Auditions Sunday 8th March 10am – 1pm and Monday 9th March 6pm – 8pm – Please book below to attend. (If you are successful and get a part, the £5 fee will be deducted off your membership fee)

Show week – July 5th

Prospero, banished to an island with his daughter, Miranda, seeks revenge on those who sent him there.

THE TEMPEST – CHARACTERS

Please note that the version of the play that will be used for production purposes is the Arden Performance Edition.

Prospero (M) – Age 40+
The banished Duke of Milan, he is an imposing and authoritative figure who has harnessed the magic of the island, to which he has been banished, in order to make life more comfortable for himself and his daughter. It is also used to achieve his purpose of revenge against his opponents. A manipulative and powerful enchanter he is not blood thirsty and in the end opts for reconciliation.

Miranda (F) – Age 16+
The daughter of Prospero, her only memorable experience of life has been on the island which has been her world for the last twelve years. Her experience of people has been limited to her father to whom she is obedient in all things. Her innocence is demonstrated in her first meeting with Ferdinand.

Antonio (M) – Age late 40s
Prospero’s brother who, with the help of the Duke of Naples, usurped his brother as Duke of Milan after being trusted with some matters of state. Power hungry and conniving he casts his brother and niece adrift to fend for themselves as best they may. He shows no remorse for his actions and indeed, encourages Alonso to do the same to Sebastian.

Alonso (M) – Age late 40s
King of Naples and co-conspirator with Antonio and therefore the enemy of Prospero and marked for revenge by the magician. He is not as nasty as Antonio and shows genuine remorse when faced with his crimes. Loves Ferdinand and is distraught at the thought of his death.

Sebastian (M) – Age 40s
Brother to Alonso. He is easily persuaded and shows no remorse for his part in planning the death of his brother or for his part in the plot against Prospero.

Ferdinand (M) – late teens
Son of Alonso, he is courteous, dutiful and loyal to his father. He falls in love with Miranda and is happy to serve Prospero in order to be near her. His former life is forgotten while under Prospero’s spell.

Caliban (M) – indeterminate
The son of Sycorax, the witch who used to rule the island, he is a wild and unpredictable  character who has been educated then enslaved by Prospero. Miranda patiently tried to teach him her language but he tried to rape her hence he is the only character for whom she has harsh words. He is angry and bitter that he cannot rule the island which he believes he is destined to do. Prospero promises to free him from his spell when his work is accomplished.

Ariel (M/F) – 16+ An ability to sing is required for this role
Ariel is a sprite/nymph who attends Prospero and is pleased to do so since he released him/her from imprisonment by Sycorax. Ariel moves lightly about and seems to appear and disappear at will – a magical character. Loyal to Prospero and compassionate in nature s/he persuades him to be forgiving rather than vengeful.
Please prepare a short piece that you can sing acapella for the audition.

Gonzalo (M) – 50+
An honest, aged Counsellor from Naples. He was instructed to kidnap Prospero and Miranda but feeling sorry for them gave them provisions to help them survive. He maintains his dignity whatever the circumstance and always makes the best of any given situation.

Stephano (M) – 40+
Alonso’s butler. He is a clowning rogue alongside Trinculo who, like Stephano, is drunk throughout the play. He introduces Caliban to alcohol and in his drunken haze fancies himself as King. He laps up the adoration of Caliban who thinks he is some kind of a god. This is a lovely cameo role for a comic actor.

Trinculo (M) – 40 +
He is the second part of the comedy duo and is Alonso’s court jester. He is also drunk for most of the time. He is less charismatic that Stephano but is more of a coward. He resents Caliban’s worship of Stephano but agrees to assist in the murder of Prospero. A lovely cameo part for a comic actor.

Boatswain (M) – 50 + A small but vital role.
An old, crusty sailor who assists the Master in the storm. He has a commanding presence and has no patience with the irresponsible and silly lords who are aboard the ship.

Adrian (M) – 20+ A small role
There is not a great deal of text to be learned but good quality acting is required while supporting the other actors. A lovely introduction to Shakespeare.

Francisco (M) – 20+ A small role
As Adrian – a supporting role.

Iris/Ceres/ Juno – nymphs/sprites (F) – any age considered.
These are non-speaking, dancing and miming parts but no less important for that. Dancing ability is required. An ability to choreograph would be an advantage. There will be a few opportunities to appear in the play as support characters.
Please prepare a brief dance routine which reflects movement in the natural world. You may present your audition with or without music.

Audition material are located on this link – Click Here

Rehearsal Dates are also located in the link above