Mass Audition Info

Things to consider: 

• "Primordial masculinity" and "genteel femininity"
• What is waiting at the intersection of Lust and Decay?
• What do "Desire," "Cemeteries" and "Elysian Fields" mean to you? 
• Exactly what is the American Dream...and is that a sweet dream or not?   
• (n.b.--don't get too "in your head" about it...feel that "blood consciousness" that Uncle Tennessee liked to journal about) 

The Winter's Tale

By William Shakespeare
Directed by Vladimir Rovinsky
Production Stage Manager: Jay Wetencamp
February 20-22 & February 27-March 2, 2025
Rehearsals begin November 18

Please note, this production includes mild violence and PG kissing. 

The enchanting world of William Shakespeare brings you The Winter’s Tale, where magic, betrayal, and redemption intertwine in a spellbinding tale of love and forgiveness. Set against the backdrop of two contrasting kingdoms, this timeless masterpiece takes audiences on a journey from the icy grip of jealousy to the warm embrace of reconciliation.

The Major Characters:

Leontes - The King of Sicilia, and the childhood friend of the Bohemian King Polixenes. He is gripped by jealous fantasies, which convince him that Polixenes has been having an affair with his wife, Hermione; his jealousy leads to the destruction of his family.

Hermione – The wife of King Leontes and the mother of Mamillius and Perdita. After she’s unfairly accused of cheating on her husband, she’s thrown into prison, where she gives birth, prematurely, to a daughter (Perdita). Soon after, she stands trial for adultery and treason, during which she remains eloquent, poised and powerful.

Polixenes – The King of  Bohemia. the childhood friend of Leontes. A kind and generous ruler, loved by his people. He is known for his diplomatic skills and ability to maintain peace among neighboring kingdoms. 

Florizel  - The son of Polixenes. He falls in love with Perdita, whom he visits disguised as a countryman. He wishes to marry her. However, his father objects to the marriage, and warns Florizel that his inheritance will be revoked if he ever seeks Perdita again. Florizel stays constant to his love, and resolves to wander the world with her rather than live without. 

Perdita – The daughter of Leontes and Hermione, born in a prison and brought up by a shepherd and his wife. She has grown into a beautiful and smart young woman, unaware of her royal heritage.

Mamillius - The precocious young Prince of Sicily and the son of Leontes and Hermione. He’s a cute kid but he’s also a handful, as he spends most of his time horsing around, declaring that he’s a big boy and not a “baby,” and saying smart things to his parents and caregivers.

Paulina - A noblewoman of Sicily, she is fierce in her defense of Hermione's virtue, and unrelenting in her condemnation of Leontes after Hermione's death.

Antigonus - Paulina's husband, and also a loyal defender of Hermione. He is given the unfortunate task of abandoning the baby Perdita on the Bohemian coast.

Camillo - An honest Sicilian nobleman, he refuses to follow Leontes's order to poison Polixenes, deciding instead to flee Sicily and enter the Bohemian King's service.

Shepherd - An old and honorable sheep-tender, he finds Perdita as a baby and raises her as his own daughter.

Clown - The Shepherd's buffoonish son, and Perdita's adopted brother. Not the sharpest tool in a shed but kind hearted and sweet.

Mopsa and Dorcas - Two young shepherdesses. They are full of life and mischief. They both flirt  with the Clown and competing for his affection.

Autolycus - A roguish peddler, vagabond, and pickpocket. He steals the Clown's purse and does a great deal of pilfering at the Shepherd's sheepshearing, but ends by assisting in Perdita and Florizel's escape.