NEW REPERTORY THEATRE 2023 SEASON

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Region: Eastern, Western, Central

Seeking:Equity actors for roles in New Repertory Theatre's 2023 Season (See breakdown). A RAISIN IN THE SUN & DIASPORA! will be performed in repertory. We welcome Actors of all races and all gender identities, abilities, and body types. Please take this into consideration when auditioning. In addition to genders listed in character breakdowns, we are ACTIVELY SEEKING TRANS AND NON-BINARY PERFORMERS for all roles. Local Watertown actors are encouraged to audition. THE NORMAL HEART Craig Donner: Male or Transgender or Gender Nonconforming. 20s-30s. Bruce’s lover. He has been feeling unwell for some time and comes to Emma for a diagnosis. Has a bad feeling about his condition. Doubles as multiple roles. Mickey Marcus: Male or Transgender or Gender Nonconforming. 30s-50s. Often standing in the middle between Bruce and Ned, Mickey tries to rise above the personal conflicts and keep the organization running. Nevertheless, as an advocate for sexual liberation, he considers Ned’s call for abstinence outrageous. As the play progresses, he becomes more desperate and exhausted. Ned Weeks: Male or Transgender or Gender Nonconforming.30s. Jewish. Vocal writer and confrontational activist for gay rights, he is fed up with the lack of action from the city regarding the yet-unknown AIDS epidemic. Hot-tempered and adamant, he feels deeply lonely in his mission to raise awareness about the issue. He’s always speaking his mind, which makes him unpopular both among the city officials and his community. Dr. Emma Brookner: Female, 30s-40s. Wheelchair User. One of the few physicians treating gay men with AIDS in NYC. Survivor of polio. Tired of seeing the men she treats die, but determined to get funding for her research, she does everything in her power to help. Idealistic, believes her work to be deeply political. A champion and a fighter in every sense. *Performers with a movement disability are encouraged to audition. Bruce Niles: Male, 30s. Former green beret. Reluctant to describe himself as an activist, he is nevertheless one of the more determined members of Ned's organization. His approach to gaining the attention of the public is gentler and more cautious in his hesitation to include other social groups in their fight. He’s skeptical of Ned's methods which causes tensions between them. Felix Turner: Male or Transgender or Gender Nonconforming. 30s. Jewish. Ned’s partner. Editor for the New York Times, he writes about fashion and culture. Coming from a modest background, he is proud of making it in NYC, and will not risk his position by coming out and writing about the epidemic. He was once married to a woman and has a son who he cannot see. Ben Weeks: Male, 40s-50s. Ned’s older brother, a lawyer. An authority to Ned until he refuses to associate his firm with the gay community. Serious and unapologetic, he is dismissive of Ned’s urgent calls to action. Believes himself to be looking past the prejudice and homophobia but is skeptical of sexual freedom. Tommy Boatwright: Transgender or Gender Nonconforming. 20s. An activist younger than the rest of the characters. Passionate for the cause, they’re very practical, solution oriented and prefers to act rather than talk. They speak directly, but with a flirtatious sense of humor, offering a sobering look at the situation. They’re attracted to Ned. Hiram Keebler: Male or Transgender or Gender Nonconforming. 20s-40s. New York City Mayor’s assistant. Official and superficially polite at first, he behaves contemptuously and dismissive towards the people in the organization, refusing to grant them any help. Believes in rules and order. Doubles as multiple roles. Grady: Male or Transgender or Gender Nonconforming. 20s-30s. A volunteer at the organization. Overwhelmed, but fully committed to the organization, considered by the others an errand boy. Doubles as multiple roles. A RAISIN IN THE SUN Walter Lee Younger: Male, Black, 30s. Walter believes he deserves more from life than he’s got. Quick to act and lose his temper, he’s nevertheless a good man torn between the demands of being a “man of the family”, and his desire to upgrade his socio-economic status. Between his fits of passion and tender attempts to get closer to his wife and son, we can see someone who wants to prove himself in the world. Determined to achieve success, he’s willing to risk everything, without much thinking, which leads to more disappointment and bitterness. Beneatha Younger (“Bennie”): *Possible Repertory Track - Female, Black, 20-something. Walter’s sister, Lena’s daughter. College student. Sharp, unapologetic, and impulsive, she always has the last word in an argument. Despite feeling misunderstood by her family in her search for who she is, she doesn’t let go of her beliefs, even if it causes conflict with others. Firm in her decision to become a doctor, she knows what she wants and is determined to get it. Her apparent selfconfidence, however, is undermined by Asagai, and propels her to question her identity. Her accent differs from that of the rest of the family from her proximity to university education. Lena Younger (“Mama”): Female, Black, in her 60s. Mother of Walter and Beneatha. Firm but caring, she has the strength of a woman who has been through a lot in her life, but never gave up – thanks to her Christian faith she’s always made sense of her troubles. She is the one with real power in Youngers household, respected due to older age as well as the money she is in possession of. Family is everything to her, and she won’t let anyone offend it, but her love for her children sometimes blinds her. Even though she has her own opinions and beliefs, ultimately, she wants them to follow their own dreams. Ruth Younger: *Possible Repertory Track - Female, Black, in her 30s. Walter is her husband. Ruth is an opposite to her husband’s hot- headed character – grounded and focused on the present moment, she will do anything to maintain the well-being of her family, even at a great personal cost. She is the backbone of the Younger family – always in motion, busy with chores, and getting things done. Sacrificing herself for others, however, she gradually loses her strength and calm, only to be rejuvenated at the prospect of a better life embodied by the new house. Travis Younger: Male, Black, 10-13 year old. Outspoken, self-confident and perceptive schoolchild, he is the pride and joy of his family. Always looking up to his father, he tries to behave in a “masculine” way, but already understanding the oppressive dynamics of the society he lives in, he scales down Walter’s dreams. For Walter, he symbolizes the possibility of a better future. Joseph Asagai: Male, in his 20s, Black. A Nigerian student in love with Beneatha. Always direct in his statements, he neither hides his feelings for Beneatha nor his opinions about American culture. Proud of his African identity, he enjoys Beneatha’s fascination with his sense of superiority and wisdom of a person who is well traveled. Although obviously intelligent and mature, he has a tendency to patronize Beneatha through his teasing. George Murchison: Male, Black, in his late 20s. Coming from an affluent family, he’s polite, but often patronizing in front of the Younger family. Described by Beneatha as “shallow”, he’s only interested in her as long as she portrays the role of a modern yet obedient girlfriend. Dismissive of her interest in African heritage, he considers himself better than due to his education and social class. Karl Lindner: *Possible Repertory Track - Male, 30-50s, white. Behaving in an official manner, he’s a bit too polite, ineptly faking interest in the Youngers. With one goal in mind, he hides racism under the guise of courtesy. Bobo: Male, 30-40's, Black. A loyal, but straightforward friend of Walter. At Youngers, he behaves politely, but he is obviously on the verge of a breakdown. Naïve and confused. DIASPORA! SUNNY: *Possible Repertory Track - “26 Black. Idealistic and split between places.” Female. Aunt to Janae, Patrick’s roommate. Book-smart and thoughtful, she’s nevertheless always candid and doesn’t beat around the bush. Convinced that she’s right, she never evades confrontation, and never loses. Caring deeply about her niece, she can be overprotective, but it all stems from deeply rooted fear of losing her loved one. A firm believer in rationality and self-determination, there’s nevertheless more uncertainty in her than she wants to admit. Just like Janae, she is motivated by questions of who she is and where she comes from. JANAE: *Possible Repertory Track - “18 Black. Young. Gifted. Unsure.” Female. Fiery, she is boiling with energy and a youthful rage, which she pours into activism. She tends towards the dramatic and thinks in binaries, but her determination is inspiring. There’s a sense of deep loneliness around her and the need to find her people, even at the cost of sacrificing herself. Her confidence seems fragile, hence the constant attempts to prove her worth. Desperate to find a deeper meaning to her life, a sense of identity and belonging. PATRICK: *Possible Repertory Track - “25. White. Dreamer. Lover.” Male. A performance-artist in love with John. Always giving his 100% to whatever he’s up to, he’s as enthusiastic as he is anxious. Very empathetic and supportive, he’s a great conversationalist who makes sure others feel heard and seen around him. The life of the party. JOHN: “30s, Korean American. Stuck. Hopeful. Practical.” Male. Still figuring out his feelings. Introverted and reserved at the first sight, he’s been holding to himself for a very long time and the weight of the unspoken thoughts is burdening him, wanting to get out. The fear of rejection is boiling under the façade of a stoic scientist. Always rationalizing, he is slowly letting himself be vulnerable. Korean, raised by a white family, he is looking for someone who would understand his experience. DOROTHY: *Possible Repertory Track - “21. Black. Known as Dottie. Young. Gifted.” Female. College educated, Thomas’ partner. She has a razor-sharp mind and enjoys the challenge, overshadowing the work of a trained lawyer. Resilient, independent, yet bitterly conscious of her social position as a Black woman in the 50’s, Dottie thinks quickly and doesn’t give up easily. Anxious to commit to life with Thomas, she puts him and their child first. In spite of all the problems, she still has a sense of humor. THOMAS: *Possible Repertory Track - “25. White. Dreamer. Fighter.” Male. Partner to Dottie. A lawyer taking cases relating to racial discrimination. Romantically inclined, hopeful and sometimes too much of an optimist, he nevertheless tends to overlook his privilege. Devoted to Dottie, he’s willing to abandon his career for her. ROBERT: “25, White. Writer. Repairman. Played by Thomas.” Male. Interested in history, attentive to details, he likes to chat. Altruistic. Polite and enthusiastic.

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SHAKESPEARE AND COMPANY 2023 LORT SEASON

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Region: Eastern, Western, Central

Seeking:Equity actors for roles in Shakespeare and Company 2023 LORT Season (see breakdown). Some HENRY VI actors will also perform in FENCES; some HENRY VI actors will also perform in MIDSUMMER; some MIDSUMMER actors may understudy in FENCES; some FENCES actors may also be cast in HAMLET. Shakespeare & Company is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to evolving its approach to diversity and inclusion to engender positive change toward race equity in its employment and artistry. We practice identity-conscious casting and strongly encourage performers of all genders, ethnicities, body types, ages and abilities to apply. THE CONTENTION - HENRY VI, PART 2: rehearsed and performed indoors in the Tina Packer Playhouse Henry 6: 30/40s, he/him or they/them, any ethnicity, King of England, doubles as multiple roles. Duchess of Gloucester: 50/60s, she/her, any ethnicity, Duplicitous English noblewoman, doubles as sea captain, Richard 3, and more. Gloucester: 50/60s, he/him, any ethnicity, loyal English lord, doubles as multiple roles. CAST: *Suffolk/Jack Cade: 40/50’s, he/him, any ethnicity, English lord, lover to Queen Margaret, doubles as Jack Cade, rebellious peasant. *Margaret 40s, she/her, any ethnicity, strong-willed and passionate Queen of England. *Duke of York/Dick the Butcher: 50/60s, he/him, any ethnicity, powerful English lord, doubles as rebellious tradesman. AUGUST WILSON'S FENCES: rehearsed and performed indoors in the Tina Packer Playhouse Troy Maxon: 50s, he/him, Black, ex-baseball player, hardworking, strong, storyteller, proud. Jim Bono: 50’s, he/him, Black, long-time best friend to Troy, devoted husband. Rose Maxon: 40s, she/her, Black, married to Troy, housewife and mother, volunteers at her church, a realist. Lyons: 30’s, he/him, Black, Troy’s oldest son, ambitious and talented jazz musician, often broke. Cory Maxon: 18/19, he/him, Black, respectful son, good student, football player, ambitious, bright, talented, energetic, compassionate. CAST: *Gabriel: 60's, he/him, Black, Troy's brother, WW2 vet with brain injury, child-like exuberance A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM: rehearsed and performed outdoors at the New Spruce Theatre Puck: any age, he/him, she/her, they/them, any ethnicity, mischievous sprite. Helena: 20/30s, she/her, any ethnicity, youthful woman in love with Demetrius. Hermia: 20/30s, she/her, any ethnicity, friend to Helena, in love with Lysander. Lysander: 20/30’s, he/him, any ethnicity, young man in love with Hermia. Demetrius: 20/30s, he/him, any ethnicity, young man in love with Hermia. Bottom: 40/60s, she/her, he/him, any ethnicity, local tradesperson and amateur actor. Quince: 40/60s, she/her, he/him, they/them, local tradesperson and amateur actor. CAST: *Titania/Hippolyta: 40/60’s, she/her, any ethnicity, Fairy Queen, doubles as leader of the Amazons. *Oberon/Theseus: 50/60s, he/him, any ethnicity, Fairy king, doubles as Greek warrior and leader. HAMLET: a one-week-long contract for a script-in-hand reading, rehearsed and performed indoors in the Tina Packer Playhouse. Claudius: 50/60’s, he/him, any ethnicity, King of Denmark. Gertrude: 50/60s, she/her, any ethnicity, Queen of Denmark, Hamlet’s mother. Polonius:60/70s, he/him, any ethnicity, Court lord and councilor, Father to Ophelia and Laertes. Ophelia: 20/30s, she/her, any ethnicity, daughter to Polonius. Laertes: 30’s, he/him, any ethnicity, son to Polonius, brother to Ophelia. Gravedigger: any age, he/him, she/her/ they/them, any ethnicity, a laborer. CAST: *Hamlet: 30s, he/him, she/her, they/them, any ethnicity, Prince of Denmark.

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