Hudson Valley Shakespeare
Garrison, NY
US

CONTACT NAME

Sean McNall

DESCRIPTION

HVS Conservatory Company Overview:

The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Conservatory Company is a performance-based program designed for early-career actors seeking to develop the skills to create innovative, collaborative theater. Aimed at those considering Actors Equity Association membership, the program offers an artistic home for actors to grow, take risks, and gain practical industry experience. Starting in April 2025 in Garrison, NY, Conservatory Company members will perform supporting roles and understudy repertory productions of Thornton Wilder's The Matchmaker, directed by HVS Artistic Director Davis McCallum, and Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors, directed by Ryan Quinn. Additionally, Conservatory members will understudy Dave Malloy's Octet, directed by Amanda Dehnert.

Once the repertory productions conclude, Conservatory actors will transition to rehearsing, opening, and touring Julius Caesar, directed by Raz Golden. With performances running from September 8 to October 3, 2025, Julius Caesar will open at HVS and then tour community venues and regional middle and high schools throughout the Mid-Hudson region.

Details:

The program begins on April 14, 2025, in Garrison, NY. Conservatory Company members will perform supporting roles and understudy repertory productions of The Matchmaker and A Comedy of Errors. They will also understudy Octet. After the repertory productions conclude, Conservatory members will transition to rehearsals for Julius Caesar, with performances from September 8 to October 3, 2025. The production will open at HVS and tour community venues and regional schools throughout the Mid-Hudson region.

Program Highlights:

The program offers professional mentorship and hands-on experience alongside seasoned actors and directors. Conservatory members will gain insight into the creative processes behind the HVS 2025 season. There is a focus on deepening understanding of Shakespeare, audience engagement, and integrating classical and contemporary theater-making.

Submission Instructions:

The submission deadline is January 6, 2025. Submit two brief speeches via Actors Access or a video link (YouTube/Vimeo) to [email protected], including one comedic and one from Julius Caesar. Please specify if you sing or play a musical instrument (guitar, bass, percussion, cello, violin). Musical skill videos are appreciated. Casting Directors are Sean McNall and Calleri Jensen Davis.

Key Dates:

Audition videos are due by January 6, 2025. Callbacks will be held on January 16-17, 2025.

Rehearsal Dates:

Repertory begins on April 14, 2025. Octet rehearsals begin on June 30, 2025. Julius Caesar rehearsals begin on August 6, 2025.

Opening Dates:

The repertory opens on June 26, 2025. Octet opens on August 10, 2025. Julius Caesar opens on September 9, 2025.

Closing Dates:

The repertory closes on August 4, 2025. Octet closes on September 7, 2025. Julius Caesar closes on October 3, 2025.

Casting Notes:

HVS is actively seeking diverse actors for all roles. Submissions are encouraged from BIPOC actors and actors of all abilities and genders.

Roles:

Ermengarde (The Matchmaker); As Cast (Comedy of Errors, Julius Caesar):
Primary roles include Ermengarde in The Matchmaker and a key character in Julius Caesar. Ermengarde is Vandergelder's niece, deeply in love with Ambrose Kemper, despite her uncle's disapproval. She is determined to fight for her love and often finds herself caught between her emotions and her uncle's control. Actively seeking a female-identifying actor (18-30, any ethnicity). The actor should be capable of portraying Ermengarde's innocence and resolve. Singing or musical skills are a plus, as this role may involve musical elements.

Luce (Comedy of Errors); As Cast (The Matchmaker, Julius Caesar):
Primary roles include Luce in Comedy of Errors and a key character in Julius Caesar. Luce, also known as Nell, is the kitchen maid and wife to Dromio of Ephesus. She is down-to-earth, humorous, and has a quick wit that contrasts with the confusion around her. The actor will also be considered for ensemble roles in The Matchmaker and Julius Caesar. Seeking a female-identifying actor (18-30, any ethnicity). Strong comedic timing is essential, and singing ability is preferred for this role.

Courtesan (Comedy of Errors); As Cast (The Matchmaker, Julius Caesar):
Primary roles include the Courtesan in Comedy of Errors and a key character in Julius Caesar. The Courtesan is a confident and assertive woman of Ephesus who is part of the confusion surrounding the chain promised by Antipholus. She is charming, savvy, and uses her intelligence to navigate the mayhem. Seeking a female-identifying actor (18-30, any ethnicity) who can portray confidence and charm with a touch of mischief. Singing and musical skills are a plus for this role.

Ambrose (The Matchmaker); As Cast (Comedy of Errors, Julius Caesar):
Primary roles include Ambrose in The Matchmaker and a lead role in Julius Caesar. Ambrose Kemper is a struggling artist in love with Ermengarde. He is determined, creative, and willing to take risks for love, despite Vandergelder's disapproval. The actor will also be considered for ensemble roles in Comedy of Errors and Julius Caesar. Seeking a male-identifying actor (18-30, any ethnicity) with a strong sense of determination and the ability to play both vulnerability and bravery. Singing ability is preferred.

Rudolph (The Matchmaker); As Cast (Comedy of Errors, Julius Caesar):
Primary roles include Rudolph in The Matchmaker and a key role in Julius Caesar. Rudolph is a waiter at the Harmonia Gardens Restaurant, tasked with maintaining order amidst the chaos. He is meticulous and tries to uphold high standards, even as the situation around him spirals out of control. The actor will also be considered for ensemble roles in Comedy of Errors and Julius Caesar. Seeking a male-identifying actor (18-30, any ethnicity) who can bring humor and charm to this role, as well as convey a sense of frustration when things go awry. Singing or musical ability is a plus.

August (The Matchmaker); As Cast (Comedy of Errors, Julius Caesar):
Primary roles include August in The Matchmaker and a lead role in Julius Caesar. August is a young, earnest waiter at the Harmonia Gardens Restaurant. He is eager to please and often gets caught up in the lively and chaotic atmosphere of the restaurant. The actor will also be considered for ensemble roles in Comedy of Errors and Julius Caesar. Seeking a male-identifying actor (18-30, any ethnicity) who can portray eagerness, naivety, and comedic vulnerability. Singing and musical ability are preferred.

Julius Caesar Casting:

Brutus: Male, any race/ethnicity. A thinker, torn between ideals and reality.

Cassius: Any gender, any race/ethnicity. Convincing and intellectual.

Antony: Male, any race/ethnicity. Loyal to Caesar, master orator.

Caesar: Male, any race/ethnicity. Shrewd and powerful.

Casca: Any gender, any race/ethnicity. Follower of the conspiracy.

Portia: Female, any race/ethnicity. Strong-willed, Brutus' equal.

Storylines:

The Matchmaker is Thornton Wilder's comic masterpiece about love and adventure between a small town and bustling New York City in the 1880s.

A Comedy of Errors is one of Shakespeare’s most madcap comedies, filled with mistaken identities and hilarious misunderstandings.

Octet, a musical by Dave Malloy, explores the search for human connection in the digital age, featuring rich vocal harmonies.

Julius Caesar is a timeless political thriller by William Shakespeare, directed by Raz Golden, focusing on power, loyalty, and betrayal.

DURATION

Apr 14, 2025 - Oct 3, 2025

SALARY

$600.00 – $600.00 per week

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https://actorsaccess.com/projects/

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