Langham Court Theatre Society is an inclusive environment, and we encourage everyone to come out and audition.
Open auditions for Shakespeare in Love
Based on the screenplay by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard, adapted for the stage by Lee Hall, with music by Paddy Cunneen. Directed by Heather-Elayne Day and music direction by Kathy Alexander
Show dates: May 20 to June 7, 2026
“I will have poetry in my life. And adventure. And love. Love above all.”
Synopsis: Young Will Shakespeare has writer’s block, that is, until he finds his muse… the feisty, brilliant and beautiful Viola. This crafty young woman will stop at nothing (including breaking the law) to appear in his next play. Against a bustling background of mistaken identity, ruthless scheming and backstage theatrics, Will’s love for Viola quickly blossoms, inspiring him to write his greatest romantic masterpiece.
Content Advisory: Mature themes.
Audition Dates:
- Tuesday, February 10 (6 – 10 p.m.)
- Thursday, February 12 (6 – 10 p.m.)
Auditions are by appointment only. Book your spot by emailing producergord@gmail.com
Characters:
We are looking for performers with a sense of fun who can deliver the stylized period dialogue with confidence. There will be physical comedy, sword fights, dancing, and a bit with a dog! Ages refer to the character’s age rather than the age of actor.
Principals
- Will Shakespeare (Romeo) (Male, character age 25–35) – Passionate young playwright, searching for true inspiration. Charismatic, intelligent, exudes cocky confidence when not brooding over his writer’s block.
- Viola/Thomas Kent (Romeo, Juliet) (Female, character age 20–30) – A young noble who dreams of becoming an actor. Viola risks everything by disguising herself as a man to perform, illegally, in Will’s latest play. Rebellious and passionate, playful, and determined.
- Henslowe (Male, character age 40–70) – The harried owner of the Rose Theatre which will present Shakespeare’s new comedy…if it’s ever written!
- Burbage (Male, 35–55) – Lead actor and rival theatre owner, bold and flamboyant, competing to produce Shakespeare’s work. Charismatic performer with flair. Instigates a sword fight with Will.
- Kit Marlowe (Male, 25–35) – Will’s closest friend and more successful rival is encouraging and supportive. Smooth, charming, and confident.
- Lord Wessex (Male, 30–45) – Insufferable noble engaged to Viola for her father’s money. Smarmy to the Queen but hateful to everyone else. Aristocratic and commanding. Instigates a sword fight with Will.
Featured Characters
- Nurse (Female, character age 45–65) – Viola’s devoted confidante and guardian, offering guidance and comic wisdom. Maternal, quick-witted, and protective.
- Fennyman (Apothecary) (Male, character age 35–55) – A producer – aka “the money.” A ruthless loan shark, he is imperious and intimidating but his burgeoning theatrical ambitions result in a charming transformation.
- Ned (Mercutio) (Male, 25–40) – Renowned actor Ned Alleyn is the lead actor and manager of the Admiral’s Men, the company of players presenting Will’s newest play. Pompous, self-absorbed, and a bit reckless.
- Webster (Male, 12–18) – A street urchin and troublemaker who aspires to be an actor and is a constant lurking presence at the theatre.
Actors selected for the following characters will play two or three roles and form an active ensemble. Additional roles will be assigned during rehearsals.
- Queen Elizabeth / Molly (Female, 50–70) – Stern monarch and shrewd arbiter of theatre. Delivers her proclamations with droll humour and sharp insight. She is a regal and daunting presence. Molly is a comic tavern wench.
- Tilney / Sir Robert de Lesseps – A strict Master of the Revels who despises all players / Viola’s stern father.
- Sam (Juliet/Proteus) (Male, 16–24) – Enthusiastic actor who portrays Juliet in Romeo & Juliet and a charming and energetic ensemble presence.
- Bartender / Officiant (Female, any age) – Fast-talking comic roles and ensemble presence.
- Mistress Quickly / Kate (Female, any age) – Fast-talking comic roles and ensemble presence.
- Ralph / Catling (Juliet’s Nurse/Petruchio) (Male, any age) – A tavern server and aspiring actor who plays Juliet’s Nurse and Petruchio in Romeo and Juliet as well as ensemble roles.
- Wabash (Valentine) (Male, any age) – Earnest actor with crippling stage fright, and ensemble versatility. Endearing and adaptable. Plays Valentine in Two Men of Verona.
- Lambert/Nol (Benvolio/Sampson) (Males 20-45) – Actors in Romeo and Juliet and lively and flexible ensemble performer
- Frees/Adam/Boatman – Actors in Romeo and Juliet and lively and flexible ensemble performer
- Robin (Proteus/Lady Capulet) – Actor in Romeo and Juliet and lively and flexible ensemble performers
- Peter (Tybalt) – Actor in Romeo and Juliet and lively and flexible ensemble performers
Audition Requirements
- Bring a resume or be prepared to complete a form which includes your name, contact information, theatrical experience, training, and any special skills. Juggling, fencing, mime, clown work, playing a musical instrument, singing, are all skills we’d love to know about.
- Please attach a clear recent photo (any size) to your resume.
- During your scheduled audition time you will be asked to do a cold read from a section of the script chosen by the director. The script will be provided and may not be the character you are hoping to play. No accents are required.
- People who are asked to attend a callback may be asked to come back for a specific role, but consideration will not be limited to that role.
Please note, you must be available during the rehearsal period and for every performance.
Additional Information
- Inclusion: We encourage submissions from performers with a broad range of backgrounds, including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, indigeneity, gender, and body type. Langham Court Theatre Society is open to performers of all levels of experience. We encourage anyone to audition for any role, as we will be casting based on who is best for the role.
- Accessibility: Audition, rehearsal, and performance spaces are not accessible.
- Video Submissions: In-person auditions are preferred. However, if you are unable to attend due to exceptional circumstances, you may request permission to submit a video audition. Please make this request by emailing ProducerGord@gmail.com Callbacks are in person.
- Callbacks: If you are unable to attend a callback, let us know immediately. We will do our best to accommodate, but availability may affect casting decisions.
Langham Court Theatre is a community theatre powered by volunteers and all actors and crew are unpaid. If you are selected for the cast, you must become a member of the Langham Court Theatre Society. The Society has ZERO TOLERANCE for bullying, racism, harassment, and other behaviours that cause harm to members of our community. If selected, you will be required to adhere to our Code of Conduct.
