GTCC Theater to Hold Auditions For Promenade Production Of Shakespeare’s “Romeo And Juliet”

HIGH POINT, N.C. — Guilford Technical Community College’s Theater program will hold auditions for its fall production of the Shakespearean tragedy “Romeo and Juliet” Saturday, Aug. 19 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Tuesday, Aug. 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Auditions are open to the community and will be held at the Center for Creative and Performing Arts Theater on GTCC’s High Point Campus.

“Set in a modern day, this is a fresh take on a classic story that blends Shakespeare’s immortal verse with a musical backdrop of pop, folk and hip hop. In this promenade theatre production, the audience will travel with the characters from scene to scene as events unfold across five performance spaces on the GTCC campus,” said GTCC Associate Professor of Theatre Joshua Waterstone. “You’ve read the play, you’ve seen the movie, but you’ve never experienced ‘Romeo and Juliet’ like this!”

Recognized worldwide as one of theatre’s oldest and most iconic romances, “Romeo and Juliet” follows the story of two young lovers who are determined to remain together against all odds. In a world where hate thrives and a misspoken word from the other side can lead to destruction, two enemies succumb to a star-crossed love affair. Forced to keep their relationship a secret, events spiral into murder, revenge, and conspiracy, threatening to destroy both powerful families unless one side determines to end an ancient grudge through forgiveness and hope for the future.

GTCC’s performances for “Romeo and Juliet” will be 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21 and 28 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22 and 29. All performances will take place at the Center for Creative and Performing Arts, 901 S. Main St., GTCC High Point Campus.

“Romeo and Juliet” is directed by Meredith DiPaolo Stephens who has a history of staging promenade site-specific Shakespeare in houses and parks with Shared Radiance Theatre. Stephens, former Assistant Managing Director for North Carolina Shakespeare Festival, studied Shakespeare at the Globe Theatre in London. Fight choreography will be led by Benjamin Curns who has toured with the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, Virginia, and is a graduate of the PlayMakers graduate professional acting program. GTCC theater instructor Jody Tidwell will oversee lighting, scenic design and technical direction. The production is produced and managed by GTCC Associate Professor of Theatre Joshua Waterstone.

For more information, contact Joshua Waterstone at jswaterstone@gtcc.edu or 336-334-4822 Ext. 50299.

AUDITION INFO:

What:  “Romeo and Juliet” auditions

When: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19 and 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22

Where: GTCC High Point Campus, Center for Creative and Performing Arts Theater, building H2, 901 S. Main Street, High Point, N.C.

Note: Roles to be cast include 12 actors of various ages and types and four musicians. Contact Joshua Waterstone at jswaterstone@gtcc.edu for an appointment. Auditions are open to the community. Walk-ins welcome.

Roles to Be Cast: (Most actors will play more than one role)

Romeo Montague
Benvolio, cousin of Romeo  
Abram  
Lord Montague, father of Romeo
Lady Montague, mother of Romeo
Mercutio, friend of Romeo
Juliet Capulet
Tybalt, cousin of Juliet 
Sampson
Gregory
Lord Capulet, father of Juliet
Lady Capulet, mother of Juliet 
Nurse, servant to Juliet 
Paris, betrothed to Juliet
The Prince of Verona
Friar Lawrence, performs marriage of Romeo and Juliet
John, messenger for Friar Lawrence
Apothecary, sells poison to Romeo 
Citizens, Servants, Musicians, Guards, etc. 

WHAT TO PREPARE

Actors of diverse ethnicity and ability are encouraged to audition. Also looking for musicians.

Actors:  You will be asked to read dialogue from the show at your audition. A 1 min prepared monologue is appreciated but not required. Sides will be posted beforehand for your perusal at https://www.facebook.com/GTCCTheatre/

Musicians: Please prepare an example of your musical talents. We are particularly looking for acoustic/ electric, pop, folk, hip-hop genres and musicians good at learning cover songs. Bring in your own instrument.

Guilford Technical Community College is the fourth largest of 58 institutions in the NC Community College System. GTCC serves more than 40,000 students annually from five campuses and a Small Business Center. Learn more at www.gtcc.edu.

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