New Jersey Auditions
Auditions for “The Merchant of Venice” at Playhouse 22
Casting notice posted on auditionsfree.com, casting location: Playhouse 22, East Brunswick Community Arts Center, located at 721 Cranbury Road in East Brunswick, NJ
Playhouse 22 of East Brunswick, New Jersey is holding auditions for its upcoming production of Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice,” directed by Andrew Parks.
Auditions will be held January 12 & 13 at 7:30 PM, with callbacks on Saturday, January 15, at 2 PM.
The auditions will be held in Playhouse 22’s auditorium at the East Brunswick Community Arts Center, located at 721 Cranbury Road in East Brunswick, NJ. For directions, visit www.playhouse22.org
“The Merchant of Venice” is one of Shakespeare’s most popular and memorable plays. It tells the tale of Bassanio, a young aristocrat who has squandered his money and now seeks the means to woo Portia, the renowned heiress of Belmont. Bassanio seeks the aid of Antonio, a wealthy merchant and his dear friend. Although Antonio’s wealth is currently engaged at sea, he agrees to borrow the needed money from Shylock, a Jewish moneylender and Antonio’s mortal enemy in Venice. Shylock agrees to lend the money on one condition: if the money is not returned on time, the forfeit shall be a pound of the merchant’s flesh, nearest his heart.
Auditioners are asked to prepare a brief Shakespearean monologue of no more than 10 lines. Auditioners will also be asked to read from scripts provided at the audition.
Needed are 8 men and 3 women ages 18 and up. The role of Shylock has already been cast. All other roles are available.
Below is a brief description of each available role. Note that some actors will be playing multiple roles, as indicated below. It is possible that the arrangement of roles will alter slightly depending on the final cast.
Women:
Portia, the heiress of Belmont (age 20 – 35)
Nerissa, her friend and attendant (age 20 – 35)
Jessica, daughter of Shylock (age 18 – 30)
Men:
Antonio, the merchant of Venice (age 35 – 65)
Bassanio, his friend, suitor to Portia (age 20 – 35)
Gratiano, friend to Bassanio (age 20 – 35)
Lorenzo, their friend, in love with Jessica (age 18 – 30)
Salerio, friend of Antonio (age 20 – 60)
Multiple role performers:
Solanio, friend of Antonio / Prince of Morocco (age 20 – 60)
Launcelot Gobbo, clownish servant of Shylock / Prince of Arragon (age 20 – 40)
Duke of Venice / Tubal, Shylock’s friend / Balthasar, servant of Portia (age 40 – 65)
Rehearsals begin the first week of February. All ethnicities are encouraged to audition. For more information about the auditions or the production, please call (732) 560-3689 or email aparks@quixoticgames.com .
Casting Location: Playhouse 22, East Brunswick Community Arts Center, located at 721 Cranbury Road in East Brunswick, NJ
Contact email: aparks@quixoticgames.com
