Auditions: Othello
Saturday, January 10 @ 7:00 PM
Sunday, January 11 @ 7:00 PM
Callbacks by invitation only:
Tuesday, January 13 @ 7:00 PM
CENTERstage Productions announces open auditions for William Shakespeare’s OTHELLO, adapted by Lou Trapani. This production of Othello is part of The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck’s 20th Annual Sam Scripps Shakespeare Festival and will be performed on The CENTER’s replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.
Othello is a Moorish general in the Venetian army who has recently married the young and beautiful Desdemona against her father’s wishes. Othello’s ensign is the malicious Iago, who is resentful about being passed over for promotion. Iago exacts revenge upon Othello by manipulating him into believing Desdemona has been unfaithful. Othello pays the ultimate price for his jealousy.
This production’s concept sets the play in modern times and explores themes of patriarchy, racism, and jealousy with an all-woman (cis, trans, or non-binary) cast.
Presented by: CENTERstage Productions
Director: Michael Juzwak
Assistant Director: Emily DePew
Location: The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck, 661 Route 308, Rhinebeck, NY 12572
Performance Dates: April 10-12 & 17-19, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30PM, Sundays at 2:30PM. There will also be two additional Field Trip performances in the mornings of April 14 and 16.
Seeking: An all-woman cast
We strongly encourage cis or trans women, non-binary individuals, persons of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals to audition. We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in all areas of our work.
Prepare/Bring: Readings will be sides from the script.
Questions: Contact Michael Juzwak at mjuzwak@hvc.rr.com
Casting Breakdown
OTHELLO – A general in the Venetian army, Desdemona’s husband, person of color
IAGO – Othello’s top aide who schemes to bring about his downfall; a master manipulator
RODERIGO – A gentleman of Venice, in love with Desdemona, easily manipulated
CASSIO – Othello’s lieutenant; loyal, naïve
DESDEMONA – Barbantio’s daughter, married to Othello; virtuous
BARBANTIO – A respected Venetian senator and father of Desdemona; represents Venetian patriarchal values
EMILIA – Desdemona’s handmaid, married to Iago; evolves from passive to pragmatic in her understanding of women’s plight
LODOVICO – A Venetian senator, cousin of Desdemona
GRATIANO – A Venetian senator, Barbantio’s brother, and Desdemona’s uncle
MONTANO – Former governor of Cyprus
BIANCA – A courtesan of Cyprus, Cassio’s mistress; genuinely in love with him
THE DUKE OF VENICE – The highest authority; respects Othello as a general
THE HERALD – Official messenger
Some roles may be doubled.