The Winter’s Tale
by William Shakespeare
DIRECTED BY Caitlin Lopez
AUDITIONS
Runs July 14-24 at the Sontag Greek Theater in Claremont.
Rehearsals June 7-July 13 Tues-Thurs 7-10:30, Sat. & Sun. 10-6pm (individual call times will vary) at OJP theater in Upland and Sontag Greek Theater. Pay is $15 per hour for all rehearsals and performances.
In reference to the character descriptions below—most characters we encounter currently are on the binary and are written with he/him or she/her pronouns and you will see that in the following descriptions. But however limiting the descriptions are, our casting seeks to be as inclusive as possible and we invite gender non-conforming, genderqueer, transgender and non-binary actors to submit for the roles they most identify with. We will also list race/ethnicity when specific to the character but are otherwise seeking all races and ethnicities. BIPOC actors are highly encouraged to audition.
LEONTES – He/Him (30s-60s), any ethnicity – King of Sicilia. Lost in a paranoid thought cycle that has him believing his wife has cheated on him with the King of Bohemia. His love for both of them ultimately drives his toxic passion and his eventual path to redemption.
HERMIONE – She/Her (30s-50s), any ethnicity – Queen of Sicilia. Devoted wife to Leontes and mother to young Mamilius. Her pregnancy is cast into doubt by Leontes, yet despite this slander she stands firm and resolute in her innocence and her presence. A great woman.
PAULINA – She/Her (30s-60s), any ethnicity – wife of Antigonus and lady-in-waiting and confidante to Hermione; intelligent, strong, moral; later becomes a trusted advisor to Leontes.
CAMILLO – He/Him (30s-60s), any ethnicity; senior counselor to Leontes who formerly served his father; he shifts his allegiance to Polixenes; strong moral base, loyal.
POLIXENES/MARINER – He/Him (30s-60s), any ethnicity – King of Bohemia; father of Florizel; classmate and best friend of Leontes; a strong and admired leader, widower, kind; concerned for his child.
SHEPHERD/ARCHIDAMUS/OFFICER – Any Gender (40s-70s), any ethnicity – a wise fool and father to Clown; country bumpkin; kind, well-meaning, and lovable.
SHEPHERD’S SON/LORD – He/Him (20s-40s), Any ethnicity – son to Old Shepherd; not really a clown, oblivious, sweet, and tender-hearted; loves Mopsa.
ANTIGONUS/COURT SERVANT/COUNTRY SERVANT – He/Him (30s-60s), any ethnicity – husband of Paulina; liege to Leontes, loyal and dedicated; identifies himself with the king, and willing to do anything for him.
FLORIZEL/FIRST SERVANT – Any Gender(18-30), any ethnicity – child of Polixenes and heir to throne of Bohemia; rebellious and passionate yet inherently regal; runs away from their father�’s court; falls in love with Perdita.
PERDITA/MAMILLIUS/TIME – She/Her, He/Him, They/Them (18-30), Any ethnicity – daughter to Leontes and Hermione, young princess, but raised by Old Shepherd; beautiful, magnetic, and passionate; her royal side comes through despite her humble surroundings; falls in love with Florizel
CLEOMENES/EMILIA/DORCAS – She/Her, They/Them (20-40), any ethnicity
DION/LADY/MOPSA – She/Her, They/Them (20-40), Any Ethnicity