Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival
Cold Spring, NY
US

DESCRIPTION

AUDITION DATES

Thursday, December 12, 2024

9:30 AM - 5:30 PM (E)

Lunch 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Friday, December 13, 2024

9:30 AM - 5:30 PM (E)

Lunch 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

CONTRACT

LOA

$870 weekly minimum (Ref. to LORT) - 2024 rates

SEEKING

Equity actors for roles in Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival's 2025 Season (See breakdown).

Hudson Valley Shakespeare operates in a rotating repertory schedule. Most but not all actors, will be cast in a minimum of two (2) productions.

Actively seeking diversity of every kind in every role. We strongly encourage BIPOC actors and actors of all abilities and genders to audition.

PREPARATION

Please prepare two contrasting speeches, one comedic and at least one by Shakespeare. If interested in OCTET, please prepare a short song. The music of the show is sung as an a cappella chamber choir.

Please bring sheet music in the correct key.

An accompanist will be provided but may not transpose. Also, please bring your picture and resume stapled together.

LOCATION

Actors' Equity New York Audition Center

165 W 46th St

16th Fl

New York, NY 10036

PERSONNEL

Associate Artistic Director, Sean McNall

Artistic Director: Davis McCallum

Casting: Calleri Jensen Davis

Expected to attend:

Associate Artistic Director, Sean McNall

See breakdown for production specific personnel.

OTHER DATES

See breakdown for production specific dates.

OTHER

hvshakespeare.org

EPA Procedures are in effect for this audition.

An Equity Monitor will be provided.

Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination.

Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition.

Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.

BREAKDOWN

Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival 2025 Season

Hudson Valley Shakespeare operates in a rotating repertory schedule. Most but not all actors, will be cast in a minimum of two (2) productions.

Please note if you sing and/or play musical instruments, including but not limited to: guitar, bass, drums, banjo, percussion, cello, violin, and accordion.

ACTOR TRACKING (subject to change)

TRACK 1: [CAST] - Malachi Stack in THE MATCHMAKER - Male, 50s - will double as Dr. Pinch and Angelo in THE COMEDY OF ERRORS

TRACK 2: [CAST] - Cornelius Hackl in THE MATCHMAKER - Male, 30s - will double as Dromio of Ephesus in THE COMEDY OF ERRORS

TRACK 3: [CAST] - Horace Vandergelder in THE MATCHMAKER - Male, 60s - will double as Egeon in THE COMEDY OF ERRORS

TRACK 4: [CAST] - Antipholus of Ephesus in THE COMEDY OF ERRORS - Male, 20s-30s - will double as Ed or Henry in OCTET

TRACK 5: [CAST] - Ed or Henry in OCTET - Male, 30s

TRACK 6: [CAST] - Joe Scanlon / Cabman in THE MATCHMAKER - Male, 20s-30s - will double as Dromio of Syracuse in THE COMEDY OF ERRORS

TRACK 7: [CAST] - Antipholus of Syracuse in THE COMEDY OF ERRORS - Male, 30s - will double as Toby in OCTET

TRACK 8: Barnaby Tucker in THE MATCHMAKER - Male, 20s will double as Duke in THE COMEDY OF ERRORS

TRACK 9: Marvin in OCTET - Male, late 30s / early 40s

TRACK 10: Velma in OCTET - Female , 20s-30s

TRACK 11: Paula in OCTET- Female, 30s

TRACK 12: Jessica or Karly in OCTET - Female, 30s

TRACK 13: [CAST] - Minnie Fay in THE MATCHMAKER - Female, 20s - will double as Jessica or Karly in OCTET

TRACK 14: [CAST] - Dolly Levi in THE MATCHMAKER - Female, 50s/60s - will double as Aemelia, Abbess in THE COMEDY OF ERRORS

TRACK 15: Mrs. Irene Molloy in THE MATCHMAKER - Female, 30s - will double as Luciana in THE COMEDY OF ERRORS

TRACK 16: [CAST] - Miss Flora Van Huysen / Gertrude in THE MATCHMAKER - Female, 40s - will double as Adriana in THE COMEDY OF ERRORS

THE MATCHMAKER

By Thorton Wilder

Directed by Davis McCallum

1st Rehearsal 4/14/2025

Opening 6/26/2025

Closing 8/04/2025

SEEKING:

Dolly Levi - A witty and resourceful widow who works as a matchmaker. Dolly is lively and charismatic, adept at manipulating situations to her advantage. She is determined to arrange marriages not only for her clients but also for herself, setting her sights on the wealthy Horace Vandergelder. The role conveys charm, cleverness, and a knack for scheming, bringing both humor and depth to the character. Comfortable with quick-witted dialogue and a strong stage presence.

Horace Vandergelder - A wealthy, grumpy merchant from Yonkers, New York. Horace is intent on marrying a younger woman to alleviate his loneliness, unaware that Dolly has her own plans for him. He is conservative and resistant to change, but his journey in the play teaches him lessons about love and generosity. The role portrays stubbornness, comedic frustration, and a gradual transformation. Balances gruffness with moments of vulnerability.

Cornelius Hackl - Vandergelder’s overworked but ambitious chief clerk. Cornelius is desperate for adventure beyond the confines of the store and decides to go to New York City, where he unexpectedly finds romance with Mrs. Molloy. The role conveys resourcefulness, kindness, and charm, with a strong sense of comedic timing and a touch of romantic idealism.

Mrs. Irene Molloy - A smart, beautiful milliner who runs a hat shop in New York City. A widow who initially considers Vandergelder as a suitor, Irene soon becomes intrigued by the lively Cornelius Hackl. The role portrays a blend of independence, warmth, and the yearning for genuine connection. Has a mix of elegance and playfulness.

Barnaby Tucker - Cornelius’s young assistant, eager to follow his boss on an adventure. Barnaby is
naive and often provides comic relief with his wide-eyed enthusiasm and misunderstandings. The role
portrays innocence, loyalty, and an eagerness to learn about life and love. Strong physical comedy
skills are a plus. Ermengarde - Vandergelder's emotional and passionate niece, deeply in love with Ambrose Kemper. Vandergelder disapproves of their relationship, but Ermengarde is willing to fight for her love. The role
conveys youthful love, determination, and a touch of melodrama. Balances sincerity with comedic exaggeration.

Ambrose Kemper - A struggling artist in love with Ermengarde. Ambrose is determined and creative, willing to take risks for love. The role portrays earnestness, creativity, and a sense of romantic
adventure. Comfortable with both comedic and heartfelt moments.

Malachi Stack - A mysterious and philosophical character who becomes Vandergelder's new
assistant. Malachi is a drifter with a penchant for honesty and humor, ultimately serving as a voice of
wisdom. The role conveys both wit and a deeper understanding of human nature, with strong comedic
timing.

Minnie Fay - Mrs. Molloy’s young and somewhat naive assistant. Minnie is bubbly, talkative, and
eager to help Irene, often getting caught up in the unfolding adventure. The role portrays sweetness,
curiosity, and a lighthearted sense of humor.

Miss Flora Van Huysen - An eccentric, kind-hearted spinster who believes in love and romance.
Flora becomes involved in helping young lovers find happiness, often with over-the-top hospitality. The
role portrays generosity, enthusiasm, and comedic eccentricity.

Gertrude - Vandergelder’s loyal and efficient cook. Though a minor role, Gertrude helps paint the
picture of Vandergelder’s domestic life. The role conveys no-nonsense efficiency with brief but
effective comedic moments.

Joe Scanlon - The barber in Yonkers, who interacts with Vandergelder early in the play. The role provides a touch of local color, adding to Vandergelder’s everyday life with humor.

Cabman - A minor role representing the hustle and bustle of New York City as he transports characters around. The role conveys energy and a sense of the busy city life.

Rudolph - A waiter at the Harmonia Gardens Restaurant, trying to maintain order during the chaos. The role portrays a sense of control amidst the comedic disorder, adding to the humor of the situation.

THE COMEDY OF ERRORS

By William Shakespeare

Directed by Ryan Qui

1st Rehearsal 4/14/2025

Opening 6/26/2025

Closing 8/04/2025

SEEKING:

Duke Solinus - The ruler of Ephesus, who frames the play's events with compassion and authority. The role conveys dignity and empathy while portraying the power of governance.

Egeon - A merchant from Syracuse searching for his lost family. Egeon is filled with sorrow and resilience. The role embodies vulnerability and hope.

Aemelia, Abbess - The long-lost wife of Egeon, who becomes an abbess. She is wise and nurturing. The role presents an air of mystery and command, with a strong stage presence.

Antipholus of Ephesus - One of the twin brothers separated at birth, now a respected citizen of Ephesus. Often bewildered by strange occurrences, the role portrays frustration, confusion, and moments of anger while maintaining likability. Strong comedic timing is essential.

Antipholus of Syracuse - The twin who arrives in Ephesus searching for his family. Curious and adventurous, he often finds himself perplexed by inexplicable situations. The role conveys wonder and confusion with adept physical comedy.

Dromio of Ephesus - The servant to Antipholus of Ephesus, caught in the confusion of mistaken identity. The role has excellent comedic timing, physicality, and the ability to deliver rapid wordplay. Dromio of Syracuse - The servant to Antipholus of Syracuse, mirroring his twin's loyalty and wit.

Adriana - The passionate and assertive wife of Antipholus of Ephesus. Struggling with her husband's apparent neglect. The role conveys vulnerability, fiery temper, and heartfelt love, balancing both drama and comedy.

Luciana - Adriana’s gentle, romantic, and obedient sister. The role portrays innocence and charm while undergoing a gradual transformation. Expresses both humor and romantic confusion.

Angelo - A goldsmith embroiled in the chaos when he gives a gold chain to the wrong Antipholus. The role portrays mounting frustration with comedic flair.

Dr. Pinch - A schoolmaster and conjurer called upon to "cure" Antipholus of Ephesus. The role embraces physical comedy, bringing an exaggerated, quirky presence to the stage.

Luce - Also known as Nell, the kitchen maid and wife to Dromio of Ephesus. Outspoken and bold. The role has a strong comedic presence who handles farcical situations.

Courtesan - A confident and assertive woman of Ephesus who is part of the confusion over a promised chain. The role portrays charm and comedic frustration.

Balthazar - A merchant and friend to Antipholus of Ephesus. The role provides a calm demeanor amidst the farce, delivering lines with steadiness.

Merchant 1 - A merchant of Ephesus who interacts with Antipholus and Angelo. The role handles short but clear moments, contributing to the mounting tension.

Merchant 2 - A Syracusan merchant who warns Antipholus of Syracuse of danger. The role delivers urgency, grounding the comedic elements.

Jailor - Responsible for arresting Antipholus of Ephesus due to unpaid debt. The role portrays authority and frustration.

Officer - An officer in Ephesus maintaining order. The role presents authority and control amidst the chaos.

Messenger - A minor role conveying important information quickly. The role contributes to the fast pacing with clarity.

OCTET

By Dave Malloy

Directed by Amanda Dehnert

1st Rehearsal 6/30/2025

Opening 08/10/2025

Closing 9/07/2025

SEEKING:

JESSICA - (Soprano 1, G3-A5) Female, Early 30s. A recovering addict dealing with the fallout from a viral video that led to public shaming. She’s frenetic, scarred by her past, and craving a fresh start away from hate and judgment.

TOBY - (Tenor 1, C2-A4) Male, Late 20s. A misanthropic conspiracy theorist who’s too smart for his own good. Angry, distrustful, and intensely skeptical of society’s trajectory, Toby is passionate about revealing hidden truths behind technology’s influence.

PAULA - (Alto 2, D#3-D5) Female, Late 40s. The nurturing, resilient leader of the group’s sessions, balancing her role as a guide with her own struggles, including a challenging marriage and addiction to technology. Paula is reserved and guarded, but she projects a serene, wise exterior.

HENRY - (Bass 1, C2-F#4) Male, Mid 20s. Awkward, dopey, and outwardly cheerful, Henry is addicted to online gaming, using humor to mask his struggles with loneliness and self-doubt.

KARLY - (Alto 1, F3-D5) Female, Late 20s. Smart, sharp, and frustrated by the inappropriate attention she’s received as an actress, Karly is cynical but craves authentic connection.

ED - (Bass 2, B1-D4) Male, Early 30s. Deeply insecure, socially isolated, and bitter, Ed struggles with addiction to pornography and a profound sense of failure and inadequacy.

MARVIN - (Tenor 2, C2-G#4) Male, 30s. A highly educated neurochemist and new father, Marvin is having a crisis of faith, overwhelmed by the limitless possibilities and uncertainties of the world. Even-tempered and pragmatic, he’s also deeply vulnerable as he questions his beliefs.

VELMA - (Soprano 2, F3-F5) Female, Early 20s. The newcomer to the group, Velma is optimistic, good-hearted, and socially awkward. Growing up with technology, she’s struggling to leave behind toxic online communities.

SALARY

LOA $870 weekly minimum (Ref. to LORT) - 2024 rates

UNION

AEA