Auditions: Hamlet by William Shakespeare

Directed by Dakota Lee Bryant

Rehearsals: March 30 - May 12, 2022

Performances: May 13 - May 29, 2022

This production will take place in person with one pre-recorded streamed performance.

We are monitoring Covid safety and evaluating policies, and the safety of our cast, crew, audience, and staff is among our top priorities. Mask requirements will be assessed and may or may not be required for audiences or cast during this production.

We are committed to diverse, inclusive casting. For every production, please submit without regard to ability, race, age, weight, color, national origin, ethnic origin, gender identity, or any other basis. Any specifics integral to the plot or required by the publisher will be listed in the individual announcement.

(Audition information is subject to change)

Young Hamlet returns home from university to discover the world-shattering news that not only is her father newly dead, but her mother has married Claudius, Hamlet's Uncle - making Claudius King. The resultant instability has also led to threats of invasion by a soldier from a neighboring state. Late one night, the ghost of Hamlet's father appears to her, accusing Claudius of his murder and urging Hamlet to revenge, a goal in which she is only too happy to partake, setting into motion a train of events that destroys the royal family and nation of Denmark.

Content Advisory: This production contains mature language and themes such as murder, death, sexuality, talk of suicide, gaslighting, and the loss of a parent, child, or sibling.

Character Advisory: All characters experience or witness acts of verbal or physical violence and themes of death and emotional intimacy.

Cast: 13 Actors

We are particularly interested in hearing from queer, non-binary, and trans actors.

Ghost of Hamlet's Father (VO)/Claudius: Masculine-Presenting, 40-60 | King of Denmark

The Character of Claudius will perform choreographed stabbing and poisoning.

Hamlet: Feminine-Presenting, 20-30 | Daughter to the late, and niece to the present king

The Character of Hamlet is subject to manipulation, emotional abuse, themes of depression and suicide, and familial loss.

Gertrude: Feminine-Presenting, 30-60 | Queen of Denmark and mother to Hamlet

The Character of Gertrude experiences emotional duress and is subject to gaslighting.

Polonius: Masculine-Presenting, 50-80 | Lord Chamberlain

The Character of Polonius may express internalized homophobia.

Ophelia: Feminine-Presenting, 20-30 | daughter to Polonius

The Character of Ophelia is subject to depression, suicide, exploitation, manipulation, and gaslighting leading to a reactive display of mental breakdown. Must be comfortable singing.

Laertes: Masculine-Presenting, 20-40 | son to Polonius

The Character of Laertes demonstrates difficulties with anger management, retribution, homicidal tendencies, depression, and familial loss. This character’s life will end via choreographed knife play.

Horatio: Open, 20-30 | Friend to Hamlet

The Character of Horatio demonstrates depression and anxiety and witnesses the loss of a close friend.

Rosencrantz: Feminine-Presenting, 20-30 | Friend to Hamlet

The Character of Rosencrantz demonstrates acts of manipulation.

Guildenstern: Masculine-Presenting, 20-30 | Friend to Hamlet

The Character of Guildenstern demonstrates acts of manipulation.

Marcellus/Player #3 - Masculine Presenting 30-60 | Player 3 plays Lucianus/Priest

The Character of Marcellus expresses a fear of the paranormal, witnesses violence, and demonstrates an act of rage.

Bernardo/Player #4: Open, 20-30 | Player 4 plays Prologue/Gentleman

The Character of Bernardo expresses a fear of the paranormal, witnesses violence, and demonstrates an act of rage.

Player #1: Masculine Presenting, 30-60 | Player 1 plays Player King/Clown 1

Player #2: Open, 20-40 | Player 2 plays Player Queen/Clown 2/Osric

The actor portraying Player 2 must be comfortable in a dress.

Additionally, Player 1 or Player 2 may be asked to act as the physical embodiment of The Ghost but they will not learn any lines, just physical movement. The Character of the Physical Ghost will potentially wear a morph suit/mask, which will include the obstruction of vision and covering of the face.

Please contact info@3rdacttheatreco.com for more information regarding perusal scripts and content.

Auditions will be online (Zoom) on March 19, 2022, with in-person Masked Callbacks on March 20, 2022.

Sides and access to the Zoom meeting will be provided via a link sent before the auditions.

A small stipend will be provided.

Please contact the Box Office with additional questions.