Theater Arts Productions

Auditions

Auditions are open to all Brandeis students, regardless of racial, cultural, and individual identities. We value diversity in casting. No experience required. Poster for Twelfth Night

"Twelfth Night" Auditions
Saturday Sept 2, 2023 from 12-3pm, Merrick Theater @ Spingold
Callbacks will be held on Sunday September 3, 2023 from 12 - 3 pm.

Rehearsals are anticipated to take place Sundays - Thursdays pending availability of cast members and production team. If you are unable to audition during this time, please contact shelbyart@brandeis.edu to arrange an alternate time. Possible additional slots may be available.

Audition Preparation:

Please prepare 1 comedic monologue in verse. Click here to see sample monolgues.

Any questions about auditions should go to Assistant Production Manager, Shelby Art-Koljonen, via email at shelbyart@brandeis.edu.

Play Summary:

Viola and her twin brother Sebastian have been shipwrecked, separated and cast ashore in Illyria. Viola disguises herself as a young man and, as ‘Cesario’, gets a job as a servant for the Duke, Orsino. Orsino is in love with the Countess, Olivia, but she has rejected all his advances. He sends Cesario to woo Olivia on his behalf, but Olivia immediately falls in love with Cesario. In the meantime, Viola has fallen in love with Orsino, who finds himself oddly attracted to his servant. So, Viola loves Orsino, Orsino loves Olivia and Olivia loves Cesario/Viola. Sebastian meets Olivia who instantly mistakes him for Cesario and asks him to marry her. He agrees! Confusion tumbles upon confusion, but all is resolved in the end.

Additional Department Information:

Conflicts Policy
Students cast in a production with the Department of Theater Arts are expected to attend all rehearsals unless they have an academic conflict. In general, rehearsals are held weekday evenings and weekend days. Cast members are expected to arrive on time to all rehearsals and performances. At the beginning of the rehearsal process, all academic conflicts must be communicated to the Stage Manager. Should other conflicts arise, the Stage Manager and the Director have the discretion to decide upon conflict approval on a case-by-case basis, based on the size of the actor’s role, nature of the conflict, and timing in regards to the rehearsal schedule. Tech Week conflicts, other than academic, are not permitted. While it may be that a weekly schedule is utilized, the Daily Call (your daily specific schedule) will be sent out each night with 24 hours’ notice.

Any questions or concerns regarding the conflict decisions of the Stage Manager and Director should be brought to Dmitry Troyanovsky, Chair of the department (dtroyanov@brandeis.edu)

Covid-19 Pandemic Information
Due to the ongoing uncertain nature of the Covid-19 pandemic, we will proceed with an abundance of empathy and consider anyone's changing situation and how it may affect their ability to participate in this production. The Theater Department's rehearsal protocols will follow the University's policies based on the current Covid color-level status.

Statement of Solidarity

We stand in solidarity with the struggle for racial justice. Our season reflects our goals to challenge discrimination and raise up marginalized voices. We intend to offer shows that challenge, uplift, and move our students and audiences. Please view our solidarity statement. This production seeks a truly diverse and inclusive ensemble of performers who will each play a wide range of different roles and will be cast in a way that celebrates individual identity and is intentional and respectful regarding race, ethnicity, and gender identity.

Sample Monologues

VIOLA
I left no ring with her: what means this lady?
Fortune forbid my outside have not charmed her!
She made good view of me; indeed, so much,
That sure methought her eyes had lost her tongue,
For she did speak in starts distractedly.
She loves me, sure; the cunning of her passion
Invites me in this churlish messenger.
None of my lord's ring! why, he sent her none.
I am the man:
How will this fadge? My master loves her dearly;
And I, poor monster, fond as much on him;
And she, mistaken, seems to dote on me.
What will become of this? As I am man,
My state is desperate for my master's love;
As I am woman,--now alas the day!--
What thriftless sighs shall poor Olivia breathe!
O Time, thou must untangle this, not I;
It is too hard a knot for me t’untie!

SEBASTIAN
This is the air; that is the glorious sun;
This pearl she gave me, I do feel't and see't;
And though 'tis wonder that enwraps me thus,
Yet 'tis not madness. Where's Antonio, then?
I could not find him at the Elephant:
His counsel now might do me golden service;
For though my soul disputes well with my sense,
That this may be some error, but no madness,
Yet doth this accident and flood of fortune
So far exceed all instance, all discourse,
That I am ready to distrust mine eyes
And wrangle with my reason that persuades me
To any other trust but that I am mad
Or else the lady's mad; there's something in't
That is deceiveable. But here the lady comes.