholus of Chicago and Luciana will have a scene with physical intimacy, no kissing, but seductive tango movements.
SYNOPSIS
The Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare is a slapstick comedy about two sets of identical twins, separated at birth, who unknowingly end up in the same city years later. The confusion begins when one twin, Antipholus of Chicago, and his servant, Dromio of Chicago, arrive in Detroit, where their identical counterparts, Antipholus and Dromio of Detroit, live. Mistaken identities, misunderstandings, and a series of comedic mishaps ensue, leading to chaos, wrongful accusations, and eventual reunions. In the end, the confusion is resolved, and all is forgiven, restoring order and harmony.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Antipholus of Chicago (20-30s any gender to play male): The twin brother of Antipholus of Detroit and the son of Egeon; he has been traveling the world with his servant/brother, Dromio of Chicago, trying to find his long-lost brother and mother.
2. Antipholus of Detroit (20-30s any gender to play male): The twin brother of Antipholus of Chicago and the son of Egeon; he is a well-respected “merchant” in Detroit and Adriana's husband.
3 and 4. Dromio of Chicago and Dromio of Detroit (20-30s any gender to play male): Also twin brothers separated at birth and are the respective comical servants of Antipholus of Chicago and his twin brother Antipholus of Detroit.
5. Adriana (20-40): The wife of Antipholus of Detroit, she is a fierce, jealous woman.
6. Luciana (20-30): Adriana's unmarried sister and the object of Antipholus of Chicago's affections.
7. Solinus The “Duke or Duchess” of Detroit: Head of Detroit underground life. The bootleggers and gangsters all answer to them.
8. Egeon: A Syracusan “merchant," husband of the Abbess (Emilia), and the father of the two Antipholi. He is, like his Chicagoan son, in search of the missing half of his family; he has been sentenced to death as the play begins.
9. Emilia /Abbess: The long-lost wife of Egeon and the mother of the two Antipholi.
11. Angelo or Angela: A goldsmith in Detroit and a friend to Antipholus of Detroit.
12. Merchant: Formerly from Chicago where he know of Antipholus of Chicago.
13. European Merchant: A tradesperson to whom Angelo/a is in debt. Have fun a with a ridiculous accent, it doesn’t matter where from.
14. Father Pinch: A self claimed priest, conjurer, and would-be exorcist, but he is certainly a bartender in the speakeasy. He will also possibly be our on stage sound effect station.
15. Luce/Also called Nell. Antipholus of Detroit's sassy maid and Dromio of Detroit's wife.
16. Courtesan: A classy professional escort and friend of Antipholus of Detroit.
17+ Additional dancers and gangsters.
Where is it happening?
Livonia Community Recreation Center, 15100 Hubbard St, Livonia, MI 48154-3527, United States,Livonia, Michigan
