AUDITIONS AUGUST 31-September 1
7:30 pm at the Tyler Civic Theatre - 400 Rose Park Drive
WHAT'S THE PLAY ABOUT?
It has been three years since Shakespeare’s death, and his closest friends miss him dearly. They have only some of his masterful plays in their possession, and, after hearing a badly-botched version of Hamlet at a nearby theatre, they realize that Shakespeare’s words are starting to fade into obscurity. They decide all of his original plays need to be found or recreated and published into a book, a definitive collection of his works. “Publish or vanish. That’s the choice.” So they set out to compile as many of his manuscripts as possible, going head-to-head against a shady publisher, a drunken poet, shrinking resources, and their own mortality.© Utah Shakespeare Festival
WHO IS DIRECTING?
Our production of The Book of Will will be directed by Dr. David W. Crawford.
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
TCTC seeks male and female actors of all ethnicities, ages 14 to 60+ for this production.
WHAT ROLES ARE AVAILABLE?
HENRY CONDELL (Male)-feisty, hopeful friend and actor in the King's Men.
JOHN HEMINGES (Male)-reasonable friend and financial manager of the King's Men; owner of the Globe Tap House; a good man, a gentleman, if serious.
RICHARD BURBAGE (Male)-seasoned lion of the stage, famous across England, loud and proud.
ALICE HEMINGES (Female) -John's daughter and alewife, knows everyone and hangs with the boys.
BOY HAMLET (Male)-Young actor.
BARMAN (Male)-Ruffian.
BARMAN 2 (Male)-Drunk.
BEN JONSON (Male)-Poet laureate of England, friend/rival of Shakespeare. Amazing drunk. A bear of a man. Surprisingly weepy.
ELIZABETH CONDELL (Female)-Henry's wife, savvy and fun.
REBECCA HEMINGES (Female)-John's wife, a good wife. Strong, busy with their grocery business, a woman who has weathered much but loves her husband and sons and God.
ED KNIGHT (Male) - "Stage manager" for the King's Men, self-serious and particular.
RALPH CRANE (Male)-Humble scrivener of the King's Men. Quick, sure, quiet
WILLIAM JAGGARD (Male) – Successful if shady publisher of books, plays, and playbills. He is confident in his ability to get what he wants. Very experienced, very connected, willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. An ass.
ISAAC JAGGARD (Male)– William’s son, will inherit the business. Sensitive, but honest.
MARCUS (Male) - printer’s apprentice at the Jaggard print shop, nosy but honest.
COMPOSITOR (Male)-Works for Jaggard, young.
EMILIA BASSANO LANIER (Female)-fiery Italian feminist and poet, independent woman, lover of life (and of Shakespeare).
ANNE HATHAWAY SHAKESPEARE (Female)-Shakespeare's now ailing wife. Strong-willed, a classy lady, a survivor.
SUSANNAH SHAKESPEARE (Female)- good girl and daughter of Shakespeare.
CRIER (Male)- Newsboy.
BERNARDO, FRANCISCO (Male) - Actors playing those roles.
SIR EDWARD DERING (Male)-book and theatre lover.
HORATIO
FRUIT SELLER
MARCELLUS
WHERE WILL AUDITIONS BE HELD?
All auditions and rehearsals will be in person at the Tyler Civic Theatre, 400 Rose Park Drive
WHAT SHOULD I PREPARE FOR THE AUDITION?
Auditions for The Book of Will will be held “cattle call” style. Those wishing to audition are asked to prepare a 1 minute reading from any modern dramatic play or literary prose piece. (Memorization is preferred but not mandatory.)
WHEN WILL REHEARSALS BE HELD?
Rehearsals will begin Tuesday, September 8th and will generally run Monday/Tuesday; Thursday/Friday, 6:00-9 PM. Adjustments may be made according to the needs of the cast.
WHAT DATES WILL THE SHOW RUN?
Production dates are October 16-18 and October 22-25, 2026. There will also be two daytime performances for school groups October 20 and 21.
**Please bring any known scheduling conflicts to your audition. **
If you have any questions, please contact the theatre at 903-592-0561 or via email at info@tylercivictheatre.com.
