As You Like It
by William Shakespeare

Directed by Laura Rippel

Performance dates:
August 23- September 7, 2013

Audition Date:
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Time: 6:00 pm
Place: Theatre Jacksonville
2032 San Marco Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32207

Auditioners are encouraged to prepare a 15-20 line Shakespearian monologue but may also choose to audition with cold readings from the script.

The Plot:
In As You Like It Duke Frederick (the younger duke) has usurped his older brother, Duke Senior, and banished him to the Forest of Arden. Frederick then banishes Duke Senior's beautiful daughter Rosalind. Celia, Frederick's daughter and best friend of Rosalind, flees her evil father with Rosalind and they travel (along with Touchstone, the clown) to the Forest of Arden. Before leaving, though, Rosalind falls in love with Orlando and he with her after he amazingly defeats Charles in a wrestling match. Orlando, the younger son of Sir Rowland, had rebelled at being kept a virtual prisoner by his cruel older brother, Oliver. Also banished, Orlando then roams the forest hanging poetry and carving Rosalind's name in tree trunks. Meanwhile, Rosalind (who is disguised as a man named Ganymede) gives Orlando tips on how to capture the object of his affections. By the play's end Ganymede, once again Rosalind, marries her Orlando. Two other sets of lovers are also wed, including Celia and Oliver. As Oliver becomes a gentler, kinder young man so the Duke conveniently changes his ways and turns to religion and so that the exiled Duke, father of Rosalind, can regain his crown.

The Characters:
Rosalind - lead female 18-35
The heroine of the play. Rosalind is independent-minded, strong-willed, good-hearted and terribly clever. She disguises herself as Ganymede, a handsome young man, and offers herself as a tutor in the ways of love to her beloved Orlando. A natural leader.

Orlando - lead male 18-35
A gentleman, but a bit rough-and-tumble. Has had to learn to fight by necessity. In love with Rosalind. The youngest son of the late Sir Rowland de Bois, and younger brother of Oliver.

Duke Senior - lead male 40-65
A kindly, eccentric genius and beloved leader, exiled to the Forest of Arden. Parent to Rosalind.

Jacques - lead male 30-50
A faithful lord who accompanies Duke Senior into exile in the Forest of Arden. Jacques is a man possessed of a hopelessly melancholy disposition.

Celia - lead female 18-30
The daughter of Duke Frederick and Rosalind's dearest friend and cousin. Celia's devotion to Rosalind is unmatched, as evidenced by her decision to follow her cousin into exile. Less bold, but playful, loyal and loving.

Duke Frederick - supporting male 30-50
Duke Senior's jealous younger sibling, a money-minded usurper. Parent to Celia. DOUBLING AS Hymen God of Marriage.

Touchstone - lead male, 25-35
A clown or jester in Duke Frederick's court who accompanies Rosalind and Celia in their flight to Arden. Adapts to any situation, and makes vicious fun of it.

Oliver - supporting male 18-30
The oldest son of the late Sir Rowland de Bois and sole inheritor of the de Bois estate. Orlando's resentful and bloody older brother.

Audrey - supporting female 18-35
A simpleminded goatherd who agrees to marry Touchstone

Adam - supporting 45-70
The ancient former servant of Sir Rowland de Bois. Loyal, steadfast servant to Orlando.

Silvius - supporting male 18-25
A young shepherd, desperately in love with the proud and disdainful Phoebe.

Phoebe - supporting female 18-25
A young silly shepherdess who distains the affections of Silvius and falls head over heels for Ganymede

Charles - supporting male 25-40
A professional wrestler in Duke Frederick's court. DOUBLING AS Corin A simple shepherd

Lord Amiens - supporting male 30-50
A faithful lord who accompanies Duke Senior into exile. Lord Amiens is jolly and loves to sing. guitar playing a plus DOUBLING AS Sir Oliver Martex- cameo doddering male Cleric.

Le Beau - supporting male 18-30
Loyal member of Duke Frederick's court DOUBLING AS William- A young country boy in love with Audrey, and thus Touchstone's rival.

People of all races and ethnicities are encouraged to audition for plays and musicals at Theatre Jacksonville.
It is the policy of Theatre Jacksonville that all auditions are open to the public. All interested people, newcomers and stage veterans alike, are welcome. We are also in need of volunteers to assist in other areas of production, including set construction, set artwork, lighting, and backstage technical activities and invite all members of the public to participate in these activities as well.