AUDITION NOTICE

*Three performances on Wednesday night, July 29, August 5 and August 12 

Location: On the Patio at HACPAC, the Hackensack Performing Arts Center. (Show moves to the interior stage in case of rain.)

Casting and audition information

  • Seeking 14 Performers for an abridged version of the play in a classic “Shakespeare in the Park” style of performance.
  • Audition location: The Grove Street Theatre, 130 Grove Street, Montclair, N.J. Thursday and Friday, May 28 and 29 from 6-8 p.m.
  • Sides will be provided at the audition.
  • Roles are gender neutral unless noted.

Plot

The Taming of the Shrew is a classic Shakespearean comedy centered around the courtship and attempted taming of Katherina, a fiery tempered young noble woman by Petruchiop, a young and handsome suitor from Verona that dreams of wedding a rich woman.  The plot revolves around the hilarious circumstances that arise when Petruchio believes he can conquer Katherina’s “shrewdness” and make her an obedient and doting wife.  Hilarity ensues when the supporting characters become involved in not only this plot, but their own as well.

Rehearsal times and locations:

3 consecutive nights on the patio at HACPAC on June 1, 2 and 3 starting at 6-sundown, then Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7-10 p.m. starting week of June 8 and ending week of July 20.  One more rehearsal at HACPAC on July 8 and Tech rehearsals on July 27 and 28 at HACPAC.

Roles

MAIN 5 roles

Katherina: (F) the “shrew” in the title and our main heroine. A quick witted and sharp-tongued woman who is known for her fiery temper.  She becomes the object of Petruchio’s ambition.

Petruchio: (M) Katherine’s suitor.  Young, handsome and supremely confident that he will marry a wealthy woman, he seeks to “tame” Katherina and win her as a wife.

Bianca: (F) Katherine’s younger sister and her complete opposite. Mild, submissive and exceptionally pretty, she is sought by many men.

Lucentio: (M) one of Bianca’s many suitors, he falls in love with her and disguises himself as a teacher to win her love.

Baptista: (M) Katherine and Bianca’s father and a lord from the town of Padua, Northern Italy.  He insists that Katherina must be married off before her sister, which results in much of the plays humor.

SUPPORTING: 5 roles

Tranio: Lucentio’s servant.

Grumio: Petruchio’s manservant.

Hortensio: One of Bianca’s suitors and Petruchio’s friend.

Biondello: Lucenio’s servant.

Widow: wooed by Hortensio.

Ensemble (4 roles): Performers to fill multiple smaller roles.