The Shakespeare Initiative (TSI) will hold auditions for their April production of Titus Andronicus on Wednesday, January 23, from 7 until 9 p.m. and Sunday, January 27, from 2 until 4 p.m. at the RoxPAC/Investors Bank Theater, 72 Eyland Avenue, Succasunna. The production will be presented in collaboration with the Roxbury Arts Alliance.
Returning, finally victorious from a decade long war, Titus has lost many sons in battle. Clinging to his remaining family members, he has no idea that his worst nightmare is yet to be realized. Titus’ prisoner of war, Tamora Queen of the Goths, is bent to retaliate against the loss of her son at Titus’ hands. The two become tangled in a cruel cycle of revenge in which they lose more than either one could ever imagine. Titus Andronicus is believed by many to be William Shakespeare’s first tragedy.
The Pulp Fiction of the Elizabethan Age, Titus was created by a young Shakespeare as a crowd-pleasing shocker- full of murder, intrigue, betrayal, and vengeance.
Performers auditioning for productions by The Shakespeare Initiative are requested to prepare a Shakespearean monologue (it doesn’t need to be memorized). Since TSI productions are generally quite physical, a movement/stage combat section to the audition will also be conducted. Please wear comfortable clothing you can move in.
Auditioners should bring a current headshot/photograph and a copy of their theatrical resume. Appointments are not required.
NOTE: This production deals with mature subject matter, including violence and rape, and will involve some intense fight choreography.
Roles:
Titus Andronicus (m) – Roman general beloved by the people for his noble sacrifices over many years. His strict adherence to tradition leads him to make a series of unfortunate choices, spawning a cycle of revenge that makes up the action of the play. As the tragic protagonist of the play, Titus is both victim and perpetrator.
Marcus Andronicus (m) – Titus’s brother and stalwart companion throughout the play. He is the voice of reason and stoicism amidst a whirlwind of violence and madness.
Lucius (m) – Titus’s last surviving son. Over the course of the play he betrays his father, is exiled from Rome, raises a Goth army, and returns to pick up the pieces of a fractured nation.
Aaron (m) – A Moor (Elizabethan term for a person of north or west African descent), and Tamora’s lover. His evil machinations spur much of the action of the play, but his cruelty is tempered by flashes of humanity, such as the affection he shows for his newborn son.
Tamora (f) – Queen of the Goths, and then Queen of Rome after Saturninus weds her. She thus obtains the power to take revenge on Titus for executing her son Alarbus.
Lavinia (f) – Titus’ only daughter. She is betrothed to Bassianus, but is coveted by Saturninus, as well as by Chiron and Demetrius who will eventually rape and disfigure her, leaving her mute and without hands. Note: This role involves a scene of sexual assault.
Saturninus (m) – The eldest son of the late emperor who inherits the throne by receiving the endorsement of Rome’s beloved general, Titus. He is an impetuous ruler, quickly taking the queen of Rome’s enemies as his bride and allowing her free reign to terrorize the Andronici.
Bassianus (m) – The second son of the late emperor, and the ruler Rome should have had, if not for Titus’s endorsement of his brother, Saturninus. He sparks the wrath of both men by fleeing the palace with Lavinia, to whom he is betrothed.
Chiron and Demetrius (2 m) – The ruthless sons of Tamora, who mercilessly rape and mutilate Lavinia. Note: These roles involve a scene of sexual assault.
Alarbus (m) – oldest son of Tamora who is murdered early in the play, setting off Tamora’s vengeance against Titus. The actor playing this role will also play several other roles.
Aemilius (m or f) – A noble Roman and loyal servant to the throne.
Martius and Quintus (2 m) – Two of Titus’s sons falsely accused for the murder of Bassianus. The actors playing these parts will also play several other roles.
Mutius (m) – One of Titus’s sons, killed by his father when he defends Bassianus’s right to Lavinia. The actor playing this part will also play several other roles.
Nurse (f) – A servant of the queen who bravely, and foolishly, brings Aaron his and Tamora’s illegitimate son. The actor playing this role will also play several other roles.
Young Lucius (young m) – Titus’ grandson, son of Lucius. A young man trying to
make sense of the world around him. The actor should be able to convincingly play the
age of ten, be comfortable with the material and have great expressive qualities.
Performances of TSI's Titus Andronicus will be on April 5, 6, 12, 13 at 8:00 and
April 7 & 14 at 2:00.
For further information please email: director@theshakespeareinitiative.org
TSI's website: www.theshakespeareinitiative.org
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