ANNOUNCING AUDITIONS

August 10th and 11th at 6pm

Directed by Sam Wootten

About the Story:

Without William Shakespeare, we wouldn’t have literary masterpieces like Romeo and Juliet. But without Henry Condell and John Heminges, we would have lost half of Shakespeare’s plays forever! After the death of their friend and mentor, the two actors are determined to compile the First Folio and preserve the words that shaped their lives. They’ll just have to borrow, beg, and band together to get it done. Amidst the noise and color of Elizabethan London, The Book Of Will finds an unforgettable true story of love, loss, and laughter, and sheds new light on a man you may think you know.


“THE BOOK OF WILL…unequivocally announces Gunderson as a playwright with whom to be reckoned. It is, quite frankly, one of the best plays I have ever seen. It will bring tears of both laughter and sorrow to all but the most jaded audience member’s eyes. It is, in a word, a triumph.” —Boulder Weekly (CO).


“[Gunderson] has peopled the stage with lively, historically based characters…She paints a vivid portrait of the times in language sometimes formal, sometimes poetic and often…contemporary…She also gives a real feel for theater life and what it means to be an actor; you sense this is a work of both scholarship and love…[THE BOOK OF WILL] serves as homage to those who sacrificed to make the first folio happen and to Shakespeare’s magnificent words.” —Westword (CO)



CHARACTER LISTING

Actors will be cast in multiple roles and are expected to portray a wide variety of characters of different ages, backgrounds, and emotional ranges.


We are seeking dynamic performers who are comfortable with physical storytelling, vocal versatility, and imaginative ensemble work. Be prepared to demonstrate the ability to switch characters with clarity, creativity, and heart.



  1. HENRY CONDELL - 40s; fiesty, hopeful friend and actor in the King's Men
  2. JOHN HEMINGES - 50s; reasonable freind and financial manager of the King's Men, owner of the Globe Tap House; a good man, a gentleman, if serious.
  3. RICHARD BURBAGE - 50s; seasoned lion of the stage, famous across England, loud and proud.
  4. ALICE HEMINGES - 35; John's daughter and alewife, knows everyone and hangs with the boys.
  5. BOY HAMLET - Young actor.
  6. BARMAN - Ruffian.
  7. BARMAN 2 - Drunk.
  8. BEN JONSON - Poet laureate of England, friend/rival of Shakespeare. Amazing drunk. A bear of a man. Surprisingly weepy.
  9. ELIZABETH CONDELL - Henry's wife, savvy and fun.
  10. REBECCA HEMINGES - John's wife, a good wife,. Strong, busy with their grocery business, a woman who has weathered much but loves her husband and sons and God.
  11. ED KNIGHT - "Stage manager" for the King's Men, self-serious and particular.
  12. RALPH CRANE - Humble scrivener of the King's Men. Quick, sure, quiet.
  13. WILLIAM JAGGARD - Successful if shady publisher of books, plays, and playbills. He is confident in his ability to get what he wants. Very experienced, very connected, willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. An ass.
  14. ISAAC JAGGARD - William's son, will inherit the business. Sensitive, an artist at heart.
  15. MARCUS - 20s; printer's apprentice at the Jaggard print shop, nosy but honest.
  16. COMPOSITOR - Works for Jaggard, young.
  17. EMILIA BASSANO LANIER - 50s; fiery Italian feminist and poet, independent woman, lover of life (and Shakespeare).
  18. ANNE HATHAWAY SHAKESPEARE - 60; Shakespeare's now ailing wife. Strong-willed, a classy lady, a survivor.
  19. SUSANNAH SHAKESPEARE - 30s; good girl and daughter of Shakespeare.
  20. CRIER - Newsboy.
  21. BERNARDO, FRANCISCO - Actors playing in those roles.
  22. SIR EDWARD DERING - 60; book and theatre lover.
  23. HORATIO
  24. FRUIT SELLER
  25. MARCELLUS

A note from the Director

Please familiarize yourself with the sides below. The sides do not have to be memorized.

Please plan to stay at least an hour, as we may want you to read other parts and or scenes.

Please wear comfortable clothing that you can easily move in.

If these dates don’t work, please contact the Playhouse (info@cloverdaleplayhouse.org) and we can arrange other audition times or auditions via zoom.

We can’t wait to see everyone August 10th and 1th!


Audition Sides

About the Schedule:

The Book of Will will begin rehearsals on August 25th.

Rehearsals will take place Monday - Friday from 6p until 9p. Some weekend rehearsals may be necessary, and will be negotiated as required.

The show runs Thursday through Sunday, from October 9th through 19th.


NOT interested in being onstage, but ready to be part of the Playhouse team?

 

We couldn't put a show on the stage without our volunteer crew members! They help create our costumes, sets, and props, as well as help with opening night receptions, answer phones, and sell tickets.


Let us know what you'd like to try! Some people help daily, some monthly, and others just one show per year. 

We respect your schedule, and truly appreciate your time.

To get involved, please email volunteer@cloverdaleplayhouse.org.


Come and play with us!



Upcoming auditions are posted approximately 8 weeks before the production opens. 

Check back often for audition info!