Fearless Shakespeare Intensive

WHAT TO PREPARE

Please prepare a Shakespeare monologue from any of his works. Auditioners are highly encouraged to audition with the appropriate material for the role they desire.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

A four-week theatre intensive designed to demystify Shakespeare for young actors. Under the direction of award-winning actor and Yale Drama MFA graduate Joseph Fuqua, students are immersed in the language and culture of “The Bard” while rehearsing and performing one of his masterpieces. During the four weeks and with the assistance of Assistant Director Louis Lotorto, students develop a new appreciation for literature, learning about script analysis, scansion and verse, dialect and vocal production. During this four-week journey, students build confidence and learn to trust in the power of their own voice.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Set in Verona, Italy, where a long-standing feud exists between the Montague and Capulet families. “Romeo and Juliet” is a tragic love story where two young lovers, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet (from the aforementioned feuding families) find themselves in a forbidden love, ultimately leading to tragic circumstances and the reconciliation of their families.

CHARACTERS

• Romeo Montague:
  Young, passionate, and impulsive Montague, who falls deeply in love with Juliet, despite their families’ feud.
• Juliet Capulet:
  Young, intelligent, and spirited Capulet, who also falls deeply in love with Romeo, defying her family’s wishes.
• Lord and Lady Montague:
  Romeo’s parents, representing the Montague family, who are at odds with the Capulets.
• Lord and Lady Capulet:
  Juliet’s parents, representing the Capulet family, who are at odds with the Montagues.
• Tybalt:
  Juliet’s cousin, a hot-headed and aggressive Capulet, who is a major antagonist to Romeo.
• Mercutio:
  Romeo’s witty and impulsive friend, who is also a Montague, and is killed by Tybalt.
• Benvolio:
  Romeo’s cousin and friend, who tries to mediate and de-escalate conflicts.
• Friar Laurence:
  A Franciscan friar, who secretly marries Romeo and Juliet and attempts to reconcile the families, but his actions contribute to the tragedy.
• The Nurse:
  Juliet’s loyal and nurturing nurse, who is a confidante to Juliet and is a source of comic relief.
• Paris:
  A nobleman who is courting Juliet, and is a rival to Romeo.
• Ensemble:
  Servants, family members, and other speaking roles to be assigned during rehearsals.